Cottage Cheese & Pesto Bruschetta Recipe
This Cottage Cheese & Pesto Bruschetta is a fresh and flavorful appetizer combining creamy cottage cheese blended with vibrant basil pesto, topped with seasoned cherry tomatoes on crispy toasted baguette slices. Easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining or a light snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Toppings
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Cottage Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Toast the Bread: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush lightly with olive oil. Toast for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and crisp, to create the perfect crunchy base for the bruschetta.
- Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese and basil pesto thoroughly until you have a smooth, creamy spread that will complement the toasted bread and tomatoes.
- Season the Tomatoes: Toss the diced cherry tomatoes in a separate bowl with salt and black pepper, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a balanced savory touch.
- Assemble the Bruschetta: Spread a generous layer of the cottage cheese and pesto mixture onto each toasted baguette slice. Then top each with the seasoned cherry tomatoes, ensuring every bite has a burst of fresh flavor.
- Garnish & Serve: Optionally drizzle the bruschetta with balsamic glaze for a hint of sweetness and a decorative finish. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top for added aroma and color. Serve immediately to maintain the crispiness of the bread and freshness of the toppings.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the baguette with gluten-free bread slices.
- Basil pesto can be homemade or store-bought; ensure it contains fresh basil and good quality olive oil for best flavor.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier texture or low-fat for a lighter option.
- To make it vegan, replace cottage cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure the pesto contains no dairy.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep the bread from becoming soggy.
Keywords: cottage cheese bruschetta, pesto appetizer, easy Italian appetizers, toasted baguette recipes, cherry tomato bruschetta
