The cottage cheese recipes all over TikTok aren’t the bland, boring diet recipes from the ’80s. Today, this high-protein ingredient is being used in a bunch of fun new ways. It turns out, cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to many dishes. But who knew cottage cheese could also be used as a unique topping for cinnamon toast?
This quick and easy air-fryer recipe is about to change your breakfast game!
What is cottage cheese cinnamon toast?
This breakfast turns the classic cinnamon toast on its head. It’s the ideal sweet way to start your day when you aren’t in the mood for eggs or sausage, but still want a hearty dose of protein. The secret is blending the lumpy cottage cheese until it’s velvety smooth.
“I do believe I started this specific cottage cheese cinnamon toast trend,” says recipe developer Grace Elkus. She shared this recipe on Instagram and TikTok, and the rest is history.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Toast
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
Step 1: Choose your bread
Kristina Vänni For Taste Of Home
This cinnamon toast can be made with any bread you prefer. Feel free to use a hearty multi-grain loaf or even a traditional sandwich bread. Challah or brioche also work deliciously for a more elegant twist. If your choice of bread is on the softer side, lightly toast it before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Blend the cottage cheese
Kristina Vänni For Taste Of Home
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon, and set aside.
Using a small food processor or immersion blender, combine the cottage cheese, vanilla extract and half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Top your toast
Kristina Vänni For Taste Of Home
Spread the blended cottage cheese mixture over the bread slices in an even layer all the way to the edges. Sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar mixture. Be generous, this layer ends up becoming a very thin crust on top when the toast cooks.
Step 4: Air-fry to finish
Kristina Vänni For Taste Of Home
Heat the air fryer to 400°F and place the toasts in the basket. Heat until the topping just starts to bubble and lightly brown, about 5 minutes.
Here’s What I Thought
Kristina Vänni For Taste Of Home
When I took the first bite of cottage cheese cinnamon toast, I immediately thought it tasted like an indulgent dessert. In fact, the blended cottage cheese along with the sweet cinnamon-sugar reminded me of cheesecake. Yet, it didn’t feel heavy at all. In fact, it was so light and airy! I will definitely put this recipe in rotation for breakfast moving forward.
I discovered a few tips along the way to troubleshoot any hurdles. It can be challenging to blend small volumes in a blender or food processor. If you’re making just one serving, use a small food processor or an immersion blender to get the cottage cheese smooth. However, if you plan to enjoy this for breakfast all week, meal prep a larger batch of the blended cottage cheese topping and keep it in the refrigerator to use morning after morning.
I also suggest keeping a close eye on the toasts as they cook in the air fryer. Mine were close to burning on the bottom after 5 minutes at 400°, so I lowered it to 390° for the next test. It’s a good idea to know the ins and outs of your air fryer and adjust the temperature or cook time accordingly.
Last tip: If you have any leftover blended cottage cheese after making the toast, it makes an excellent fruit dip. Don’t let any of this protein-packed deliciousness go to waste!
Our Best Cottage Cheese Recipes
Best Lasagna
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Get Recipe
Cherry Cheese BlintzesThese elegant blintzes can be served as an attractive dessert or a brunch entree. The bright cherry sauce gives them a delightful flavor. I sometimes substitute other fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries or peaches. —Jessica Vantrease, Anderson, Alaska
Mexican Egg CasseroleTomatoes and green chiles give color and zip to this extra-cheesy egg bake. It's a favorite for breakfast or brunch but it can be enjoyed for lunch or supper, too. —Mary Steiner, West Bend, Wisconsin
Makeover Traditional CheesecakeThough softer than a full-fat cheesecake, this lightened-up dessert has all of the original's delectable flavor. It's sure to make any special event more festive. —Anne Addesso, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Ham & Gruyere Mini QuichesWhen you make this in muffin cups, each person gets a quiche. I have also doubled the recipe and used jumbo muffin cups; bake about 10 minutes longer. —Gena Stout, Ravenden, Arkansas
Blintz PancakesBlending sour cream and cottage cheese, ingredients traditionally associated with blintzes, into the batter of these pancakes gives them old-fashioned flavor. Top these family favorites with berry syrup to turn an ordinary morning into an extraordinary day.—Dianna Digoy, San Diego, California. Learn how to make
cottage cheese biscuits.
