If you love pizza but want to try something a little different and delightfully satisfying, this Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It offers a wonderfully tender and slightly tangy crust that is surprisingly simple to whip up using cottage cheese, resulting in a wholesome base that perfectly holds all your favorite toppings. From its golden edges to the melty cheese on top, this recipe combines comfort with a special homemade twist that’s truly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is built on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and that perfect golden look we all crave on a pizza. From the creamy cottage cheese that keeps the crust moist and tender, to the sharpness of Parmesan that adds depth, every element comes together beautifully.
- Cottage cheese: The base of our crust, blended smooth to create a soft, pliable dough that’s packed with protein.
- Flour: Provides structure; plus a little extra for dusting to prevent sticking.
- Baking powder: The secret to a light, airy crust that isn’t dense.
- Coarse kosher salt: Adds flavor and brings out the natural sweetness in the cheese.
- Olive oil: Brushed on top to encourage browning and add rich flavor.
- Marinara sauce: Choose a quality sauce like Rao’s for fresh, vibrant tomato flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, providing gooey, stretchy satisfaction on every slice.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that makes the pizza sing.
How to Make Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to a toasty 450 degrees Fahrenheit and positioning a rack near the top. This high placement helps the crust crisp up perfectly, giving you that golden, slightly crispy edge we all love in a great pizza crust.
Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese
Place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. This step transforms the cottage cheese into a creamy base that will help everything bind together nicely in the dough.
Step 3: Make the Dough for the Crust
Combine the blended cottage cheese with flour, baking powder, and kosher salt in a bowl. The mixture will initially look shaggy and crumbly, but as you start to knead it with your hands, it will come together into a sticky, cohesive dough. Don’t hesitate to dust your workspace with some extra flour to make shaping easier—this is where the dough starts transforming into a beautiful, pliable crust.
Step 4: Form the Crust
Grab a piece of parchment paper and place it on your pizza pan or baking sheet. Transfer your dough to the parchment and press it out into a circle about 10-12 inches across. Make sure to flatten it well—this crust is breadier than a traditional thin crust, so spreading it wide helps achieve an even bake.
Step 5: Prep and Pre-Bake the Crust
Rub the top of your dough circle generously with olive oil. This little step works wonders for creating a golden, crispy surface once it hits the oven. Bake the crust alone for 8-10 minutes to set its shape and get those edges working toward perfection.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pull your pre-baked crust out and spread it with 1/4 to 1/3 cup of marinara sauce. Then sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Return the pizza to the oven on that same top rack and bake for about 5 more minutes, letting the cheeses melt into a luscious, bubbly topping.
Step 7: Broil and Finish
For the grand finale, switch your oven to broil and pop the pizza under the heat for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely as the cheese bubbles up and the crust’s edges achieve a deep golden color that’s beyond tempting. When you take it out, feel free to sprinkle with red pepper flakes, drizzle with olive oil or hot honey, and even dip slices into extra sauce for an unforgettable flavor explosion.
How to Serve Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes lift this pizza to the next level. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of vibrant green and herbal brightness, while a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes delivers a touch of heat. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sweet-spicy drizzle of hot honey can add a sophisticated flavor contrast that delights every bite.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula and cherry tomato salad. You could also serve roasted vegetables or a chilled cucumber salad to keep the meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust Recipe as a fun appetizer—cut into smaller squares or strips for sharing. For a casual dinner, plate each slice with a little extra sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs. You can even make mini versions by shaping smaller rounds of dough, perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cottage cheese crust keeps surprisingly well, maintaining its texture without getting soggy. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the fully assembled pizza before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat the pizza in a hot skillet or oven rather than the microwave. This helps restore the crust’s crispness and ensures the cheese melts beautifully again. Pop it in a 375-degree oven for 8-10 minutes or warm gently on the stove over medium heat until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for the crust?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works well and will yield a lighter crust, although a full-fat version tends to create a slightly richer flavor and creamier texture.
Is this crust gluten-free?
This specific recipe uses regular flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can try swapping in a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs, keeping in mind the texture might vary slightly.
Can I add herbs or spices to the crust dough?
Yes! Mixing in dried oregano, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning into the dough adds an extra flavor layer that complements your toppings beautifully.
How thick should I press the dough before baking?
Press it fairly thin, about 1/4-inch thick or slightly less, to ensure a crust that cooks through well and crisps at the edges without becoming doughy in the center.
What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella and Parmesan?
Feel free to experiment! Cheeses like provolone, fontina, or a bit of sharp cheddar can add interesting flavors. Just choose cheeses that melt well and suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic pie that brings unexpected softness and flavor to your table. It’s straightforward enough to make any night of the week but special enough to impress guests or treat yourself. Give it a try and discover how much fun homemade pizza can be when you start with a crust that’s uniquely delicious. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
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Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This delicious homemade pizza features a unique cottage cheese crust that is both soft and bready, offering a lighter alternative to traditional dough. The crust is blended, mixed, and baked to create a moist base topped with savory marinara sauce and a melty combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Finished under the broiler for golden, bubbly perfection, this easy-to-make pizza comes together in just 30 minutes and serves three.
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus a few tablespoons for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
Toppings
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup marinara sauce (such as Rao’s)
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and position the oven rack near the top, so the pizza bakes close to the heating element for a crisp finish.
- Blend Cottage Cheese: In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth to form the base of the dough.
- Make Dough for Crust: Transfer the blended cottage cheese into a mixing bowl. Add flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mix until a shaggy, crumbly, sticky dough forms. Use your hands to knead and bring the dough together, dusting with a bit of flour if necessary, until you have a cohesive ball.
- Form the Crust: Place a sheet of parchment paper on a pizza pan or baking sheet. Press the dough ball onto the parchment and gently spread it out into a 10-12 inch diameter circle, making it as thin and even as possible.
- Prep the Crust: Brush or rub the top surface of the crust with olive oil to ensure a golden, flavorful finish.
- Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake the crust without toppings for 8-10 minutes in the preheated oven. This sets the base so it doesn’t become soggy with sauce.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the crust from the oven and evenly spread the marinara sauce over it. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Return the pizza to the oven’s top rack and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to bubble.
- Broil and Finish: Switch your oven to broil and cook the pizza for 2-3 minutes until the cheese and crust edges turn deeply golden and slightly crisp. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle with red pepper flakes, drizzle with extra olive oil or hot honey, and serve with additional sauce for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful cottage cheese crust pizza!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of flour slightly if the dough is too sticky or dry.
- Blending the cottage cheese smooth is key to creating the right dough texture.
- Keep an eye on the pizza during broiling to avoid burning.
- Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite vegetables or meats.
- This crust offers a softer, almost bread-like texture distinct from traditional pizza dough.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
