Cottage cheese crust pizza may sound like a modern trick, but a wise Nonna knows that tradition sometimes wears new shoes.
I remember the first time I made this for my grandchildren on a rainy Tuesday. I had no yeast, no time, and three hungry little faces at my kitchen table. So I reached for the cottage cheese, cracked a few eggs, and let instinct guide my hands. What came out was golden, firm, and deeply satisfying a crust that honored our heritage, even if it started in a mixing bowl instead of a dough hook.
This Cottage Cheese Crust Pizza is rich in protein, light on carbs, and full of flavor. It’s an easy, nourishing alternative that brings the joy of pizza to your table without the wait.
Shall we move on to why you’ll love it?
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Cottage Cheese Crust Pizza: A Comforting, Remarkable Italian Twist
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
Description
A high-protein, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. Made with a savory cottage cheese crust, this simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lighter meals.
Ingredients
For the High-Protein Crust:
Cottage Cheese – 1 cup, small curd
Eggs – 2 large
Flour – 1/4 cup (all-purpose, whole wheat, or GF 1-to-1)
Onion Powder – 1 tsp
Garlic Powder – 1 tsp
Dried Oregano – 1/2 tsp
Black Pepper – to taste (optional)
For the Toppings:
Pizza Sauce – 1/2 cup
Shredded Cheese – 3/4 cup (mozzarella or low-fat blend)
Turkey Pepperoni – 2 ounces
Grated Parmesan – 1 tbsp (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, eggs, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture onto the prepared pan. Spread evenly into a 1/4-inch thick circle or rectangle.
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and dry to the touch.
5. Let the crust rest for 1–2 minutes before topping.
6. Spread sauce over the crust, sprinkle cheese, and layer turkey pepperoni.
7. Bake again for 5–7 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.
8. Garnish with grated Parmesan, let cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Notes
Use full-fat cottage cheese for a crispier crust.
Flour substitutions: oat flour, almond flour, or GF blend.
Don’t overload with toppings—this is a thin-style crust.
Pairs well with chopped Italian salad or Caprese.
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350°F.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Traditional Pizza Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/3 pizza
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Crust Pizza, high-protein pizza, low carb pizza crust, gluten-free pizza
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Crust Pizza
This Cottage Cheese Crust Pizza is a beautiful marriage of tradition and simplicity. Whether you’re making it for your famiglia or just yourself, here’s why it will become a cherished recipe in your kitchen:
- Packed with Protein
The crust is built on cottage cheese and eggs making it filling, satisfying, and perfect for those who want a lighter, nourishing meal. - Quick and Easy
No yeast, no kneading, no rising. Just mix, bake, and enjoy. Even Nonna approves of skipping a step when it still tastes like love. - Customizable and Family-Friendly
Add your favorite toppings classic or creative. From pepperoni to roasted veggies, it’s a crust that welcomes them all. - Surprisingly Delicious
The crust bakes golden and firm, with just the right savory flavor. Don’t worry it won’t taste overly of cottage cheese. Even the skeptics at my table asked for seconds.
Ingredients Needed for Cottage Cheese Crust Pizza
For the High-Protein Crust:
- Cottage Cheese – 1 cup, small curd
Either low-fat or full-fat works well, but full-fat gives a slightly crispier edge. - Eggs – 2 large
They bind the crust together and add richness. - Flour – 1/4 cup of your choice
All-purpose, whole wheat, or a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend all work beautifully. - Onion Powder – 1 teaspoon
Adds depth without overpowering. - Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon
Essential for that savory, pizza-like flavor. - Dried Oregano – 1/2 teaspoon
A classic Italian note no pizza should be without. - Black Pepper – to taste (optional)
A little kick, if you like it.
For the Toppings:
- Pizza Sauce – 1/2 cup
Homemade or your favorite jarred marinara. - Shredded Cheese – 3/4 cup
Mozzarella or a low-fat pizza blend works beautifully. - Turkey Pepperoni – 2 ounces
Lighter than traditional, but still full of flavor. - Grated Parmesan – 1 tablespoon (optional)
For garnish and a salty finish.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Crust Pizza
- Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper don’t skip this step, it prevents sticking and helps crisp the crust. - Mix the Crust Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano.
Add black pepper if you like. Stir everything with a spatula until smooth. No blender needed just a bit of arm and heart. - Form the Crust
Pour the batter onto the center of your prepared baking sheet.
Use the back of a spoon or spatula to spread it into a round or rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Keep the layer even so it bakes uniformly. - First Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is firm, dry to the touch, and golden around the edges.
It should lift easily from the paper this tells you it’s ready. - Let It Rest
Remove from the oven and let it cool on the pan for 1–2 minutes.
This gives the crust time to settle and prevents sogginess. - Add the Toppings
Spread your sauce gently over the crust, leaving a small border.
Sprinkle on the shredded cheese, then layer the turkey pepperoni slices. - Final Bake
Return the pizza to the oven for another 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Watch for those golden spots that’s how you know it’s perfect. - Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Let cool for a minute or two, slice it up, and serve with a smile.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
Pair your cottage cheese crust pizza with a simple side for a well-rounded Italian meal. Lucia recommends:
- A classic chopped Italian salad with red wine vinaigrette
- Fresh tomato and mozzarella with basil (Caprese-style)
- Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Let slices cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
Reheating:
- For best results, reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through and crisp on the edges.
- Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that golden crust texture.
Helpful Notes
For an Extra Crispy Crust:
- Spread the batter thin and evenly no thick patches.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for less moisture and more browning.
- Let the crust cool slightly before topping to avoid sogginess.
Flour Substitutions:
- Oat flour gives a hearty, nutty texture but will be softer.
- Almond flour is lower in carbs but more delicate handle gently.
- Gluten-free blends work well but may yield a chewier finish.
Don’t Overload the Toppings:
- This is a thin, protein-based crust go light on sauce and cheese.
- Think balance, not abundance: a little goes a long way in flavor and structure.
Lucia’s Tip:
If you have leftover crust without toppings, slice it into strips and toast them in the oven. Serve with marinara as high-protein dipping sticks a favorite with her youngest grandchild.
Cottage Cheese Crust Pizza: Surprising Answers to Common Questions
Can I use cottage cheese to make pizza?
Yes, absolutely. Cottage cheese is a fantastic base for a high-protein, low-carb pizza crust. When mixed with eggs and a touch of flour, it bakes into a firm, savory foundation that holds toppings beautifully. It’s a smart way to enjoy pizza without traditional dough.
How to make cottage cheese pizza crust without flour?
It’s possible and keto-friendly. Just omit the flour from the recipe. The result will be much softer and more delicatemore of a fork-and-knife experience than a hand-held slice. Perfect for low-carb diets, but take care when adding toppings.
What is the healthiest crust for pizza?
That depends on your goals. This cottage cheese crust is among the healthiest thanks to its high protein and lower carb content. It’s especially good for anyone watching gluten or refined flours. Other healthy options include cauliflower or zucchini-based crusts, but this one has the most satisfying bite.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of mozzarella?
Not as a topping. In this recipe, cottage cheese forms the crust, not the melty topping. While mozzarella is classic for that gooey finish, cottage cheese doesn’t melt the same way. It’s best used here as the base, not the topping.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a pizza night that’s lighter on the waistline but still rich in comfort, this Cottage Cheese Crust Pizza delivers with heart. It’s high in protein, quick to prepare, and flexible enough to please even the pickiest eaters at your table. For Nonna Lucia, it’s proof that tradition can evolve without losing its soul.
Craving a more classic version next time? Explore our Homemade Margherita Pizza for an old-world favorite, or deepen your skills with our Guide to Authentic Pizza Dough. Curious how sauces differ? We explain it all in our Marinara vs. Pizza Sauce comparison.
And if you make this recipe, don’t forget to tag us on Pinterest we’d love to see your take and hear which toppings made it to your table.
Now go feed someone you love and save a little for yourself, too.
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- Easy Homemade White Pizza Recipe For Dinner - September 6, 2025
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