Pizza Cottage Cheese Grilled Cheese Recipe
This Pizza Cottage Cheese Grilled Cheese recipe combines the creamy texture of full-fat cottage cheese with classic pizza flavors. It’s a quick, easy-to-make grilled cheese sandwich featuring mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and pizza sauce, toasted to crispy perfection. Perfect for a comforting lunch or snack with a pizza-inspired twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 2 slices sandwich bread – white, wheat, sourdough, or your favorite
- 2 tablespoons full-fat cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons pizza sauce (or marinara or tomato paste mixed with spices)
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (fresh preferred, pre-shredded is fine)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix dried basil and oregano)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting the bread)
Optional Toppings
- Pinch of garlic powder
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese, 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce, ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes if desired for extra flavor.
- Butter the Bread: Spread a thin, even layer of butter on one side of each bread slice. This buttered side will be the exterior of the sandwich to create a crispy golden crust when toasted.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place one bread slice butter-side down on a plate or cutting board. Spread the prepared cheese and sauce mixture evenly over this slice. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up.
- Toast It Up: Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even browning and melting. Cook until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese filling is melted and gooey.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. Slice in half. Sprinkle with additional herbs or red pepper flakes if you like. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping if desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- For a crispier crust, use a cast-iron skillet or press the sandwich slightly while cooking.
- You can substitute full-fat cottage cheese with ricotta or cream cheese for a different texture.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier melt, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
- Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
- Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or toaster oven.
