Spicy Cottage Cheese Toast made with sourdough, cottage cheese, tomatoes, scallions, chili crisp, and flaky salt for a quick, flavorful bite.
The first time I tried making Spicy Cottage Cheese Toast, I was honestly just procrastinating. I was supposed to be cleaning out my inbox, or maybe folding laundry (don’t ask), but I wandered into the kitchen instead. You ever have those moments where you’re suddenly desperate for a snack — like, something warm and comforting, but not fussy enough to require actual cooking skills? That was me.
It reminded me of a trip I took last summer. I visited a friend in Brooklyn — she’s the type who can turn the most random leftovers into something you’d pay $14 for at a brunch cafe. One morning she toasted some bread, scooped cottage cheese on top, added tomatoes and scallions, then finished with chili crisp she swore was life-changing. I remember we ate it standing by her tiny window, looking at nothing in particular — just chatting about how fast the year went. Funny how small, kind of mundane memories can stick with you like that.
Anyway, when I came home, I tried making it myself. Let’s just say attempt #1 got a little… smoky. The broiler and I have trust issues. But the second try? Perfect. The cottage cheese got warm and creamy, the cherry tomatoes softened just enough, and the chili crisp drizzled over everything was like this spicy confetti moment. It felt weirdly luxurious for something that takes, what, ten minutes?
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
And here’s the thing — I know cottage cheese can be divisive. Some people love it, some people act like it’s an alien substance. I used to be pretty neutral, but Spicy Cottage Cheese Toast changed my mind. Or maybe I grew up a little? (Still undecided.) All I know is: it’s tasty, comforting, and slightly fancy-feeling without being actually fancy.
Sound familiar? That moment where simple food just kind of makes your day better?
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Cottage Cheese Toast Recipe?
There’s something almost sneaky about how good this spicy toast tastes. To be honest, I didn’t expect to love it this much — I mean, it’s cottage cheese on bread. But somehow the combination is just… right.
You’ve got the toasty crunch of sourdough, the mellow creaminess of the cottage cheese, the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, and then — that lovely smack of chili crisp. Sometimes I drizzle a little extra because life is short, and spice makes things interesting.
It’s also the ultimate “I have five minutes and zero patience” meal. Breakfast, lunch, snack — even dinner when you’re too tired to pretend you’re an adult. And because it’s just one slice, it feels doable. No leftovers to worry about, no pots to scrub, just you and a really good toast moment.
Plus, Spicy Cottage Cheese Toast makes you feel like you put effort in… even if the reality is you were just hungry and winging it.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s talk ingredients — nothing complicated; just little pieces that work well together.
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Sourdough bread:
A sturdy base that crisps beautifully. If yours is slightly stale, it actually works even better. -
Cottage cheese:
Gets warm and creamy under the broiler. I use regular, but whipped works too. -
Cherry tomatoes:
Juicy, bright, and they soften quickly so they taste almost roasted. -
Scallion greens:
Thinly sliced. They char a bit under the broiler, which makes them taste smoky in a surprising way. -
Chili crisp:
The star. It’s spicy but also just… fun. Salty, crunchy, sometimes garlicky depending on the brand. -
Flaky salt:
Totally optional. Just depends how extra you’re feeling.
If you’ve never bought chili crisp before, this is a great excuse.
How To Make Spicy Cottage Cheese Toast?
Honestly, it’s so simple I feel a little silly giving step-by-step instructions. But here we go.
Step 1. Toast the Bread
Turn your broiler on high and move the oven rack to the middle. Place your bread right on the rack — it’ll toast quickly, around 2–3 minutes.
Keep an eye on it. Broilers are… dramatic.
Step 2. Add the Toppings
Flip the toast so the toasted side is now facing down. (This keeps it crisp underneath.)
Place on a baking sheet. Spread on the cottage cheese — I’m usually not neat; it still tastes great.
Top with tomatoes and scallion greens.
Step 3. Broil
Put the baking sheet back into the oven. Broil until the scallions start to char and the bread edges are just dark enough to smell toasty — usually 3–6 minutes.
Mine occasionally goes a little too dark, but weirdly I don’t mind.
Step 4. Finish + Serve
Transfer to a plate. Drizzle with chili crisp — more if you’re feeling bold — and sprinkle with flaky salt.
Eat while warm. You’ll probably burn your mouth because you didn’t wait. I always do.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
I’ll be real with you — Spicy Cottage Cheese Toast is best eaten immediately. The toast loses its crunch once it sits.
If you absolutely must save it (no judgment), let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat under the broiler for a minute or so to bring the crisp back.
But honestly, it’s so quick to make fresh that storing feels unnecessary… unless you’re a planner, which I both admire and don’t understand.
Variations and Substitutions:
One of the best things about this spicy toast is how adaptable it is. Feel free to play around.
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Swap sourdough for wheat or rye
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Add avocado slices
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Add a fried egg for a breakfast moment
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Use red onion instead of scallions
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Swap cherry tomatoes for roasted peppers
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Try hot honey instead of chili crisp
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Sprinkle sesame seeds on top
There’s honestly no wrong turn here, unless you set it on fire.
What to Serve with Spicy Cottage Cheese Toast?
You can absolutely eat Spicy Cottage Cheese Toast on its own — I do that all the time.
But if you’d like a little something with it, here are ideas:
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Fresh fruit
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A simple green salad
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Tomato soup (truly underrated combo)
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Soft-boiled eggs
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Iced coffee or tea
I once had it with potato chips. No regrets.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this without a broiler?
Yep — a toaster oven works too. Worst case, just toast the bread and assemble.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Try vegan cottage cheese or a tofu-based spread — still tasty.
Can I add protein?
Definitely. Smoked salmon is amazing here. So is an egg.
I hope this Spicy Cottage Cheese Toast brings you the same tiny spark of joy it brings me — that quiet little moment where a quick snack somehow makes the whole day feel softer.
If you try it, tell me how it went… and if your broiler also betrayed you. I’ll nod in solidarity.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Spicy Cottage Cheese Toast
Ingredients
- 1 slice sourdough bread
- ¼ cup cottage cheese
- 4 cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 scallion greens only, thinly sliced
- 1 –2 teaspoons chili crisp
- ⅛ teaspoon flaky salt optional
Instructions
Toast the Bread
- Preheat the oven broiler on high. Position the oven rack in the middle. Place the sourdough slice directly on the rack and toast until golden on one side, approximately 2–3 minutes.
Assemble the Toast
- Flip the bread so the toasted side faces downward and transfer it to a baking sheet. Spread the cottage cheese evenly across the surface. Arrange the cherry tomatoes and scallions on top.
Broil
- Return the baking sheet to the middle rack and broil until the scallions and the edges of the bread begin to char, approximately 3–6 minutes. Monitor closely to prevent over-browning.
Finish and Serve
- Transfer the toast to a serving plate. Drizzle with chili crisp and sprinkle with flaky salt, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