Spinach TurnoversThe flaky cream cheese pastry adds sensational texture to these hot appetizers—and just wait until you taste the wonderful filling. I usually fix a double batch and freeze some to have on hand in case unexpected guests drop by. — Jean von Bereghy, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Chocolate Swirl CheesecakeFew desserts are as luscious and impressive as a chocolate swirl cheesecake. We'll show you how to master cheesecake-baking techniques so you have a stunning, crack-free cake.
Green Chili Egg PuffGreen chilies add a touch of Southwest flavor to this fluffy egg dish. The cottage cheese offers nice texture, and people always love the gooey Montery Jack cheese melted throughout. —Laurel Leslie, Sonora, California
Makeover Traditional LasagnaI’ve never been quick to pass along my special recipes, but this one is so good that it’s become our family’s Christmas Eve tradition! —Michelle Behan, Littleton, Colorado
Cheesy Egg PuffsMy father loves to entertain, and these buttery egg delights are one of his favorite items to serve at brunch. The leftovers are perfect to reheat in the microwave on busy mornings, so Dad always stashes a few aside for me to take home once the party is over. —Amy Soto, Winfield, Kansas
Spinach ‘n’ Broccoli EnchiladasI like to top this wonderful meatless meal with lettuce and serve it with extra picante sauce. It's quick, easy, filled with fresh flavor and definitely satisfying! —Lesley Tragesser, Charleston, Missouri
Cheese-Stuffed ShellsWhen I was living in California, I tasted this rich cheesy pasta dish at a neighborhood Italian restaurant. I got the recipe and made a few changes to it in my own kitchen. I'm happy to share it with you. —Lori Mecca, Grants Pass, Oregon
Canadian Bacon Onion QuicheFor more than 20 years, we sold our homegrown specialty onions at the farmers market. I handed out this favorite recipe for a classic quiche to all our customers. —Janice Redford, Cambridge, Wisconsin
ButterhornsThis recipe is an unusual but delicious way to use cottage cheese. Friends of ours make these every year for a party that follows our fall cattle drive. They are so delicious they're always the first food to disappear.
Sausage ManicottiThis familiar Italian-style entree comes together in a snap. It's a comforting dish that says "home" to my family and is easy to freeze and have on hand. —Carolyn Henderson, Maple Plain, Minnesota
Baked ZitiBaked ziti is a cozy pasta dish that features layers of meat sauce, tender noodles and creamy ricotta cheese. This freezer-friendly recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Amish Breakfast CasseroleWe've enjoyed a few hearty breakfast casseroles while visiting an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, one of the ladies told me the ingredients right off the top of her head. I modified it to create this quick and easy breakfast casserole my family loves. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana
Breakfast PieThis crustless pie is wonderful to serve to overnight guests because you assemble it the night before. —Pam Botine, Goldsboro, North Carolina
Cottage Cheese Ice CreamThis cottage cheese ice cream is enriched with peanut butter and sweetened with a drizzle of honey, but it can be customized to fulfill all your healthy ice cream fantasies, whether that's fruity or studded with chocolate chips.
Cheesy SpinachMy daughter often serves this cheese and spinach blend at church suppers. Even people who don't usually eat spinach like this flavorful dish once they try it. There is never any left. —Frances Moore, Decatur, Illinois
Garden Veggie Egg BakeLooking for a healthy day-starter? Children will actually enjoy eating their veggies when they’re baked into this cheesy, nutrition-packed egg dish. —JoAnne Wilson, Roselle Park, New Jersey
Beef Noodle CasseroleSavory, creamy and satisfying—you'll be so happy you found this easy beef noodle casserole recipe. Packed with diced veggies, egg noodles and cheese, it's a cinch to make any time you need some hearty comfort food.
