The Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust I Can’t Stop Making!
A TikTok viral recipe that’s definitely worth trying! This cottage cheese pizza crust is a game-changer. It’s crisp on the outside, soft in the center, and the perfect base for all your favorite toppings—whether you’re going classic with cheese and tomato or going rogue with hot honey and arugula. This is my spin on the viral recipe that’s been huge over the past few months, and it’s now a regular in my rotation. So good if you’re a pizza lover but want to keep things a little lighter!
Why You’ll Love It:
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High in protein: Thanks to cottage cheese, this crust gives your pizza a sneaky protein boost that keeps you fuller, longer.
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A healthier choice: None of the questionable ingredients you’ll find in store-bought crusts, more whole ingredients. It’s a lighter alternative without losing that pizza satisfaction.
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Super fun to make: The dough comes together easily, no yeast or proofing required. Just mix, roll, top, and bake.
Whether you’re trying to add more protein to your meals or just want something a little different (and delicious), this recipe is a must-try. Let’s make pizza night a bit more interesting.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves (for topping)
- Cherry tomatoes (for topping)
- Plus, any other extra toppings you might like!
How To Make Your Cottage Cheese Pizza
Just want to grab your printable recipe card and head to the kitchen? No worries! I know screen-free cooking is sometimes much easier, and so I’ve included your recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here, I’ll be sharing the steps for making your cottage cheese pizza alongside some handy process photos.
- Blend the cottage cheese: In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder. Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and the blended cottage cheese. Mix and knead until a smooth, uniform dough forms. Let it rest for a few
minutes.
- Pre-bake the crust: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
Roll out the dough on a sheet of parchment paper, lightly floured, shaping it into a circle or rectangle. Brush the surface with a little olive oil and bake for 7–8 minutes to pre-cook the crust.
- Add toppings and bake again: Remove from the oven, spread the marinara sauce on top, then add the shredded mozzarella and cherry tomatoes if using. Return to the oven for a few more minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Finish and serve: Once out of the oven, top with fresh basil leaves and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes & Tips
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Strain the cottage cheese: If it’s a little too watery, give it a quick strain so your dough isn’t overly sticky.
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Let it rest: A quick 5–10 minute rest helps the dough relax, making it easier to roll out and a little more elastic.
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Parchment paper is your friend: Roll and bake the dough directly on parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
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Olive oil on the crust: Brushing the edges with olive oil adds flavor and gives that golden, crispy finish we all love.
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Make it ahead: You can prep the dough in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
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Freeze for later: Pre-bake an extra crust, freeze it, and pull it out when you need a quick dinner shortcut.
Topping Ideas
Start with your classic cheese and tomato base, then mix things up with any of these:
Veggies
Mushrooms, roasted peppers, spinach, zucchini, caramelized onions, olives, or artichokes.
Protein
Pepperoni, sausage, shredded chicken, bacon, or prosciutto (add after baking).
Cheese Boosts
Try goat cheese, feta, or ricotta, for extra flavor.
Finishing Touches
Add red pepper flakes, balsamic glaze, or a drizzle of hot honey.
Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Fresh basil leaves for topping
- Cherry tomatoes optional, for topping
Instructions
- Blend the cottage cheese: In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder. Make a well in the center and add the olive oil and the blended cottage cheese. Mix and knead until a smooth, uniform dough forms. Let it rest for a few minutes.
- Pre-bake the crust: Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Roll out the dough on a sheet of parchment paper, lightly floured, shaping it into a circle or rectangle. Brush the surface with a little olive oil and bake for 7–8 minutes to pre-cook the crust.
- Add toppings and bake again: Remove from the oven, spread the marinara sauce on top, then add the shredded mozzarella and cherry tomatoes if using. Return to the oven for a few more minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Finish and serve: Once out of the oven, top with fresh basil leaves and serve hot. Enjoy!
And that’s a wrap on your next pizza night—with a crust that’s as easy as it is protein-packed. Whether you keep it classic with cheese and tomato or load it up with your favorite toppings, this cottage cheese pizza crust is a delicious way to switch things up.
It’s quick, versatile, and freezer-friendly—aka perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Save this one, because once you try it, you’ll want it on repeat.
