If you’re looking for a low-carb, high-protein pizza option, this cottage cheese pizza crust is a total game changer. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or just trying to make better choices, this crust is made with just three simple ingredients and bakes up golden, cheesy, and deliciously firm. In this post, we’ll cover how to make cottage cheese pizza crust, how it compares to traditional dough, tips for best results, and whether it truly melts and holds up under toppings. With only 25 minutes from start to finish, this is the easiest way to get a nutritious pizza on your table.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
Pizza night is sacred in our house, but I’ll admit—after two kids and years of tossing dough in the air, I’ve been craving something lighter. One night, I had leftover cottage cheese and figured: why not try turning it into a crust? I threw it in a bowl with some shredded mozzarella and an egg, pressed it out, and baked it. What came out of the oven blew me away—it was golden, firm, and sturdy enough to load with sauce and cheese. My kids devoured it. Since then, this cottage cheese pizza crust has become a weekly go-to.
This recipe is proof that a healthy crust doesn’t have to be bland. The combination of cottage cheese and mozzarella creates a chewy, slightly crisp base that stands up to any toppings you throw on it. It’s a fantastic alternative for anyone watching their carbs or upping their protein intake. Even better? You don’t have to knead anything. Just stir, spread, and bake.
You’ll be surprised how the simplicity of ingredients—cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, and an egg—turns into something this satisfying. We’ve tried it with marinara and melty cheese, but also topped it with roasted veggies and even pineapple chicken. Bonus: it’s naturally gluten-free, and if you’re into meal-prepping, it freezes like a dream.
Looking for more ideas like this? Try the cottage cheese veggie bake or our creamy cottage cheese dip with za’atar for more wholesome ways to use cottage cheese in your weeknight rotation.
How This Crust Holds Up Against Traditional Pizza Dough
Unlike flour-based crusts, this one doesn’t puff or rise—but that’s part of its charm. It’s more of a sturdy base, almost like a flatbread, perfect for thin crust lovers. It’s also faster: no yeast, no proofing, no rolling. Just mix, spread, and bake. And nutritionally, it’s a win. Each crust is packed with protein from the cottage cheese and egg, and it’s light on carbs.
Texture-wise, the edges crisp up beautifully while the center stays chewy. You can slice it and pick it up like real pizza—yes, even with toppings. If you’re skeptical, just know my husband didn’t even realize it was made from cottage cheese the first time he ate it. That’s a win in my book.
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Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust Recipe
This high-protein, low-carb cottage cheese pizza crust is made with just 3 ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza crust 1x
Ingredients
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, and egg. Mix until well blended.
3. Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping it into a round or rectangular crust about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the crust is firm.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings.
6. Return to the oven to bake again according to your toppings’ cooking time.
Notes
Use full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture and flavor.
Blend cottage cheese first if you prefer a smoother crust.
Freeze leftovers by wrapping tightly in foil and storing for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crust
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
The 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Pizza Base
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity—you only need three ingredients to get started. It’s the perfect quick dinner solution when you don’t want to fuss with dough or flour.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- ½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat for best texture)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
That’s it. The cottage cheese adds moisture and protein, the mozzarella brings stretch and structure, and the egg binds everything together. You can always add a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning if you want to boost the flavor a bit.
This pizza base is especially great for anyone following a high-protein or low-carb diet. It’s also a smart way to use up leftover dairy, especially if you’re already making dishes like cottage cheese lasagna roll-ups or protein cottage cheese pancakes.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps the crust release easily and crisp up underneath.
In a medium bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, mozzarella, and egg until fully combined. It will be thick and slightly sticky. Spread the mixture on the parchment-lined pan into a round or rectangular shape, about ½ inch thick. Try to keep it even so it bakes uniformly.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the center feels set. Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and then add your favorite toppings. Return to the oven and bake again based on your toppings—usually 8–10 more minutes.
Looking to get creative with toppings? You can go classic with marinara, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan, or try something fun like BBQ chicken or pesto veggies. It also pairs beautifully with our burst tomato cottage cheese toast as a side!
Is Cottage Cheese Good on Pizza?
How Cottage Cheese Works in Pizza Recipes
Cottage cheese may not be your first thought when it comes to pizza, but it absolutely deserves a place—both in the crust and as a topping. When baked, cottage cheese transforms from soft and creamy to firm and lightly browned, adding a rich, savory note that balances beautifully with tomato sauce and herbs.
In this cottage cheese pizza crust, the cheese helps hold everything together. But even beyond the base, small spoonfuls of cottage cheese can be dotted across the top of your pizza after baking, especially if you want a creamy finish. Some prefer blending the cottage cheese first for a smoother texture.
Unlike traditional cheeses, cottage cheese doesn’t melt into stretchy strands. It bakes into a light, slightly puffed texture—perfect for complementing a crispy crust like the one in this recipe. It’s mild enough that it won’t overpower your toppings, making it an ideal background player. This is part of why we use it in recipes like peach pie cottage cheese bowls and cottage cheese cheesecake, where subtle flavor is key.
Best Ways to Make Cottage Cheese Melt Well
If you’re looking to improve how cottage cheese melts, blending is key. Pureeing your cottage cheese before mixing it into the crust or adding it on top will create a smoother base that spreads more evenly and melts better.
You can also combine it with mozzarella or Parmesan to help enhance stretch and browning. This combo is especially effective in our cottage cheese pizza crust, where the melted mozzarella provides the structure while the cottage cheese keeps the crust moist and tender.
Pro tip: Avoid low-fat cottage cheese. Full-fat versions have better texture and flavor, especially when baked.
FAQs About Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
Can I make pizza dough with cottage cheese?
Yes, and it’s surprisingly easy! Cottage cheese isn’t just for breakfast bowls—it works wonderfully as a base in pizza crusts. When combined with shredded cheese and an egg, it creates a dough-like texture that bakes into a sturdy, golden crust. It’s not your typical fluffy dough, but this cottage cheese pizza crust holds toppings well and bakes crisp on the edges. If you’re looking for a low-effort, protein-packed alternative, this is it.
Does cottage cheese work on pizza?
Absolutely. Cottage cheese adds creaminess and moisture and pairs well with classic pizza toppings. While it doesn’t melt like mozzarella, it browns beautifully and offers a mild, savory flavor. You can use it blended as part of a white sauce, swirled into your tomato base, or simply dolloped across your cooked pizza. And as this cottage cheese pizza crust shows, it plays an even more important role as a structure-building ingredient.
What is the 2-ingredient cottage cheese pizza base?
Some versions of this recipe use just cottage cheese and eggs. While it can work, we find that adding shredded mozzarella improves both texture and hold. This 3-ingredient version gives a better bite and allows the crust to crisp up nicely in the oven. Want a thicker crust? Just double the batch and bake a few minutes longer.
Is cottage cheese a good melting cheese?
Cottage cheese doesn’t melt in the traditional sense—it softens and sets rather than stretching. That’s why it works best when combined with other cheeses. In this cottage cheese pizza crust, it acts as a binder while the mozzarella gives that melt factor we all love. Try blending it before baking for an even smoother result.
Conclusion
This cottage cheese pizza crust is the shortcut you didn’t know your weeknight needed. Ready in under 30 minutes, packed with protein, and shockingly delicious, it’s the perfect foundation for all your favorite toppings. Whether you’re cutting carbs, going gluten-free, or just want a lighter slice, this recipe is your go-to.
Still hungry for more cottage cheese magic? Check out our cottage cheese cookie dough or cottage cheese smoothie for sweet ways to use up leftovers.
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