
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.
A quick, high‑protein breakfast or snack featuring toasted bread topped with creamy cottage cheese, fresh tomato, Trader Joe's Chili Onion Crunch, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a drizzle of honey.
Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist
Everything you need to know about this recipe
Cottage cheese toast is a modern American twist on classic open‑faced sandwiches, offering a high‑protein, low‑fat alternative to butter or jam spreads that became popular in health‑focused breakfast trends of the 2000s.
The pairing grew out of the farm‑to‑table movement, where fresh tomatoes and locally produced cottage cheese were paired on toast for a quick, nutritious snack that highlights seasonal produce.
In the Midwest, it’s often topped with sliced avocado; on the West Coast, a drizzle of sriracha replaces the Chili Onion Crunch for extra heat; in the South, a sprinkle of crumbled feta adds a tangy twist.
It’s commonly served as a quick breakfast on busy weekdays, as a post‑workout snack, or as a light brunch option during weekend family gatherings.
The combination delivers a balanced mix of protein, healthy carbs, and a sweet‑spicy flavor profile, while the Chili Onion Crunch adds a unique texture and heat that sets it apart from plain butter or jam spreads.
Traditional ingredients include fresh cottage cheese, ripe tomato, whole‑grain bread, salt, pepper, and a sweet drizzle such as honey. Substitutes can be Greek yogurt for cottage cheese, canned tomatoes (drained) for fresh, and maple syrup for honey.
Common errors include under‑toasting the bread, which leads to soggy toast, and using overly watery cottage cheese, which makes the toast slip. Also, adding too much honey can overpower the savory flavors.
Chili Onion Crunch provides both heat and a crunchy onion texture, creating a more complex flavor and mouthfeel than simple dried chili flakes, which would add only spice.
You can spread the cottage cheese on toasted bread and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours; add the tomato slices, Chili Onion Crunch, seasoning, and honey just before serving to maintain texture.
The YouTube channel Christine Pfeifer focuses on quick, nutritious home‑cooking recipes, especially high‑protein breakfast and snack ideas that are easy for busy lifestyles.
Christine Pfeifer emphasizes minimal prep time, ingredient accessibility, and protein‑rich options, often incorporating store‑brand items like Trader Joe's products, whereas many other channels prioritize elaborate techniques or gourmet presentations.
Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

A classic Southern‑style breakfast featuring rich, creamy sausage gravy poured over warm, flaky biscuits. Made with breakfast sausage, butter, flour, milk and half‑and‑half, this comforting dish is quick enough for a weekday morning yet hearty enough for a weekend brunch.

A fun, science‑filled snack that combines bubbling chocolate with dry ice and the classic milk‑soap‑food‑coloring rainbow experiment. Perfect for parties, classrooms, or anyone who loves edible experiments.

These ultimate chunky cookies combine a soft buttery dough with a rich pistachio cream center, roasted pistachio pieces, and dark chocolate chunks. The recipe includes roasting pistachios for extra flavor, freezing the pistachio filling for easy handling, and a chill step that gives the cookies a beautiful chunky texture.

Lemon squares with a shortbread texture and lemon cream, inspired by an American dessert. A short, buttery base topped with lemon cream. Perfect for an elegant dessert or a snack.

A creamy, sweet, and lightly tangy sweet potato pie made from scratch. The recipe walks you through baking sweet potatoes until caramelized, blending them into a smooth custard, and baking the filling in a flaky crust. Let the pie set for a few hours for the perfect slice.

A moist, buttery lemon pound cake packed with fresh lemon zest, juice, and a secret sour‑cream boost, finished with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for tea time, celebrations, or any moment you need a burst of citrus flavor.