This Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust is a game-changer for pizza lovers looking for a lighter, protein-packed option! With a simple blend of ingredients, you can create a delicious crust that’s surprisingly easy to make. Trust me, you’ll love the unique texture and flavor this cottage cheese crust brings to your pizza night!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High Protein: Cottage cheese adds a significant protein boost.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile: Works with both regular and gluten-free flour.
- Lighter Option: A great alternative to traditional pizza crust.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour/Gluten-Free Flour (Plus More for Dusting): Provides the base for the crust.
- Baking Powder: Helps the crust rise.
- Cottage Cheese: Adds protein and moisture.
- Marinara Sauce: Forms the base for toppings.
- Cheese: Adds classic pizza flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
Step 2: Add Cottage Cheese
Add cottage cheese and stir with a spatula, then mix with your hands until a dough forms. Knead about 20 times.
Step 3: Rest the Dough
Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 450°F.
Step 4: Roll and Shape
Place the dough on a floured surface and roll into a thin pizza shape.
Step 5: Bake the Crust
Roll the crust onto a rolling pin, transfer to a baking sheet, and unroll. Bake for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake
Top with marinara sauce, toppings, and cheese. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from oven, cut into slices, and serve.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- For gluten-free, roll the dough on parchment paper to prevent breaking.
- Roll the crust as thin as possible for a crispy texture.
- Don’t over-bake; gluten-free crusts cook faster.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
- Top with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Serve hot and fresh from the oven.
- Enjoy as a lighter alternative to traditional pizza.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers tightly wrapped for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or microwave.
Freezing
Freeze the dough wrapped in plastic wrap and a resealable bag. Thaw before baking. You can also freeze pre-baked crusts.
FAQs
1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well and reduces the fat content.
2. Can I add herbs to the crust?
Absolutely! Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or other herbs for extra flavor.
3. How do I prevent the crust from sticking?
Use plenty of flour on your rolling surface and rolling pin.
4. Can I make this crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.
This Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy pizza night! Simple to prepare, packed with protein, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, healthy eating, or a fun twist on your favorite comfort food. Enjoy the light, flavorful crust with every satisfying bite!
PrintCottage Cheese Pizza Crust Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust is a low-carb, high-protein alternative to traditional pizza crust, perfect for those looking for a healthier option. Made with cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder, this crust is easy to prepare and surprisingly versatile. Top it with your favorite sauce, cheese, and toppings for a delicious and guilt-free pizza night!
Ingredients
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, add the flour and baking powder.
- Whisk well to combine.
- Add Cottage Cheese:
- Add the cottage cheese to the bowl.
- Stir with a spatula to combine, then proceed to mix with your hands until a ball of dough forms.
- Knead the dough about 20 times. The dough should be not sticky but not dry.
- Rest Dough:
- Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Prepare Baking Surface:
- Place dough on a floured surface.
- Roll Out Crust:
- Roll the dough into a pizza shape with a rolling pin as thin as possible, while still fitting on your baking surface.
- Roll the crust onto a rolling pin.
- Transfer to Baking Sheet:
- Transfer the crust onto a baking sheet or pizza stone and unroll.
- Bake Crust:
- Bake the pizza crust for 5 minutes.
- Add Toppings:
- Top with marinara sauce, your favorite toppings, and cheese.
- Bake Again:
- Bake for another 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Gluten-free crust will require less baking time.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven, cut into 8 slices, and serve.
Notes
- Store: Store leftover pizza tightly wrapped in plastic in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or microwave.
- Freeze:
- Dough: Freeze the dough wrapped in a few layers of plastic wrap and placed in a resealable bag. Thaw on the counter for a few hours or in the fridge overnight and then bake as per recipe.
- Pre-Baked Crust: You can also freeze a pre-baked pizza crust (baked for 5 minutes). Thaw, add toppings, and bake as per recipe.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Because gluten-free flour doesn’t contain gluten, it isn’t stretchy, and your crust will break during moving. Place a ball of dough onto parchment paper, roll into a crust, and transfer by holding onto the flaps of paper onto a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- For a crispier crust, you can brush it with olive oil before baking.
- Use part-skim cottage cheese for a lower-fat option.
- Add herbs or spices to the dough for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crust
- Calories: 150kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg