Makes 2 servings | Ready in 15 minutes
Let’s Talk Toast
This is one of those “didn’t know I needed it” kinda recipes. Creamy, crunchy, juicy, warm, and super satisfying.
We’re layering seasoned cottage cheese with blistered tomatoes and crispy chickpeas on top of thick, golden toast. It’s quick, protein-packed, and totally crave-worthy.
What You’ll Need
- 2 thick slices of sourdough bread
- ¾ cup cottage cheese (full-fat, small curd)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup canned chickpeas (drained, rinsed, and patted dry)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Why I Love This Recipe
This toast came from a lazy Sunday lunch when I was out of ideas and short on time. It accidentally became one of my go-to meals. It’s got just the right mix of flavors and textures.
- You get that creamy, salty cottage cheese that feels indulgent
- The warm tomatoes pop with sweet, jammy flavor
- Chickpeas add a crispy crunch you didn’t know you needed
- It’s filling without being heavy
- Totally works for breakfast, lunch, or a snack
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Blistering tomatoes concentrates their natural sugars for a sweet, slightly smoky flavor.
- Dry chickpeas get crispy fast with just a touch of oil and heat—moisture = soggy.
- Cottage cheese has a mix of protein and fat that makes it creamy when whipped or stirred.
- Toast provides structure and crunch, which balances out the soft toppings.
Pro Tips
- Dry your chickpeas well — moisture keeps them from crisping up.
- Use good cottage cheese — full-fat tastes better and gives you that creamy texture.
- Toast your bread well — it should be golden and sturdy to hold the toppings.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan — blistering works best with space.
- Season every layer — it’s the key to big flavor in simple recipes.
Tools Needed
- Cast iron skillet or nonstick pan
- Small mixing bowl
- Butter knife or spoon for spreading
- Slotted spoon or spatula
- Toaster or toaster oven
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap sourdough for multigrain, rye, or gluten-free bread
- Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese
- Add smashed avocado for a creamy layer under the cheese
- Top with a soft-boiled egg
- Toss in some arugula for peppery freshness
Make Ahead Tips
You can blister the tomatoes and crisp the chickpeas ahead of time — store in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
How to Make It
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Toast your bread slices until golden and crisp. You want them sturdy enough to hold all the good stuff.
Step 2: Sauté Chickpeas and Tomatoes
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chickpeas and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chickpeas are golden and tomatoes are blistered and soft. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Spread Cottage Cheese
Spoon the cottage cheese onto the toasted bread. Spread it evenly, almost to the edges.
Step 4: Add Chickpeas and Tomatoes
Top the cottage cheese with the warm blistered tomatoes and crispy chickpeas. Don’t be shy — pile them on.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add fresh basil leaves on top.
Step 6: Serve
Plate the toasts and serve warm. Grab a fork or eat with your hands — both are correct.
Leftovers & Storage
Best eaten fresh! If you need to store:
- Keep chickpeas and tomatoes separate from the toast.
- Reheat in a skillet or air fryer.
- Cottage cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Meal Plan Ideas
- Breakfast: Add a fried egg and serve with coffee
- Lunch: Pair with a green salad or soup
- Snack: Make a half-portion toast
- Dinner Light Bite: Add a side of roasted veggies or soup
Common Mistakes
- Soggy toast: Not toasting the bread enough
- Watery cottage cheese: Use full-fat and don’t overload
- Crowded pan: Leads to steaming instead of blistering
- Under-seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, always
What to Serve With
- A simple arugula salad
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Soft-boiled egg
- Iced coffee or lemon water
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
You can, but it won’t be as creamy or flavorful.
Can I roast the tomatoes instead of skillet-blistering?
Totally. Just pop them in the oven at 400°F for 10-15 minutes.
What bread works best?
A hearty sourdough or multigrain works great—something that can hold the toppings.
Is this high in protein?
Yep! Cottage cheese and chickpeas are both great sources.
Time to Toast!
This toast hits all the right notes. It’s fast, delicious, and somehow feels fancy even though it’s just toast. Make it once and you’ll find yourself craving it again soon.
Let me know how yours turned out — leave a comment with your twist or any questions!