This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza is a fresh take on everyone’s favorite comfort food. Using cottage cheese as a key ingredient makes it creamy and packed with protein, while the crispy crust and melty cheese topping bring all the classic pizza vibes without the extra heaviness.
I love this recipe because it feels light but still keeps me full for hours. The cottage cheese adds a nice tang and smooth texture that pairs wonderfully with your favorite pizza toppings. It’s a great way to enjoy a slice or two without feeling guilty, and it’s super easy to whip up when you want something quick and satisfying.
My favorite way to serve it is with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil right before eating. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or even for sharing with friends over a casual movie night. Honestly, this pizza quickly became a staple in my kitchen whenever I’m craving something cheesy and comforting but still want to stick to my nutrition goals.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the crust, adding moisture and protein. Use low-fat or full-fat based on your preference. If you don’t like lumps, blend it well or swap for ricotta cheese for a smoother texture.
Almond Flour: It gives the crust structure while keeping it gluten-free. If you can’t find almond flour, finely ground oats or coconut flour can work but adjust the amount as they absorb moisture differently.
Mozzarella and Parmesan: Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving the classic gooey pizza feel. Parmesan adds a nutty depth. Feel free to use part-skim cheese for less fat or substitute Parmesan with Pecorino for a sharper taste.
Eggs: Eggs bind the crust ingredients together, making it sturdy enough to hold toppings. For an egg-free option, try a flax egg, but the crust might be less firm.
Pizza Sauce and Toppings: Use your favorite tomato sauce—homemade or store-bought with low sugar is best. Pepperoni adds flavor and protein, but swap with veggies or cooked chicken for different tastes.
How Can I Get a Crisp and Firm Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust?
Cottage cheese crust can be moist, so getting it crispy requires some care:
- Preheat the oven well and bake the crust alone first (without sauce) for 12-15 minutes. This helps it set and dry out slightly.
- Press the mixture evenly and firmly in the pan to compact the crust; avoid lumps which can cause sogginess.
- Use an oven-safe skillet or pizza pan that holds heat well, so the crust cooks from the bottom up.
- After adding toppings, bake again but keep an eye on it so cheese melts without over-softening the crust.
- Let the pizza cool briefly after baking; this helps the crust firm up further before cutting.
Following these tips will give you a crust with a nice texture that holds your toppings without falling apart. I find using a food processor to blend the cottage cheese helps create a smoother batter, which bakes more evenly and crisps better. Enjoy your homemade protein-packed pizza!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9- or 10-inch oven-safe skillet or pizza pan – I like it because it heats evenly and makes the crust easy to slide onto a plate.
- Mixing bowls – for combining all the dough ingredients smoothly.
- Hand blender or food processor – helps blend the cottage cheese until creamy, which improves the crust’s texture.
- Spatula or spoon – to spread and press the crust mixture into the pan.
- Oven mitts – for safe handling when transferring hot pans in and out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Skip pepperoni and add cooked chicken, sautéed veggies, or ham for a different protein boost.
- Switch Parmesan for feta or goat cheese to alter the flavor profile.
- Mix in fresh herbs like basil or oregano into the crust for extra aroma and flavor.
- Use a spicy sauce or add a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for a little heat.
High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably low-fat)
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or other favorite toppings
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil spray or a little olive oil for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, making a total of around 40 minutes from start to finish. This includes baking the protein-rich crust first and then melting the cheese and toppings, so you get a perfectly cooked pizza.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9- or 10-inch oven-safe skillet or pizza pan with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and help crisp the crust.
2. Make the Protein-Packed Crust:
In a large bowl, mix together cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use a hand blender or food processor to blend everything until you have a thick, dough-like batter.
3. Form and Bake the Crust:
Transfer the batter into your prepared skillet or pizza pan, spreading it out evenly and pressing it down with a spatula to form a smooth crust. Bake this crust in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are golden and firm to the touch.
4. Add Sauce, Cheese, and Toppings:
Remove the crust from the oven. Evenly spread the pizza sauce over the crust’s surface. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, then add your pepperoni or other favorite toppings.
5. Bake Until Cheesy and Delicious:
Return the pizza to the oven for another 8 to 10 minutes, baking until the cheese melts fully, becomes bubbly, and the toppings are heated through (the pepperoni may crisp slightly).
6. Garnish and Serve:
Take the pizza out of the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or dried Italian herbs if you like. Slice into pieces and enjoy your high-protein, cheesy cottage cheese pizza while warm!
Can I Use Frozen Cottage Cheese for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cottage cheese, but make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge and drain any excess liquid before blending. This helps prevent a soggy crust.
What Can I Substitute for Almond Flour?
If you don’t have almond flour, finely ground oats or coconut flour can work as alternatives. Just note that coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you might need to reduce the amount slightly and adjust the eggs to get the right consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Cottage Cheese Pizza?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to keep the crust crispy, rather than microwaving, which can make it soggy.
Can I Make This Pizza Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the crust in advance, then add sauce and toppings before baking again when ready to serve. The crust can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before topping.