High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza

Introduction

Let’s talk about Cottage Cheese Pizza, a recipe that’s about to completely transform your weeknight dinner routine. It’s cheesy, delicious, and packed with protein—all while being surprisingly easy to make from scratch. What makes this recipe stand out is its base: a simple dough made from cottage cheese and flour. No yeast, no long rise time, just mix, roll, and bake.

This recipe is a dream come true for anyone craving pizza without the fuss of traditional dough. Whether you’re looking to bump up your protein intake, explore a unique twist on pizza, or just try something new and satisfying, this cottage cheese pizza delivers all the comfort and joy of the classic, with a healthy edge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick and Easy: From mixing the dough to pulling it out of the oven, this pizza is ready in just about 30 minutes.
• High in Protein: Thanks to the cottage cheese and mozzarella, you’re getting nearly 30 grams of protein per serving.
• Great for Busy Nights: No rising or kneading marathons—this is weeknight-friendly magic.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or keep it simple. It works either way.

Taste & Texture

The crust is soft and slightly chewy on the inside with a crisp golden edge. The cottage cheese brings a gentle tang that pairs beautifully with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. The olives add a briny pop, the cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, and the fresh basil ties everything together with an herbaceous note.

Dietary Attributes

This recipe is high-protein and can easily be adapted to suit various dietary preferences. Want to make it vegetarian? Just skip the meat toppings. Need to go gluten-free? Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for rolling)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 ounces tomato sauce
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup sliced olives (green, black, or both)
• ¼ cup sliced cherry tomatoes
• 10 fresh basil leaves

Notes on Quality

For best results, use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer, more tender dough. Pre-shredded mozzarella works well, but freshly shredded will melt more smoothly. When possible, go for ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes—they add natural sweetness and brightness to each bite.

Possible Substitutions

• Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this gluten-free.
• Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes with a pinch of salt and oregano also work great.
• Cheese: Try a blend of mozzarella and provolone for added depth.
• Olives: Capers, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts can be used instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, flour, salt, and garlic powder. Stir until the flour coats the cheese, then knead by hand until a smooth dough forms. If it’s sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
3. Roll it out: On a floured surface, roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to your prepared sheet pan and roll the edges up slightly to form a crust.
4. Par-bake the crust: Bake for 10 minutes until it starts to firm up.
5. Add toppings: Spread the tomato sauce evenly, leaving a ½ inch edge. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top. Add mozzarella, olives, cherry tomatoes, and half of the basil leaves.
6. Bake again: Return to the oven for 10–15 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is lightly golden.
7. Finish and serve: Top with remaining fresh basil and let rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Use full-fat cottage cheese for a sturdier, more flavorful dough.
• Don’t overwork the dough. Stop kneading as soon as it holds together.
• Preheat your baking sheet for an even crispier crust.

Common Mistakes

• Sticky Dough: Add more flour a little at a time if it’s sticking too much.
• Undercooked Crust: Be sure to par-bake it to avoid a soggy bottom.
• Overloading Toppings: Stick to 2–3 main toppings to avoid weighing down the crust.

Time-Saving Tips

• Make the dough in advance and keep it wrapped in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
• Use pre-sliced olives and cherry tomatoes to cut down prep time.
• Bake on parchment for easy cleanup.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
• Garlic green beans or sautéed zucchini make tasty sides.
• Want a full protein-packed spread? Pair with this Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry—a reader favorite!

Presentation Ideas

Serve it on a wooden pizza board or rustic cutting board with scattered fresh basil and a small bowl of chili oil or balsamic glaze for drizzling.

Beverage Pairings

• A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the tangy cheese and fresh basil.
• For non-alcoholic, try a citrusy sparkling water or iced green tea with lemon.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Wrap cooled slices in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices between parchment layers and store in a freezer bag for up to a month.

Reheating Methods

• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F for 3–5 minutes.
• Microwave: Use in a pinch, but the crust may soften. Try placing a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
You can try, but it will change the texture. Greek yogurt is more liquid, so you’ll need more flour and the dough may not be as sturdy.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just divide the dough between two pans or make one extra-large pizza.

Troubleshooting

My crust is too soft—what went wrong?
Make sure you par-baked the crust before adding sauce. Also, avoid heavy toppings that release a lot of moisture.

Why is my dough sticky?
Cottage cheese brands vary in moisture. Simply add more flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough is workable.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly.
• Low-Sodium: Choose low-sodium tomato sauce and reduce or omit salt.

Flavor Twists

• Add a drizzle of pesto instead of tomato sauce for a basil-forward spin.
• Try topping with cooked crumbled sausage or pepperoni for meat lovers.
• Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• In summer, try fresh heirloom tomatoes and a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese.
• During the holidays, add caramelized onions, roasted butternut squash, and a touch of sage for a cozy twist.

Conclusion

This Cottage Cheese Pizza is the perfect example of how a few simple, wholesome ingredients can turn into something truly satisfying and delicious. It’s weeknight-friendly, high in protein, and endlessly adaptable—plus, it gives you that comfort-food feeling without any guilt.

Whether you’re cooking solo, feeding your family, or hosting a fun Friday pizza night, this recipe’s going to become a staple. If you try it, don’t forget to leave a comment below—I love hearing how it turns out!

Looking for more quick, creative dinners? Check out these reader-loved recipes:

• Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry
• Sheet Pan Gnocchi
• Creamy Chicken Marsala

And don’t forget to follow along for more recipes and kitchen tips over on Pinterest!

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