Looking for a healthier pizza night option? This high-protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust is easy to make and absolutely delicious. With just a few ingredients and tons of topping options, it's a weeknight winner!
This high-protein pizza crust is proof that pizza night can be both healthy and delicious. It’s a great recipe for meal prep, family dinners, or impressing guests with something a little different. My kids loved it and had no clue it was made with cottage cheese mixed in.
If you are on the hunt for more easy, healthy pizza recipe ideas, then you must try my Easy Crispy Cauliflower Pizza Crust, and my BLT Naan Pizza is a fan favorite in my house!
Table of contents
Ingredients to make cottage cheese pizza crust
Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make this delicious, crispy cottage cheese pizza crust.
For the crust -
- cottage cheese - Full-fat (4%) small curd cottage cheese because I find it blends smoother and holds up better when baked.
- flour - I usually use whole wheat because it's best for hearty pizza toppings.
- baking powder - helps the dough rise and creates air pockets to keep the dough fluffy.
- salt - helps enhance the flavor of the crust.
- olive oil - makes the crust softer and more tender, especially helpful when working with high-protein ingredients like cottage cheese. It adds a bit of richness and prevents the crust from becoming too dry or chewy.
How to make cottage cheese pizza crust
Step-by-step directions on how to make a cottage cheese pizza crust!
Step 1 - Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place cottage cheese in a blender and blend until smooth.
Step 2 - In a large mixing bowl, add blended cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, and salt. This is how you will make the dough. It will become sticky and crumbly. I ended up using my hands to continue making it stick together.
Step 3 - Make a ball with the dough using your hands.
Step 4 - To form the crust, place a piece of parchment paper on a pizza pan. Place the ball on the pan and press down to make a circle. The pizza will be about 12 inches in diameter. Press down to make it as thin as possible and brush with olive oil.
Step 5 - Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and add desired toppings and bake for another 5 minutes. Finally, broil for 2-3 minutes until the crust gets golden brown.
Pizza topping ideas
There are a plethora of pizza toppings that you can add to your delicious, healthy cottage cheese pizza crust. Here are some of my favorites.
Classic Toppings -
- Margherita Style - Tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Pepperoni & Mushroom - Tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, turkey pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms.
- Veggie Supreme - Bell peppers, onions, olives, tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella.
High-Protein Combos -
- Buffalo Chicken - Shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, mozzarella, and red onion. Drizzle with ranch or blue cheese.
- BBQ Chicken - BBQ sauce, grilled chicken, red onion, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
- Breakfast Pizza - Scrambled eggs, turkey sausage or bacon bits, spinach, and cheddar or feta.
Substitutions
Whole Wheat Flour - you substitute whole wheat flour for oat flour for added protein, almond flour for a crispier crust, or all-purpose flour.
Tips and FAQ's
Use full-fat or low-fat small curd cottage cheese for the best texture. Blending it helps create a smooth dough, but some prefer leaving it slightly chunky for a rustic look.
Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free flour for a gluten-free pizza crust alternative or almond flour instead of regular flour. Keep in mind that this might slightly change the texture and firmness.
Yes! You can make and pre-bake the crust, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use. Add toppings and reheat when ready to eat.
Let the pizza cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap or put in an air-tight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
More Healthy Pizza Ideas you NEED to try
If you give this recipe a try don't forget to rate the recipe below! I always love hearing what you all think. You can also Stay in touch with me through social media on @Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my healthy recipes!
Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
Equipment
- 1 pizza pan
- parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup flour a little extra for dusting
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1 - Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place cottage cheese in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Step 2 - In a large mixing bowl, add blended cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, and salt. This is how you will make the dough. It will become sticky and crumbly. I ended up using my hands to continue making it stick together.
- Step 3 - Make a ball with the dough using your hands.
- Step 4 - To form the crust, place a piece of parchment paper on a pizza pan. Place the ball on the pan and press down to make a circle. The pizza will be about 12 inches in diameter. Press down to make it as thin as you can. Brush with olive oil.
- Step 5 - Bake for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and add desired toppings and bake for another 5 minutes. Finally, broil for 2-3 minutes until the crust gets golden brown.
Notes
- Blend the cottage cheese in the blender and add ingredients to the bowl.
- Sprinkle cheese or toppings once the crust is ready
- Press the dough into a pan with clean hands (they’ll love this part!)
Nutrition
Jillian is the creator of Jillian's Healthful Eats. She is the one who cooks all the meals, develops all the recipes, takes all the photographs, and washes all the dishes! She is a very busy wife and mother of 4 who enjoys cooking with her children and instilling in them her love for health and nutrition!
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