This pizza crust made from cottage cheese is unbelievable. Just 4 ingredients, ready in 20 minutes, and it’s genuinely chewy, crispy, and tasty.
In This Post
Watch Me Make This Pizza
It Shouldn’t Be This Good.
I’ve already made it 4 times this week.
Last week, I came across a video showcasing a cottage cheese pizza crust from our pals at Fit Foodie Finds and thought, hmm. Fascinating. Maybe I should give that a go.
I do have some reservations about cottage cheese-based recipes, but HERE’S THE CATCH.
It’s TRULY DELICIOUS!
This isn’t some trendy gimmick with cottage cheese. Honestly, ignore the fact that there’s cottage cheese in the crust. Sure, yay protein, but all I care about is that this crust remains light, fluffy, and has that lovely bready texture while achieving a delightful golden brown crispiness on the outside? It’s a miraculous 20-minute recipe that never fails to astound me.
I’ve experimented with a few variations, and I’ll share my insights in the recipe notes. But for now, just trust me: this is worth a shot. You can find the recipe from the Fit Foodie gals here – I followed their instructions closely! I simply bake it at a higher temperature for a crispier, more browned finish. I usually triple the ingredients to create a thicker/bigger crust to satisfy our family of four.
Many asked about my changes on Instagram, so here it is in written form for you.
I hope you enjoy it!
Blend The Cottage Cheese.
For the dough, I prefer the cottage cheese to be smooth. While not necessary, I believe this yields the best texture!
Form The Dough.
Combine the dough and place it on a surface. It will be somewhat thick and sticky, but take your time to form it into a ball, and then flatten it into a pizza shape.
Drizzle Olive Oil.
Lightly drizzle olive oil over the pizza before you bake it.
Pre-Bake The Crust.
Before adding toppings, bake the crust alone in the oven. This step will help it become slightly crispy and support your toppings!
Add Your Toppings.
Spread your sauce and cheese (and whatever toppings you prefer) then place it back in the oven for a bit longer.
Bake and Enjoy!
Bake until everything is melty and crispy, and then dig in! It’s so delicious.
Common Questions About This Pizza
Can you use something besides cottage cheese?
Absolutely, Greek yogurt is a viable substitute – I haven’t used it myself, but the original Fit Foodie Finds recipe suggests several alternatives.
Is blending the cottage cheese necessary?
Yes, I would recommend it. When I made it without blending, it turned out okay, but it was more gummy and I didn’t like the texture as much. Blending the cottage cheese really incorporates some air into the dough, making it pleasantly chewy and lighter.
Is gluten-free flour acceptable?
I haven’t tested it, but I would think it should work!
Will the pizza hold up with additional toppings besides sauce and cheese?
Yes! I typically find that minimal is best when it comes to pizza toppings, but it can definitely support a few extras beyond just sauce and cheese.
Can this be made in a pizza oven?
This creates a very sticky dough, which means a pizza oven isn’t suitable! Because it’s sticky, baking on parchment paper is necessary, which shouldn’t be used in a pizza oven due to the high temperatures.
Can you prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, it can be prepared up to three days ahead.
Cottage Cheese Crust Pizza
Total Time:
30 minutesYield:
3–4 servings 1x
Description
Pizza featuring a crust made with cottage cheese, composed of 4 ingredients. It actually tastes amazing. What’s going on?
Ingredients
Units
Scale
The measurements listed below create a thinner crust. To achieve a thicker crust, you can multiply these quantities by 1.5! For a family meal (2 adults + 2 children), I opt for the 1.5x amounts. Just par-bake for about 10 minutes before applying sauce and cheese since it’s thicker.
For the crust:
For the toppings:
Instructions
- Preheat: Set your oven to 450 degrees and position a rack as high as possible, near the top.
- Prepare Cottage Cheese: Blend the cottage cheese until it becomes smooth.
- Create Dough for the Crust: Combine the blended cottage cheese in a bowl with flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until you have a dough. It will start to look shaggy, crumbly, and sticky – utilize your hands to get it to come together. I generally transfer it to the counter and knead it a little, adding some flour, to form a cohesive ball.
