This recipe offers a guilt-free way to enjoy pizza, with the added benefit of protein-packed cottage cheese. It’s perfect for those following high-protein, low-fat, or low-carb diets, depending on how you customize it. The creamy texture of the cottage cheese blends beautifully with herbs, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, creating a balanced and flavorful pie. It’s quick, easy, and highly versatile.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Cottage cheese (small curd or whipped)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Pizza sauce or marinara
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper
Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, olives)
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
In a bowl, mix cottage cheese with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Optionally blend the cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
Remove the hot baking sheet or stone from the oven and place the dough on it.
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the crust, followed by spoonfuls or a layer of seasoned cottage cheese.
Add shredded mozzarella and your favorite toppings.
Drizzle with a little olive oil and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
Remove from oven and let rest for a couple of minutes. Top with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 medium pizza (about 8 slices), serving 2–4 people. Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
Low-carb version: Use a cauliflower or almond flour crust.
High-protein crust: Blend cottage cheese into a high-protein dough or use a cottage cheese flatbread base.
Vegan option: Use plant-based cottage cheese and cheese alternatives.
Meat lovers: Add turkey pepperoni, sausage, or grilled chicken.
Vegetarian: Pile on spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, and red onion.
Breakfast version: Add scrambled eggs with a cottage cheese base.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat slices in a skillet on medium heat for a crispier crust. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispiness of the crust.
FAQs
Can I use cottage cheese as a pizza sauce?
Yes, you can blend cottage cheese with herbs and garlic to create a creamy white sauce alternative.
Will the cottage cheese make the pizza soggy?
Not if you use small curd or whipped cottage cheese and avoid overloading the crust. Draining excess moisture helps too.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, cottage cheese adds a good amount of protein, making this pizza more balanced nutritionally.
Can I use non-fat cottage cheese?
Absolutely. Non-fat cottage cheese works well and lowers the fat content of the recipe.
Should I blend the cottage cheese?
That depends on texture preference. Blending gives a smoother, more spreadable base, while unblended provides a ricotta-like feel.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just use a gluten-free pizza crust or dough.
Is cottage cheese good for melting?
Cottage cheese doesn’t melt like mozzarella but turns creamy and soft when baked.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Yes, bake ahead and store slices in the fridge. Reheat as needed throughout the week.
What toppings go best with cottage cheese?
Veggies, lean meats, or even pesto work great. Think mushrooms, spinach, chicken, or roasted red peppers.
Can I use this idea for flatbreads or mini pizzas?
Definitely! Use naan, pita, or tortillas as a quick base for personal-sized cottage cheese pizzas.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Pizza is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy your favorite comfort food while packing in protein and keeping things light. It’s quick, customizable, and fits a variety of diets. Whether you’re looking for a healthier pizza night or a creative use of cottage cheese, this recipe delivers satisfying flavor and texture with every bite.
Cottage Cheese Pizza is a protein-packed, lighter take on traditional pizza. Featuring a creamy, seasoned cottage cheese layer, this customizable recipe delivers flavor and nutrition in every bite, perfect for a healthier homemade pizza night.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:1 medium pizza (about 8 slices)
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
1 ball pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup cottage cheese (small curd or whipped)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup pizza sauce or marinara
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Your favorite toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, olives)
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat.
On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.
In a small bowl, mix the cottage cheese with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Blend for a smoother texture if desired.
Carefully remove the hot baking sheet or stone from the oven and place the dough on top.
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough. Spoon or spread the seasoned cottage cheese evenly over the sauce.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top, followed by your favorite pizza toppings.
Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Blend cottage cheese for a smooth sauce-like consistency.Drain excess liquid from cottage cheese to prevent soggy crust.Use a cauliflower or almond flour crust for a low-carb version.Plant-based cheese and cottage cheese alternatives work for a vegan option.Try pita, naan, or tortillas for a quick flatbread version.Great for meal prep—store and reheat throughout the week.
