This cottage cheese chilli toast is a little twist on simple indian street-style snack. Crispy edges, spicy topping, ooey, gooey melty cheese, it's quick to make, hearty and has a unmistakable kick from fresh green chilies.
Chilli toast isn't too common in Delhi, but it's a favorite street food in Mumbai. During my year in Pune, it became my regular after-work bite. Rainy evenings, a hot cup of masala chai, and cheese chilli toast fresh off the tawa, there's something about that combo that has stayed with me after so many years.
I recently tried mixing cottage cheese with the usual cheese mixture, and it worked. If you are someone like me who's on the edge when it comes to cottage cheese, this might convert you because hey, nothing some chillies cannot fix! You can serve it for breakfast or for a quick snack.
Just mix cottage cheese with chopped green chillies, onions, colorful bell peppers, and a handful of shredded cheddar (I like using sharp cheddar). Add black pepper and red chilli flakes with heart.
Spread the mixture all over bread, air fry till golden and crisp - and that's it. This toast hits just right when you're craving something homemade, and truly satisfying.
My Recipe Development Learnings
- Cottage cheese has a lot of moisture, so we have to be a bit careful when it comes to air frying. I do it on lower temperature like 370 F or 375F for a bit longer(say 10-12 minutes). Of course, keep an eye out because each air fryer is different.
- I tested this recipe in oven and on tawa (skillet as well). If you are using those, I highly recommend that you pre toast one side of the bread and then put the cheese mixture and proceed to final bake. Else the bread will become soggy because they two methods take longer than air frying.
Ingredients
- Bread - I must admit, white bread tastes best. But, today I am using sprouted wheat bread.Use bread of your choice. Sourdough works amazingly too!
- Green Chillies - Use sharp green chillies with lot of kick. I use indian green chilies which are quite hot! Thai bird chillies or serranos are a good substitute.
- Scallions - I prefer them over red onions. They have a mild onion flavor that my kids love.
- Spices - Black pepper and red chilli flakes really go well with the chesse, so don't skip.
- Lastly, Cheese - A combination of cottage cheese (I like using small curds) and sharp cheddar works good for us and my kids(tweens) also didn't complain. If you are making for younger kids, use mild cheddar or mozarella cheese.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cheese, chillies, bell pepper, spices, scallions, salt and cilantro.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoon of the mixture over bread slices.You could spread butter on the bread before putting the cheese mixture, I don't.
- Carefully, place the bread slices on the rack of your air fryer. Spray or drizzle ½ to 1 teaspoon oil over the bread.
- Air Fry at 375 F for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese has melted. I like to let the cheese brown in few spots. Your cottage cheese chilli toast is ready!
Tips
- I prefer using old bread because it crisps up very well. You need a firm bread else it will get soggy.
- Don't overload the bread with the cheese mixture. Too much topping can slide off during air frying or make the bread soft instead of crisp.
- The cheese mixture stays good for 1 day in the frdge. After that I noticed it started getting watery.
15-Minute Cottage Cheese Chilli Toast
Ingredients
- ½ cup low fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoon scallions chopped
- 3 green chillies (hot!) adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
- ⅓ cup bell pepper small dice
- ½ teaspoon red chilli flakes (hot!) adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked is better
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 4-5 bread slices I use ezekiel spouted wheat
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cheese, cottage cheese, finely chopped green chillies, all the spices, chopped scallions, diced bell pepper, salt, and fresh chopped cilantro. Using a spatula mix until everything is evenly mixed.
- Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture onto each slice of bread, and spread it evenly right to the edges. If you like, you can add a layer of butter first for extra richness, though I skip it to let the cheese flavors shine.
- Arrange the prepared bread slices in batches carefully on the rack of your air fryer. Lightly spray or drizzle about ½ to 1 teaspoon of oil over the tops to help the cheese melt and turn golden.
- Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbling. For extra flavor and texture, let it brown in a few spots.Serve rightaway!
Notes
- I prefer using old bread because it crisps up very well. You need a firm bread else it will get soggy.
- Don't overload the bread with the cheese mixture. Too much topping can slide off during air frying or make the bread soft instead of crisp.
- The cheese mixture stays good for 1 day in the frdge. After that I noticed it started getting watery.
LT says
I tried making this tonight for dinner and I was blown away by how good it was! The flavours all go so well together and the kick from the chilli makes it something really special. It will become a regular in our household! Thank you!
Tanvi Srivastava says
Yay! Chilli + Cheese is a great combo. I am so glad you liked it!