Serves: 2 | Total Time: 15 minutes
This toast is my go-to when I want something quick, healthy, and seriously satisfying. It’s got creamy, crunchy, herby, and rich all in one bite.
You’ll love how it layers cottage cheese, fresh pesto, jammy eggs, and juicy tomatoes over crispy golden toast. It feels fancy—but it’s super easy.
🥰 Why I Love This Recipe
This toast started as a happy accident when I had random leftovers and wanted a fast lunch. Now it’s on weekly repeat!
- Packs in protein and healthy fats
- Balanced flavor: creamy, herby, tangy, and savory
- Comes together in minutes
- Feels like a little gourmet café moment
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 2 slices of sourdough or hearty whole grain bread
- ½ cup whipped cottage cheese
- 1½ tablespoons basil pesto
- 2 soft-boiled eggs
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Use whipped cottage cheese for a smoother, spreadable texture.
- Room temp eggs peel easier after boiling.
- Slice tomatoes thin for easier layering.
- Toast the bread well so it holds up under all the toppings.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil for extra richness.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Small pot (for boiling eggs)
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Knife & cutting board
- Spoon or small spatula (for spreading)
- Small bowls
🔄 Substitutions and Variations
- Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese.
- Try arugula pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto.
- Swap tomatoes with roasted red peppers.
- Use gluten-free toast or keto bread.
- Add avocado slices or crushed red pepper flakes for a twist.
⏱️ Make-Ahead Tips
- Soft-boil your eggs in advance and store them peeled in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Slice the tomatoes ahead and keep them in an airtight container.
- Whip the cottage cheese with a hand blender ahead of time.
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cottage cheese is high in casein protein, which keeps you full longer.
- Pesto adds umami from cheese and pine nuts, while its fat balances the acidity from tomatoes.
- Egg yolk adds creaminess and richness that ties everything together.
- Toast provides texture contrast that keeps the dish from being too soft.
🥗 Meal Plan Ideas
- Breakfast: Pair with a green smoothie.
- Lunch: Serve with a simple arugula salad.
- Dinner Side: Goes great with soup—like tomato or lentil.
- Snack Plate: Add fruit, nuts, and this toast for a balanced snack.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Don’t under-toast the bread—soft bread gets soggy.
- Avoid overcooking the eggs; you want jammy, not hard.
- Too much pesto can overpower—use a light hand.
- Salt carefully—pesto and cottage cheese are already salty.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Fresh fruit like melon or berries
- Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- A smoothie or green juice
- Tomato or veggie soup
- Iced coffee or herbal tea
📖 Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Eggs
Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Gently add the eggs and boil for 7 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice bath. Peel and slice in half.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
Toast your sourdough slices until golden brown and crisp.
Step 3: Spread Cottage Cheese
Spread whipped cottage cheese evenly over each toasted slice.
Step 4: Add Basil Pesto
Spoon and swirl about ¾ tablespoon of basil pesto over the cottage cheese on each slice.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Eggs
Top each toast with a few slices of cherry tomatoes and one halved soft-boiled egg.
Step 6: Season and Finish
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil if you like. Serve immediately.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Best eaten fresh—but you can prep the components ahead.
- Store cottage cheese, pesto, tomatoes, and eggs separately in the fridge.
- Toast and assemble just before eating for the best texture.
❓ FAQ
Can I use regular cottage cheese?
Yes, but whip it in a blender or food processor to get that creamy, spreadable texture.
What kind of bread works best?
Something sturdy like sourdough, multigrain, or rye.
Is it good cold?
Yep! Just make sure your toast is crisp and eggs are fully cooled.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative and dairy-free pesto.
💬 Final Thoughts
This toast hits all the right notes—fresh, creamy, herby, and totally crave-worthy. It’s perfect for mornings, quick lunches, or even a fancy snack.
If you try it, drop a comment and tell me what twist you added! I’d love to hear how it turned out.