This Chili Crisp Cottage Cheese Toast is here to shake things up and get you out of an avocado toast rut. Creamy, protein-packed cottage cheese gets topped with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and crunchy, spicy chili crisp for a breakfast (or snack) that’s ready in under 5 minutes. It’s savory, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Savory Toast Recipe with Chili Crisp and Cottage Cheese
There are mornings when I want something quick, filling, and savory and honestly, I can only eat so much avocado toast before I’m over it. That’s when I turn to cottage cheese toast, and lately I’ve been topping it with chili crisp for the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and crunchy.
It’s ridiculously easy, takes less than 5 minutes, and feels a little more exciting to eat something savory than my usual sweet breakfast cravings, like blueberry donuts or French Toast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love having cottage cheese as a snack in the afternoon with tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and onion chili crisp oil in a bowl, but never thought to make it into toast until the other day! This is why I know you'll like it:
- High in protein to keep you fuller for longer, as we are all trying to pack in as much protein as possible.
- Ready in under 5 minutes, can't beat that with a stick.
- A perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and crunchy – trust me, this is going to be one of your new favorites!
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Slice sourdough bread (or your favorite hearty bread)
- Cottage cheese (whole milk = creamier, but any will work)
- Chili crisp (adjust for spice preference)
- Chopped cherry tomatoes
- Mini-cucumber, chopped
- Basil leaves, minced
- Flaky salt, like Maldon
- Optional toppings: scallions, sesame seeds, everything seasoning, avocado, or try a fried egg.
How to Make Chili Crisp Cottage Cheese Toast
This really is so easy to make! I'm not a “spicy food” lover, but I do love this combo. The creamy cottage cheese helps to cool the heat of the oil, and with the flaky salt on top? SO GOOD!
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Pick a hearty bread like sourdough or whole grain so it holds up under toppings.
Step 2: Spread the Cottage Cheese
Layer it generously for creaminess and protein.
Step 3: Add the Chili Crisp
Spoon over the top for heat, crunch, and savory flavor.
Step 4: Top It Your Way
Add chopped cucumber, chopped tomatoes, minced basil, and flaky salt. Almost like a bruschetta topping!
Recipe Variations
- High-Protein Toast Ideas: Top with smoked salmon or turkey for a lunch version.
- Savory Cottage Cheese Toast: Keep it simple with cottage cheese + everything bagel seasoning.
- Cottage Cheese Toast with Chili Crisp + Avocado: Creamy on creamy — a match made in heaven.
Best Tips for Flavor Success
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast the bread until it’s extra crisp. This keeps it from getting soggy.
- Start light with chili crisp if you’re sensitive to spice, then add more as you get hooked.
Favorite Tools To Make This Recipe
These are my go-to kitchen tools to make this recipe a breeze!
- Breville Smart Oven Pro– This is the kitchen helper you need when you need to make something for two or an extra oven to bake for the holidays- it does it all- toast, bagels, Air-Fryer, Broil, Bake, and is a Convection too. Love this thing! I have the Damson Blue color, but it comes in 6 different color/stainless options.
- Epicurious Cutting Board– I have almost every size- they are great for your knives, can go in the dishwasher, and do not need mineral oil to maintain. I like the silicone “feet” to keep it still on the counter.
- Wüsthof Gourmet 5″ Serrated Utility Knife – A great little knife to have in the block- it can slice bread and veggies and not take up a lot of space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chili crisp really spicy?
It’s more savory and crunchy than fiery hot, though spice levels vary by brand. I really like the Trader Joe's Onion Chili Crisp Oil. It has just enough kick.
What bread works best?
I prefer Sourdough for this recipe. The tang adds to the whole flavor experience. But whole grain, or rye, holds up best too.
Can I meal prep this?
Not fully. Toast is best fresh, but you can prep the toppings ahead.
If you’re looking for a new way to use cottage cheese, or just need a high-protein toast that isn’t boring, this recipe is going to be your new favorite.
Chili Crisp Cottage Cheese Toast
Ingredients
- 1 slice hearty bread such as sourdough, whole grain, harvest, Rye
- 1/4 cup whole milk cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped mini cucumber
- 2 fresh basil leaves minced (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1-2 teaspoons chili crisp oil
- pinch of flaky salt
Instructions
- Toast bread until crisp.
- Spread cottage cheese over top of bread.
- Top cheese with chopped toppings.
- Drizzle chili crisp oil on over toppings and finish with a pinch of salt on top.