Craving pizza but trying to keep things healthy? This cottage cheese pizza crust recipe is a game-changer! You can enjoy all the pizza you want without the guilt, all while loading up on protein. This high-protein cottage cheese pizza is incredibly delicious and simple to make, becoming a regular staple in your kitchen. With approximately 40 grams of protein per serving, it’s a fantastic way to boost your protein intake. Made with minimal ingredients like cottage cheese, eggs, flour, and seasonings and topped with your favorite shredded cheese and toppings such as pepperoni, this pizza is a winner.
Cottage cheese is a go-to ingredient because it introduces a significant amount of protein without drastically changing the flavor. Whether you're following a keto diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's a quick rundown of what you need to create this amazing cottage cheese pizza crust:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, either low-fat or full-fat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup flour (all-purpose, oat, whole wheat, spelt, or coconut flour)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Optional: Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 3/4 cup low-fat shredded cheese (Pizza Blend or your favorite)
- 2 ounces turkey pepperoni (or any toppings of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan or chili flakes for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this cottage cheese pizza crust is easy. Here's how to do it:
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. This prevents the crust from sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of cottage cheese, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of your chosen flour, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. Add a bit of black pepper if desired.
- Mix Well: Use a spatula to stir until everything is fully combined. There's no need to blend the mixture; a smooth texture is all you need.
- Transfer and Spread: Transfer the cottage cheese mixture onto the prepared sheet pan. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the mixture into a circle, ensuring it's not too thin.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is slightly golden brown.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the crust from the oven and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Spread 1/2 cup of pizza sauce over the baked crust, then top with 3/4 cup of low-fat pizza cheese blend.
- Add Toppings: Add 2 ounces of turkey pepperoni or any other toppings you like.
- Bake Again: Bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan or chili flakes. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations
- Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese is recommended. Low-fat or full-fat options both work well. Avoid fat-free cottage cheese, as it doesn't perform as well in this recipe.
- Flour: You can use various flours like all-purpose, oat, whole wheat, or spelt. For a keto or low-carb version, coconut flour or almond flour can be used, but be aware that the texture will be softer and more moist. If using almond flour, the pizza crust will be softer and more moist.
- Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you're missing any, you can skip them, but they do add extra flavor. Be cautious with seasonings that contain a lot of salt.
- Cheese: Use low-fat shredded cheese. A pizza blend works great, but any of your favorites will do. Mozzarella and cheddar cheese are also great options.
- Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, onions, veggies, and more can be added. Just be mindful not to overload the crust, especially if you make it without flour.
- Low-Carb Option: For a really low-carb option, you can make the crust without flour. The texture will be softer and less sturdy.
- Cooling: After baking, let the crust sit for a minute or two before adding the pizza sauce. This allows the crust to settle and become more stable. Cool the crust almost completely after the initial baking, as it can be fragile when warm.
- Flaxseed Meal: For added fiber and omega fatty acids, consider adding ground flaxseed meal. If you can’t find flax meal, try subbing in with 1 tbsp more coconut flour.
Making Personal-Sized Crusts
This recipe can easily be adapted to make two personal-sized pizza crusts. Here’s how:
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Form the mixture into two balls.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet.
- Use your hands to flatten each ball into a thin disc, approximately the size of a personal pizza.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool on the pan for 5-10 minutes.
- Top with your favorite ingredients and return to the oven to bake for another 10 minutes, or until the toppings are done to your liking.
Additional Tips for Success
- Parchment Paper is Key: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also spray the parchment paper with cooking spray for extra insurance.
- Spread Evenly: When spreading the cottage cheese mixture, make sure to create an even layer. The thinner you spread it, the quicker it will cook, but it will also be less sturdy.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on the crust as it bakes and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Don't Skip Cooling Time: Allowing the crust to cool is crucial. It helps the crust set and prevents it from sticking to the parchment paper.
- Go Light on Toppings: Since this is a thin-crust pizza, avoid overloading it with too many toppings.
Serving Suggestions
This cottage cheese pizza crust is best eaten fresh. Serve it with a fresh salad, such as a kale salad or an Italian chopped salad, for a complete and balanced meal.
Storage Instructions
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Common Questions
- Is this cottage cheese pizza crust gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as written.
- Why is my pizza crust sticking to the pan? Ensure you use parchment paper and allow the crust to cool before attempting to remove it.
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese? While it might work, the texture and flavor won't be as good. The crust may turn out too flat and crumbly.
- Do I need to blend the cottage cheese first? No, blending is not necessary. Using cottage cheese in its original form adds more texture and structure to the crust.
- Can this pizza dough be made in advance? Yes, you can bake the crust without toppings, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before topping and baking.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for one personal-sized crust (no-flour version) is approximately:
- Calories: 163
- Carbohydrates: 14g (4g net carbs)
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 18g
Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and toppings used.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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