This Pizza Cottage Cheese Toast is a high-protein, flavor-packed snack or light meal that combines creamy cottage cheese, crispy chickpeas, and fresh basil on crunchy sourdough bread. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and easy-to-make option for busy days, whether you need a quick breakfast, post-workout meal, or a nutritious snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High-Protein & Nutritious: Packed with protein from cottage cheese and chickpeas for a balanced meal.
- Crispy & Creamy Texture: The combination of crunchy toast, creamy cheese, and crispy chickpeas is irresistible.
- Easy & Quick: Ready in just 16 minutes—perfect for a fast meal or snack.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to match your dietary needs or personal preferences.
Ingredients (Serves: 1)
- 1 slice sourdough bread
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons pesto or red sauce
- ½ cup crispy chickpeas
- Sun-dried tomatoes, for topping
- Fresh basil, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Crisp the Chickpeas
- Heat a pan over medium heat with a little olive oil.
- Add chickpeas and season with paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy (5-7 minutes).
2. Assemble the Toast
- Place the sourdough bread on a baking sheet.
- Spread pesto or red sauce evenly on the bread.
- Layer with cottage cheese, crispy chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil.
3. Cook the Toast
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes until the toast is crispy and the cheese is slightly melted.
- Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra basil and serve warm!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Servings: 1
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread instead of sourdough.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Top with olives, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for more nutrition.
- Different Cheese: Swap cottage cheese for ricotta or mozzarella for a different texture.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cottage cheese and a plant-based pesto or red sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes or a toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular bread instead of sourdough?
Yes! Whole wheat, multigrain, or ciabatta are great alternatives.
2. How do I make crispy chickpeas from scratch?
Roast canned chickpeas at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through.
3. Can I make this without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
4. What’s the best way to make this toast extra crispy?
Use a thin slice of sourdough and pre-toast it before adding toppings.
5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes! Cherry tomatoes or roasted tomatoes work well.
6. Can I meal prep this recipe?
You can prep the chickpeas and toppings ahead of time, then assemble and toast fresh.
7. What seasonings work best for the chickpeas?
Try smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning for added flavor.
8. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! For kids, reduce the seasonings and use a mild sauce like marinara.
9. How can I add more protein?
Top with a fried egg, sliced turkey, or extra cottage cheese.
10. Can I make this into a sandwich?
Yes! Add an extra slice of toasted bread on top for a crispy, high-protein sandwich.
Conclusion
This Pizza Cottage Cheese Toast with Crispy Chickpeas is a quick, high-protein, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a nutritious lunch, this flavorful, crispy toast is a must-try. Enjoy it fresh, customize it with your favorite toppings, and savor every bite!
Print
Pizza Cottage Cheese Toast with Crispy Chickpeas
This Pizza Cottage Cheese Toast with Crispy Chickpeas is a high-protein, crunchy, and flavorful snack or light meal. With creamy cottage cheese, crispy chickpeas, and fresh basil on toasted sourdough, it’s a healthy, easy-to-make option for breakfast, lunch, or post-workout fuel!
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 1
Ingredients
- 1 slice sourdough bread
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons pesto or red sauce
- ½ cup crispy chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil, for garnish
For Crispy Chickpeas (Optional if using pre-made ones)
- ½ cup canned chickpeas, drained & rinsed
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Crisp the Chickpeas (Skip if using pre-made ones)
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chickpeas, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy (5-7 minutes).
Step 2: Assemble the Toast
- Place sourdough bread on a baking sheet.
- Spread pesto or red sauce evenly over the bread.
- Layer with cottage cheese, crispy chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil.
Step 3: Cook the Toast
- Air Fryer: 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes until crispy.
- Oven: 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until golden.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Top with olives, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
- Different Cheese: Swap cottage cheese for ricotta or mozzarella.
- Vegan: Use dairy-free cottage cheese and plant-based pesto.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 06 minutes
- Category: Breakfast Snacks Appetizers
- Method: Air Fried Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired High-Protein