- Shape The Crust: Lay parchment paper on a pizza pan or baking tray. Position the dough on the parchment and press it into a circle roughly 10-12 inches in diameter. The crust is quite bready, so you want to press it out to create a thinner, broader area.
- Prepare The Crust: Rub olive oil over the top of the crust.
- Pre-Bake The Crust: Place it in the oven; bake (without toppings) for 8-10 minutes.
- Incorporate Sauce and Cheese: Take it out of the oven, spread with sauce, and sprinkle with the two types of cheese. Bake on that same top rack for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Broil and Finish: Lastly, broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese and crust edges turn deep golden, as depicted. I like to add red pepper flakes to the slices, drizzle them with olive oil or hot honey, and dip them in extra sauce! It’s just too good!
Equipment
Blender
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Notes
While blending the cottage cheese isn’t a must – it works and the curds will melt – it does provide a better texture.
I utilize the Beast Mini Blender for this task, and it performs excellently. It achieves a nicely whipped and airy consistency, producing a truly wonderful crust!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: easy pizza crust, cottage cheese recipe, cottage cheese pizza crust
More Easy High-Protein Meals
**Introducing a New Favorite: Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust High in Protein**
Pizza is a favorite for many, but those aiming for a healthier diet or increased protein may find that regular pizza crusts made with refined flour don’t always match their needs. Enter the high-protein cottage cheese crust—a tasty, nutritious substitute that’s becoming a hit with fitness fans, low-carb dieters, and foodies alike. This fresh take on the classic pizza base delivers a satisfying crunch, added protein, and a distinct flavor that might just become your new go-to.
### What Is Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust?
A cottage cheese pizza crust is precisely what it sounds like: a pizza base primarily crafted from cottage cheese, often mixed with eggs, a small portion of flour or almond flour, and seasonings. The blend is smoothed out, spread into a thin layer on a baking sheet, and cooked until golden and firm. Once prepared, it provides a sturdy and delectable base for all your preferred pizza toppings.
### Nutritional Advantages
The impressive nutritional profile is one of the key reasons people are attempting cottage cheese crusts:
– **High in Protein**: Cottage cheese is loaded with casein protein, which digests slowly and aids in prolonged satiety. A single serving can have up to 25 grams of protein.
– **Low in Carbs**: This crust makes for an excellent alternative for those on low-carb or ketogenic diets.
– **Rich in Calcium and B Vitamins**: Cottage cheese is a good source of calcium, promoting bone health, and B vitamins that are vital for energy metabolism.
– **Gluten-Free Option**: When utilizing almond flour or gluten-free flour, this crust is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
### How to Create a Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
Here’s a straightforward recipe to begin with:
**Ingredients**:
– 1 cup low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour for a higher-carb alternative)
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Pinch of salt
**Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a blender or food processor, mix all ingredients until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into a thin, even circle or rectangle.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and firm to the touch.
5. Remove from the oven, add your choice of pizza sauce, cheese, and toppings, and return to the oven for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
### Topping Suggestions
The mild flavor of the cottage cheese crust complements various toppings. Here are a few ideas:
– **Classic Margherita**: Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.
– **BBQ Chicken**: Shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, red onions, and mozzarella.
– **Veggie Delight**: Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, olives, and feta cheese.
– **Mediterranean**: Hummus base, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled goat cheese.
### Who Should Try It?
This crust is ideal for:
– **Fitness Fans**: Seeking to boost protein consumption without sacrificing taste.
– **Low-Carb Diet Followers**: Looking for a satisfying, bready replacement to traditional pizza crust.
– **Busy People**: The crust is quick to prepare and doesn’t require kneading or rising.
– **Families**: A fun and tasty way to sneak extra protein into children’s meals.
### Conclusion
The high-protein cottage cheese pizza crust isn’t just a health fad—it’s a transformative option for pizza lovers who wish to enjoy their comfort food while staying aligned with their nutritional goals. Whether your aim is to incorporate more protein, cut back on carbs, or simply experiment with new culinary experiences, this crust provides a delicious and fulfilling solution. Give it a shot—you might just find your new favorite way to relish pizza.