Toasty Tomato & Cottage Cheese Delight
This savory Toasty Tomato & Cottage Cheese Delight is a nutritious, satisfying treat that's perfect for any time of the day. Combining crispy toasted bread with a juicy tomato slice, creamy cottage cheese, and a hint of chili powder, this sandwich offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It's a low-calorie and protein-rich option that's easy to prepare, making it ideal for a quick lunch, snack, or light dinner. Enjoy the warm, melty goodness straight from your toaster oven, or adapt the method to your preferred kitchen tools like a toaster or grill. Once you try it, you'll be tempted to double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe to share this simple yet delicious creation with friends and family.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
light bread
1 (slice)
tomato
1 (slice)
fat-free cottage cheese
1 (tablespoon)
chili powder
1 (pinch)
Instructions
1
Preheat your toaster oven to the 'toast' setting. Alternatively, set your regular toaster to medium-dark and your oven's broiler to high.
2
Place a slice of bread and a slice of tomato in the toaster oven. Toast until the bread has reached your desired level of crispiness. If using a toaster, toast the bread separately.
3
Flip the tomato slice once halfway to ensure even heating, leaving it in the oven.
4
Once toasted, remove the bread and tomato. If desired, gently remove the skin from the tomato slice for a smoother texture.
5
Place the tomato on top of the toasted bread, then spread a tablespoon of fat-free cottage cheese over the tomato slice.
6
Sprinkle a pinch of chili powder over the cottage cheese for an extra kick of flavor.
7
Switch the toaster oven to 'broil' or place the assembled sandwich under the broiler in a conventional oven. Broil just until the cottage cheese begins to melt and turn slightly golden.
8
Carefully remove the sandwich, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Toasty Tomato & Cottage Cheese Delight?
It is a nutritious snack or light meal featuring toasted bread, a tomato slice, cottage cheese, and a pinch of chili powder.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for a single serving of one slice.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What kind of bread is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one slice of light bread to keep it calorie-conscious.
Can I use a standard toaster instead of a toaster oven?
Yes, toast the bread in a regular toaster and use your oven's broiler for the final melting step.
How much cottage cheese should I use?
One tablespoon of fat-free cottage cheese is recommended per slice.
What type of tomato works best?
Any fresh, ripe tomato sliced to fit the bread works well for this recipe.
Can I substitute fat-free cottage cheese with full-fat?
Yes, you can use regular cottage cheese, though it will increase the fat and calorie content.
What does chili powder add to the recipe?
It provides a savory kick and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Should I remove the tomato skin?
Removing the skin is optional but recommended if you prefer a smoother texture after toasting.
How do I toast the tomato slice?
Place it in the toaster oven along with the bread and flip it once halfway through.
Is it possible to make this in a microwave?
A microwave is not recommended as it will make the bread soggy rather than toasty.
Does this recipe provide protein?
Yes, the cottage cheese makes this a high-protein snack option.
Is this a low-calorie meal?
Yes, by using light bread and fat-free cheese, it remains a low-calorie choice.
Can I add other seasonings?
Yes, herbs like basil, oregano, or garlic powder would complement the flavors.
How long does the preparation take?
The entire process takes less than 10 minutes, depending on your toaster's speed.
Can I make multiple servings at once?
Absolutely, you can double or triple the ingredients to serve more people.
What if my oven doesn't have a broiler?
You can leave it in the toaster oven on a high heat setting until the cheese softens.
Can I use a sandwich press or panini maker?
Yes, though the open-faced broiler method is best for melting the cottage cheese.
Is this a good breakfast option?
Yes, it is an excellent, quick, and light high-protein breakfast.
How do I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Toasting the bread thoroughly before adding the tomato helps maintain crispiness.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of a large slice?
Yes, simply slice a few cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them on the bread.
What side dishes go well with this?
It pairs nicely with a fresh green salad or a bowl of vegetable soup.
Can I add more cheese?
You can sprinkle a little parmesan or nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor.
Is this recipe good for kids?
Yes, many children enjoy the mild flavors, though you might reduce the chili powder.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
You would need to substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based almond or soy-based curd.
How do I know when the sandwich is finished broiling?
It is ready when the cottage cheese begins to melt and shows a slight golden tint.
Can I add avocado to this?
Yes, adding sliced avocado after broiling would add creaminess and healthy fats.
What type of chili powder should I use?
Any standard chili powder works, or use ancho chili powder for a smokier flavor.
Is this recipe good for weight loss?
Yes, its balance of protein and low-calorie ingredients makes it a diet-friendly choice.