I grew up on simple toast topped with whatever was in the fridge, but this Cottage Cheese Avocado Toast quickly became my go-to when I wanted something creamy, bright, and satisfying in under ten minutes. It pairs silky cottage cheese with mashed avocado, a squeeze of lemon, a drizzle of honey if you like a hint of sweetness, and the addictively savory crunch of Everything Bagel seasoning. Perfect for busy breakfasts, light lunches, or a protein-forward snack.
Why you’ll love this dish
This toast is a tiny triumph: creamy protein from cottage cheese, healthy fats from avocado, and complex flavor from the seasoning — all on toasty bread. It’s fast, affordable, and adaptable for picky eaters or busy mornings.
“Perfect for mornings when you want something quick but not boring — tangy, creamy, and surprisingly filling.” — a reader favorite
Reasons to try it:
- High-protein breakfast that keeps you full longer than jam or butter alone.
- Easy to customize for sweet, savory, or spicy cravings.
- Works for gluten-free and vegetarian diets with simple swaps.
If you’re planning a weekend spread, this toast pairs nicely with heartier mains — try adding a slow-simmered crowd-pleaser like Crock-Pot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili on the side for a comfort-food brunch.
How this recipe comes together
This recipe is intentionally straightforward. First, you toast bread until it’s crisp — that crunch is crucial to avoid soggy bites. Next, mash a ripe avocado and fold in lemon juice to keep it bright and prevent browning. Spread that on, spoon on cottage cheese (about 1/2 cup per slice), then finish with a honey drizzle and Everything Bagel seasoning. Expect five to ten minutes from start to finish. No special equipment needed — just a toaster, fork, and a spoon.
What you’ll need
- 1 ripe avocado (medium to large)
- 2 slices of bread — whole grain, sourdough, or gluten-free
- 1 cup cottage cheese (roughly 1/2 cup per slice)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey (optional, to taste)
- Everything Bagel seasoning, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Notes and substitutions:
- Cottage cheese: full-fat gives the creamiest mouthfeel; low-fat works but is less rich. For dairy-free, see Variations.
- Bread: sturdy slices (sourdough or whole grain) help hold the toppings. For a lighter option, use thin rye or crispbread.
- Everything Bagel seasoning: substitute flaky sea salt + sesame seeds + poppy seeds + onion powder if needed.
Step-by-step instructions
- Toast the bread until golden and crisp. Aim for a firm surface so it won’t collapse under the toppings.
- Halve and pit the avocado. Scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork until slightly chunky. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to brighten flavor and slow browning.
- Spread the avocado mixture evenly over each toasted slice. Leave a small ridge at the edges so the cottage cheese sits nicely.
- Spoon cottage cheese over the avocado — about 1/2 cup per slice. Use a spoon to dollop and gently spread without squashing the toast.
- Drizzle with 1–2 teaspoons honey if you want a sweet-salty contrast.
- Finish with Everything Bagel seasoning to taste. Serve immediately to enjoy the crunch.
Best ways to enjoy it
This toast shines as a solo breakfast or part of a larger brunch. Serve with:
- A simple green salad or quick arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.
- A soft-cooked egg on top for extra protein and richness.
- A bowl of soup on chillier days — the toast’s bright flavors balance richer soups like a cheesy, savory bowl of Philly Cheesesteak Soup.
For plating: stack slices on a wooden board, sprinkle extra seasoning around the plate, and add lemon wedges for guests to squeeze.
Storage and reheating tips
- Assembled toast: best eaten immediately. Once assembled, the bread will soften within 10–20 minutes.
- Store components separately: mashed avocado (with lemon) and cottage cheese can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 24–48 hours. Keep bread separate or toast just before serving.
- Avocado browning: lemon juice slows oxidization but doesn’t stop it. To keep mashed avocado greener, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before refrigerating.
- Reheating: re-toast the bread lightly before assembling. Do not microwave assembled toast; cottage cheese can become watery and the texture will suffer.
Food safety note: cottage cheese is a perishable dairy product. Keep refrigerated and consume within the sell-by window plus a day or two depending on storage; discard if it smells sour or appears curdled.
Pro chef tips
- Choose a ripe avocado: it should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy. Overripe avocados are stringy and watery.
- Texture balance: leave the avocado a little chunky — total smoothness plus cottage cheese can feel one-note.
- Drain cottage cheese lightly if you want less moisture on the toast. Spoon into a fine mesh strainer for a few minutes.
- Season the avocado: a pinch of salt in the mashed avocado brings out its flavor and complements the Everything Bagel seasoning.
- Measure the lemon: too much lemon can dominate. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
Creative twists
- Smoked salmon & capers: add 1–2 ounces smoked salmon per slice and scatter capers and dill for a brunch-worthy upgrade.
- Spicy kick: drizzle with sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes and add sliced scallions.
- Mediterranean: swap Everything Bagel seasoning for za’atar and top with cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta.
- Vegan version: use a cultured almond or tofu-based “cottage cheese” substitute and a honey alternative like agave syrup.
- Protein boost: top with a poached or soft-boiled egg for an extra 6–8 grams of protein.
Helpful answers
Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Prepare components separately. Mash avocado with lemon and store airtight for up to 24 hours (it will darken slightly). Keep cottage cheese refrigerated and toast bread just before serving to preserve crunch.
Q: Is cottage cheese high in protein and calories?
A: Yes — cottage cheese is a protein-dense dairy product. A 1-cup serving typically contains about 25–28 grams of protein, but check your brand’s label for exact calories and macros. Using 1/2 cup per slice makes the toast a protein-rich meal.
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
A: Greek yogurt (strained) can be used for a similar tang and creaminess, but the texture will be smoother. If substituting, use thick Greek yogurt and consider adding a pinch of salt.
Q: How to keep toast from getting soggy?
A: Toast well, leave a small border of avocado away from the edges, and spoon cottage cheese on gently. Assemble just before eating whenever possible.
Q: Any allergy-friendly swaps?
A: For dairy-free, try mashed silken tofu seasoned with lemon and a dab of vegan mayo or a commercial plant-based cottage cheese. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free bread or crispbread.
Enjoy this quick, nourishing twist on avocado toast — it’s simple enough for a weekday breakfast and versatile enough to elevate brunch.
Print
Cottage Cheese Avocado Toast
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and satisfying toast topped with creamy cottage cheese and mashed avocado, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado (medium to large)
- 2 slices of bread (whole grain, sourdough, or gluten-free)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (about 1/2 cup per slice)
- 1–2 teaspoons honey (optional, to taste)
- Everything Bagel seasoning, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Toast the bread until golden and crisp.
- Halve the avocado, scoop the flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork. Stir in lemon juice.
- Spread the avocado mixture evenly over each toasted slice.
- Spoon cottage cheese over the avocado — about 1/2 cup per slice.
- Drizzle with honey if desired, and finish with Everything Bagel seasoning. Serve immediately.
Notes
Best enjoyed immediately after preparation. Components can be stored separately for up to 48 hours.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: American