Pizza Cottage Cheese Grilled Cheese Recipe
A delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, this Pizza Cottage Cheese Grilled Cheese combines creamy cottage cheese, tangy pizza sauce, and melted mozzarella with Italian seasoning for a quick and flavorful meal. Perfect for a cozy lunch or easy dinner, it offers the comforting taste of pizza in a golden, crispy sandwich.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sandwich
- 2 slices sandwich bread – white, wheat, or sourdough
- 1 tablespoon butter – for toasting the bread
Filling
- 2 tablespoons cottage cheese – full fat recommended
- 2 tablespoons pizza sauce (or marinara or tomato paste mixed with spices)
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil and oregano)
- Optional: pinch of garlic powder
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Mix the Filling: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cottage cheese, 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce, ¼ cup shredded mozzarella, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Stir until well combined.
- Butter the Bread: Spread a thin, even layer of butter on one side of each slice of bread. This buttered side will be the outside of the sandwich to ensure a crispy, golden exterior when toasted.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place one slice of bread on a clean surface, butter side down. Evenly spread the cottage cheese mixture on top of the bread. Then place the other slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing up.
- Toast It Up: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the sandwich into the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Press gently with a spatula to help the sandwich brown evenly. Cook until the bread is crispy and golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. Slice it in half for easier handling. If desired, sprinkle with extra Italian herbs or red pepper flakes. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your pizza-inspired grilled cheese!
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Feel free to substitute pizza sauce with marinara or seasoned tomato paste.
- Butter the outside of the bread for a perfectly crispy crust.
- Press gently while toasting to ensure even browning and melting.
- Serve immediately for best texture—crispy outside and gooey inside.
- Optional spices like garlic powder or red pepper flakes add extra flavor and heat.
