High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza is a fun twist on a classic favorite, packed with creamy cottage cheese that adds a delicious boost of protein. Instead of the usual cheese, this pizza features cottage cheese as the star, giving you a light and fluffy texture that’s a bit different but just as tasty. Topped with your favorite sauce and fresh veggies or meats, it’s a simple and satisfying meal that feels a little special.
I love making this pizza when I want something filling but not too heavy. Using cottage cheese not only makes it healthier, but it also keeps the pizza nice and moist without the greasy feel. I usually spread the cottage cheese over a whole wheat crust and sprinkle on some herbs like oregano or basil to give it a nice kick. It’s such an easy way to sneak in more protein during the day!
My favorite way to enjoy it is fresh out of the oven with a side salad. It makes a perfect lunch or dinner when you want a comforting meal without the extra calories. Plus, it’s great for anyone trying to add more protein into their diet without giving up the foods they love. This pizza always surprises people, and I find myself coming back to it again and again because it’s simple, tasty, and just the right amount of cheesy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the main ingredient that adds protein and creaminess. If you don’t have cottage cheese, ricotta cheese can be a good substitute. For a dairy-free option, try mashed tofu.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the crust together. If you want an egg-free recipe, use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) instead.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully for that classic pizza feel. You could swap it for provolone, fontina, or a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Cauliflower Rice: This is optional but adds fiber and helps make the crust less wet. You can skip it or substitute with finely grated zucchini, just squeeze out excess water.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade tomato sauce. If you want a different taste, pesto or a garlic olive oil brush works well too.
How Do I Make a Cottage Cheese Crust That Holds Together Well?
The most important step is getting a smooth crust mixture. Here’s how:
- Blend the cottage cheese until creamy to avoid lumps.
- Mix in eggs well; they act as glue.
- If using cauliflower or zucchini, make sure to squeeze out all moisture.
- Spread the crust evenly and thinly onto parchment paper for even baking.
- Bake the crust before adding toppings to firm it up.
These steps help prevent a soggy crust and give you a nice, crispy base that can hold all your toppings.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl – I use this to combine all the ingredients easily.
- Blender or food processor – blends the cottage cheese smoothly for the crust.
- Baking sheet or pizza pan – provides a flat surface to shape and bake the pizza crust.
- Parchment paper – helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons – keeps everything accurate, making the recipe turn out just right.
- Oven – essential for baking the crust and melting the toppings.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack or cheddar for a sharper, spicy flavor.
- Add cooked chicken strips, turkey, or ham for extra protein and richness.
- Mix in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added texture and nutrients.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a flavor boost.
High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (preferably low-fat or non-fat)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup cauliflower rice (optional for extra protein and crust texture)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Other:
- Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10-15 minutes of preparation time and about 20-25 minutes of baking time. So in about 35-40 minutes total, you’ll have a tasty, protein-packed pizza ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Surface:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Make the Crust Mixture:
In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy — this makes for a better crust texture. Then, in a large bowl, mix the blended cottage cheese with eggs, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If using cauliflower rice, fold it in now to add extra fiber and help with the crust’s firmness.
3. Shape and Bake the Crust:
Spread the crust mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a circle about 8-10 inches wide and around ¼ inch thick. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crust feels firm.
4. Add Toppings and Finish Baking:
Take the crust out of the oven and spread the pizza sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella on top, then add the sliced cherry tomatoes. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pizza from the oven, add fresh basil leaves for a lovely aroma and extra flavor, and let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes. Slice it up and enjoy your healthy, high-protein cottage cheese pizza!
Can I Use Frozen Cottage Cheese for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh cottage cheese for a smoother crust. If you only have frozen, thaw it completely in the fridge and drain any excess liquid before blending to avoid a watery crust.
How Can I Make This Pizza Crust Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t use any flour. Just make sure your pizza sauce and any added toppings don’t contain gluten.
Can I Prepare the Crust Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can mix and bake the crust in advance, then refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready, add toppings and finish baking as directed.
What Are Some Good Toppings for Cottage Cheese Pizza?
Fresh veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers go great. You can also add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein. Just avoid very watery toppings to keep the crust firm.