Whipped Cottage Cheese & Berry Toasts
Elevate your morning routine with these vibrant, protein-packed toasts. A creamy whipped cottage cheese base is the perfect canvas for fresh berries and a touch of natural sweetness.
Servings 6
Calories 202kcal
Equipment
- High-speed blender
- Silicone spatula
- Large cast-iron skillet or griddle
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Ingredients
- 6 thick slices sourdough or whole-grain artisan bread
- ¼ cup agave nectar or pure maple syrup
- 1 ⅔ cups low-fat low-sodium cottage cheese (about 400 g)
- ¾ cup fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
- ¾ cup fresh blackberries halved if large
- ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit : Gently rinse and pat dry the strawberries and blackberries. On your cutting board, hull and quarter the strawberries and slice any particularly large blackberries in half. Set aside.
- Create the Creamy Base : In the basin of a high-speed blender, combine the low-sodium cottage cheese and fresh lemon zest. Secure the lid and process on high for 75 to 90 seconds, using a spatula to scrape down the sides halfway through. Continue blending until the mixture is completely smooth, airy, and has a texture similar to ricotta.
- Toast the Sourdough : Place the large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Arrange the sourdough slices in a single layer (working in batches if necessary) and toast for 2–3 minutes per side. The bread is ready when it's an even golden-brown and feels crisp to the touch.
- Build the Toasts : Transfer the warm toasted bread to serving plates. Generously spread a layer of the whipped cottage cheese mixture, about ¼ cup per slice, across the surface of each piece of toast.
- Arrange the Berries : Artfully distribute the prepared strawberries and blackberries over the whipped cottage cheese, creating an even mix of color and texture on each toast.
- Final Touches : Drizzle each toast with a ribbon of agave nectar or maple syrup. Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves just before serving for a pop of color and fresh aroma.
Notes
Storage: The whipped cottage cheese can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble toasts just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soft.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use any seasonal berries or sliced stone fruit like peaches or plums. For a delightful crunch and added healthy fats, sprinkle with toasted, slivered almonds or chopped pistachios.
Pro Tip: If your cottage cheese blend seems too thick after blending, add a single teaspoon of milk (dairy or plant-based) to help it reach a perfectly smooth and spreadable consistency.
Serving Size: 1 Toast
- Calories: 202
- Total Fat: 1.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 35.2 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.4 g
- Total Sugars: 15.7 g
- Includes: 11 g Added Sugars
- Net Carbohydrates: 32.8 g
- Protein: 11.9 g
- Vitamin D: 0 mcg
- Calcium: 72 mg
- Iron: 0.8 mg
- Potassium: 220 mg
- Vitamin C: 16 mg