Name: High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese; 1 cup self-rising flour (plus more as needed for dusting); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 cup pizza sauce; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

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This High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza features an easy two-ingredient crust that’s crisp on the outside, tender inside, and packed with 24 grams of protein per serving. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying high-protein dinner you can customize with your favorite pizza toppings.

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Ever since my husband got more serious about hitting the gym, I’ve been on a mission to make our favorite meals a little more protein-packed. There’s nothing wrong with protein shakes and tofu, but after a while, you start craving something different. That’s why I’ve been experimenting with simple ways to work more protein into foods we already love.

One of my favorite tricks so far has been cottage cheese. It’s affordable, packed with protein, and surprisingly versatile. I’ve blended it into sauces, mixed it into baked goods, and even used it to make pizza dough! The first time I told my husband I was making pizza with cottage cheese, he was a little skeptical…okay, very skeptical. But just one bite of that chewy, cheesy crust and boom! He was sold.

This high-protein cottage cheese pizza has all the things you want in a homemade pizza, but with a protein-packed twist. Made with a handful of simple ingredients — including just two main ingredients in the crust itself! — it’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy pizza while sneaking some extra protein into your diet.

Best of all, it’s completely customizable. Slather on your favorite sauce, load it up with all the fixings (I’m all about olives and peppers), and get ready to dig in!

Why you’ll love this High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza

It’s packed with protein for a more satisfying slice.
It’s made with just a handful of simple ingredients.
It takes just 30 minutes to make, from start to finish.
There’s no yeast or rising time required.
It’s family-friendly and picky eater-approved.

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza ingredients

Cottage cheese is blended until smooth to create a protein-rich dough base for the pizza. I prefer low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese for a lighter crust, but any type will work!
Self-rising flour provides structure and helps the crust rise as it bakes. Check out the ingredient substitutions below for a DIY alternative if you don’t have self-rising flour on hand.
Garlic powder and Italian seasoning give the crust a classic pizza flavor.
Pizza sauce creates a flavorful base for the cheese and toppings. I buy a premade pizza sauce to save time, but you can also whip up your own at home if you’re feeling ambitious.
Mozzarella cheese is, of course, a must for any good pizza — it adds a melty, cheesy finish to each slice!
Olive oil helps the crust brown and crisp up in the oven. Any neutral oil will work here.

How to serve this High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza

Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping the crust.
Pair with a Caesar salad for a classic pizza night combo.
Enjoy alongside roasted veggies for a quick fiber boost.
Add a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy contrast.

Substitutions & variations

Self-rising flour – If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, you can make your own! Simply whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/4 tsp salt and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder. You can also swap in whole-wheat flour or other flour varieties using the same ratio of baking powder and salt.
Spices – I like adding garlic powder and Italian seasoning to the dough for classic pizza flavor, but you can easily skip them if you prefer. You can also switch things up with dried oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, or your favorite seasoning blend.
Olive oil – Brushing the crust with olive oil helps it crisp and turn golden in the oven, but you can also use avocado oil, melted butter, or any neutral cooking oil as a substitute.

Quick recipe tips

Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth to create a more uniform dough and better crust texture.

Roll the dough thinner so it bakes up crispier, or keep it slightly thicker for a softer, chewier crust.

Load up your pizza with colorful veggies like peppers, mushrooms, onions, or spinach to add fiber, crunch, and flavor.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Blend cottage cheese: Blend until smooth and creamy for a uniform dough base.
Make dough: Mix blended cottage cheese with flour, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until a dough forms.

Shape crust: Roll or press dough into a thin crust on the prepared baking sheet.
Add oil: Brush olive oil evenly over the surface for crispiness and browning.
Pre-bake crust: Bake for 6-8 minutes until lightly set.

Add toppings: Spread pizza sauce and sprinkle mozzarella over the crust.
Finish baking: Bake 12-15 minutes more until golden and bubbly.
Slice and serve: Let rest a few minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Make ahead & storage

This High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza tastes best fresh from the oven, but you can prepare the crust ahead of time or save leftover slices for a quick meal!

Meal prep

Prepare the dough: Mix the dough up to 1 day in advance, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the pizza. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes if it feels too firm to shape.
Prebake the crust: Shape and bake the plain crust for 6-8 minutes, let it cool completely, and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add the sauce, cheese, and toppings before finishing it in the oven.
Prep the toppings: Chop any veggies and portion out the sauce and cheese up to 2 days ahead to make assembly quick and easy.

Storing leftovers

Fridge: Let leftover pizza cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm individual slices in an air fryer or a skillet over medium-low heat to help restore the crisp texture. You can also reheat them in a 375°F oven until warmed through.
Skip the microwave: The microwave works in a pinch, but it may make the cottage cheese crust a bit softer or chewier.

Freezing

Freeze individual slices: Let the pizza cool completely, then wrap each slice tightly and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat from frozen: Bake frozen slices at 375°F until hot and crisp, or thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQ

Yes, you can mash or whisk the cottage cheese as much as possible, though the texture will be slightly less smooth.

Yes! Just mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt as a substitute.

Absolutely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven maximum crispiness.

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More high-protein recipes

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza

This High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza features an easy homemade crust that's crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for piling on your favorite toppings.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 385kcal

Ingredients

1 cup low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese
1 cup self-rising flour plus more as needed for dusting
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.
Add the cottage cheese to a food processor and blend for 20-30 seconds, or until smooth and creamy.
Transfer the cottage cheese to a mixing bowl. Add the self-rising flour, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir until a dough forms.
On a lightly floured surface, gently knead the dough a few times if needed. Roll or press the dough into a thin pizza crust on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the olive oil evenly over the surface of the crust.
Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the crust is lightly set.
Remove from the oven and spread the pizza sauce over the crust. Top with mozzarella cheese and any additional toppings you like.
Return to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown.
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.