Spinach Pie ParmaFor a hearty pie with a lovely Italian flavor, try this recipe. Spinach has never tasted so good! —Nancy Reichert, Thomasville, Georgia
Gluten-Free Breakfast BlintzesThese cheese-filled, berry-topped blintzes taste just as mouthwatering and special as they look. —Laura Fall-Sutton, Buhl, Idaho
Favorite Baked SpaghettiThis yummy baked spaghetti casserole will be requested again and again for potlucks and family gatherings. It's especially popular with my grandchildren, who just love baked spaghetti with all the cheese. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
Stuffed Shells with MeatThis easy stuffed shells with meat and ricotta recipe is warm and comforting after a long day. Prep the meat-stuffed shells the day before, then just pop the dish in the oven after work.
Lasagna CasseroleGrowing up, this was the meal I always wanted on my birthday. Mother made the sauce from scratch, but I use store-bought spaghetti sauce to save time. Replace the ground beef with Italian sausage if you want more spice. —Deb Morrison, Skiatook, Oklahoma
Creamy Seafood EnchiladasShrimp and crab plus a flavorful sauce add up to outstanding enchiladas. I made them for an annual fundraiser, and now they’re always in demand. Spice up the recipe to your taste by adding more green chiles and salsa. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska
Florentine Spaghetti BakeThis plate-filling sausage dish appeals to most every appetite, from basic meat-and-potatoes fans to gourmets. My daughter, a Montana wheat rancher's wife, says she serves it often to satisfy her hardworking family. —Lorraine Martin, Lincoln, California
Garden Tuna Pita SandwichesA well-balanced meal packed into a pita is a breeze to whip up. Not a fan of tuna? Try canned chicken. —Rebecca Clark, Warrior, Alabama
Zucchini LasagnaI plant zucchini every year, and we always seem to have more than we can use! This recipe is a particularly delicious way to use our abundant crop. —Charlotte McDaniel, Williamsville, Illinois
Sloppy Joe PastaSince I found this quick-to-fix recipe a few years ago, it's become a regular part of my menu plans. Everyone loves the combination of sloppy joe ingredients, shell pasta and cheddar cheese. —Lynne Leih, Idyllwild, California
Egg and Broccoli CasseroleFor years, I've prepared this filling egg casserole—which is delicious for brunch—in my slow cooker. It's an unusual recipe for a slow cooker, but folks always welcome it and go back for seconds wherever I serve it. —Janet Sliter, Kennewick, Washington
Cheesy Green Chili RiceThis creamy rice dish is a nice addition to a spicy meal. When I first tried it at a church potluck, I knew I had to have the recipe.—Laurie Fisher, Greeley, Colorado
Slow Cooker Red PotatoesI put my slow cooker to work to fix these saucy spuds. The side dish features cubed red potatoes that are cooked in a creamy coating until tender. Be sure to stir the mixture before serving to help the sauce thicken. — Elaine Ryan, Holley, New York
Tuna-Stuffed Baked PotatoesUsing canned tuna keeps this dish right in a target budget. A dollop of pickle relish on top brings out that classic tuna salad flavor. —Karen Seger, Houston, Ohio
Pear Cottage Cheese SaladPerfect any time, this quick-fix snack makes a great pack-along lunch, too! —Jeannie Thomas, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
Hacienda Hash BrownsI use a clear glass dish to show off my hash brown bake. The bold pepper, cilantro, cumin and garlic make this potato-egg casserole extraordinary. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Chiles Rellenos SouffleAfter we spent the night at our friends’ house in Arizona, we awoke to the tantalizing aroma of an egg soufflé. It brings back wonderful memories. —Pat Coyne, Las Vegas, Nevada