Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust – Let me set the scene. It’s Friday night, and I’m craving pizza—big time. But then I remember the tub of cottage cheese sitting in my fridge, glaring at me every time I open the door. You know that feeling when you buy something with good intentions but then avoid it because you’re not quite sure what to do with it? Yep, that was me.
So I thought, What if I turn this into a pizza crust? It felt like a crazy idea, but hey, pizza is all about experimenting, right? My first attempt? Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly Instagram-worthy (think floppy and way too cheesy). But after tweaking the recipe, I ended up with a crust that’s thin, crispy, and so easy to make it’s almost laughable.
Now, this Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust has become my secret weapon for guilt-free pizza nights. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent but actually fits into all those “healthy” boxes I keep trying to tick. Plus, it’s versatile enough to work with whatever toppings I’ve got on hand—which is basically a win for my lazy-but-craving-something-delicious vibes.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust Recipe?
If you’re like me and love pizza but don’t always want to deal with carb overload, this recipe is it.
- Low-Carb Goodness: With only 3 net carbs per serving, you can have your pizza and eat it too.
- High Protein: Cottage cheese and eggs pack a serious protein punch, making this crust surprisingly filling.
- Quick and Easy: Five minutes of prep and no kneading? Sign me up.
- Customizable: Whether you’re a pepperoni fan or into veggie-loaded pies, this crust is the perfect canvas.
- Crispy and Thin: It bakes up golden and crisp around the edges while staying sturdy enough to hold your toppings.
Ingredient Notes:
Every ingredient in this recipe does its part. Let’s take a closer look:
- Cottage Cheese: The MVP of this crust. It adds a slight tang, keeps it moist, and delivers a healthy dose of protein. Plus, it’s way more versatile than people give it credit for.
- Eggs: These hold everything together. Without them, you’d just have baked cheese soup.
- Garlic Powder: A little savory kick that makes the crust feel like it came from a pizzeria.
- Italian Seasoning: The blend of herbs brings out that classic pizza flavor we all know and love.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple, but they make a huge difference. Don’t skip them!
Pro Tip: If you like your crust extra cheesy, sprinkle a bit of Parmesan into the batter. It adds even more flavor and helps with crispiness.
How To Make Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust?
This Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust is so simple, even a pizza rookie can nail it. Here’s how:
- Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this step is key to keeping the crust from sticking. - Mix the Ingredients:
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the cottage cheese and eggs until smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The mixture will be liquidy—that’s totally fine. - Shape the Crust:
Pour the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Use a spatula to spread it into a circle or rectangle, about ¼ inch thick. Don’t stress about getting it perfect—rustic shapes add charm (or at least that’s what I tell myself). - Bake the Crust:
Place the pan on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be golden, and the crust should feel firm to the touch. - Add Toppings and Finish Baking:
Let the crust cool for 5-10 minutes before adding your favorite toppings. Then, return it to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are crispy. - Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the pizza sit for about 10 minutes before slicing. This gives the crust time to firm up even more—trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Storage Options:
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep them just as tasty:
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- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on a skillet to bring back the crispiness.
- Freeze: You can bake the crust ahead of time and freeze it without toppings. When ready to use, add toppings and bake directly from frozen.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas to make this recipe your own:
- Extra Herbs: Add fresh basil or oregano to the batter for a flavor boost.
- Cheese Upgrade: Mix shredded Parmesan or mozzarella into the crust mixture for extra cheesiness.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based cottage cheese and an egg substitute. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
- Low-Sodium: Skip the added salt and use a salt-free Italian seasoning blend.
What to Serve with Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust?
This pizza crust is great on its own, but it shines even brighter with some tasty sides:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette pair perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus are great options.
- Tomato Soup: The ultimate comfort food combo.
- Garlic Bread: Because who says you can’t double up on carbs every now and then?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that full-fat cottage cheese gives the crust a slightly richer texture and flavor.
Can I make this crust ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the crust, let it cool, and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to add toppings.
Can I use this crust for other dishes?
Definitely! It works great as a flatbread or even as a base for breakfast pizzas.
So, are you ready to give this Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust a try? It’s crispy, cheesy, and so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. I’d love to hear how it turns out—drop a comment below or share your favorite toppings. Let’s make pizza night even better!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese 2%-4% fat recommended
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
Prepare the Mixture:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and eggs until smooth and well combined. Add the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and mix thoroughly.
Shape the Crust:
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a spatula, evenly spread it into a circular or rectangular shape, approximately ¼ inch thick. Aim for an even layer to ensure consistent baking.
Bake the Crust:
- Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and firm to the touch.
Add Toppings and Finish Baking:
- Allow the crust to cool for 5-10 minutes before adding your preferred pizza toppings. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the toppings are heated and the cheese is melted.
Cool and Serve:
- Once out of the oven, let the pizza cool for 10 minutes to allow the crust to set further. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!