Cottage Cheese Pizza: The Light and Protein-Rich Base That Will Amaze You!
Who said pizza can’t be a light, protein-rich, and incredibly tasty dish?
Forget long rising times and complex doughs: today I’ll reveal the secret to an innovative and surprising pizza, perfect for those seeking a healthier alternative without sacrificing the pleasure of a classic comfort food.
We’re talking about Cottage Cheese Pizza, a true revelation for the palate and the waistline!
This recipe is designed for those who love to experiment in the kitchen or who have little time and want a dish that is easy, quick, and delicious.
This unconventional yet brilliant base is made with cottage cheese, parmesan, eggs, and a minimal amount of flour or potato starch. The result?
A crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a high protein content and a delicate flavor that pairs divinely with traditional pizza toppings.
It’s a fantastic option for those following a controlled diet, but also for anyone who simply wants to try something different.
I’ll guide you step by step in creating this marvel, guaranteeing you success and a smile with every bite.
Get ready to revolutionize your way of making (and eating!) pizza!
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Oven, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 283.88 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 11.57 (g) of which sugars 4.56 (g)
- Proteins 22.13 (g)
- Fat 16.32 (g) of which saturated 4.39 (g)of which unsaturated 2.49 (g)
- Fibers 0.56 (g)
- Sodium 614.48 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 150 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients for PROTEIN COTTAGE CHEESE PIZZA
- 14 oz cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or 1/3 cup potato starch for gluten-free version)
- 3.5 oz grated parmesan cheese
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 cup tomato puree
- 5 oz pizza mozzarella
- to taste dried oregano
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Tools
- Kitchen Scale
- Bowl
- Spatula
- Baking Pan
- Pizza Cutter
COTTAGE CHEESE PIZZA PROCEDURE
For cooking the Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza, you can use either a traditional oven or an air fryer. Both cooking methods are described in the recipe.
To start, preheat the oven in static mode to 350°F. In the meantime, line a large baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
In a spacious bowl, pour the cottage cheese. Add the eggs and, using a spatula or a sturdy spoon, mix well to combine. Then, add the potato starch (or all-purpose flour, if you prefer) and a pinch of fine salt. Continue mixing with the spatula until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Finally, incorporate the grated parmesan cheese, stirring again to distribute it evenly in the dough.
Transfer the cottage cheese mixture directly onto the prepared baking pan with parchment paper. Using the back of a spoon or a spatula, spread the dough to form a circle (or a rectangle, if you prefer) about a quarter-inch thick. Do not spread too thinly, or it might dry out too much during cooking.
Bake the pizza base in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Check that it is slightly golden at the edges and on the surface. Once ready, remove the baking pan from the oven and let it rest for a minute.
Spread the tomato puree evenly over the pre-cooked base with a spoon, leaving about a quarter-inch free from the edge, just like a traditional pizza. Top with well-distributed pizza mozzarella, a pinch of salt, oregano, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Bake the pizza again, this time for about 8-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella is completely melted and slightly golden. Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool slightly for a couple of minutes, then cut it into slices with a pizza cutter and serve while still warm. Enjoy your meal!
The air fryer is perfect for cooking this pizza, making the base crispy and well-browned in less time. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the pizza base (better if on a parchment paper cut to fit the basket or directly in the non-stick basket) and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden. Remove the base, top as per recipe, and return to the air fryer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and slightly gratinated. Times may vary slightly based on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on the cooking!
NOTES ON INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
COTTAGE CHEESE is the key ingredient in this recipe, not only for texture but also for its high protein content. Choose those with as little liquid as possible.
GRATED PARMESAN CHEESE adds flavor and compactness; you can replace it with Grana Padano or even Pecorino Romano for a bolder touch, but in smaller amounts due to its saltiness.
FLOUR OR POTATO STARCH Potato starch is perfect if you want a gluten-free version; alternatively, all-purpose flour works well and will give a slightly more elastic base.
EGGS Eggs are essential for binding the dough.
MOZZARELLA Pizza mozzarella is ideal because it releases less water, but you can also use well-drained fior di latte.
STORAGE
This pizza is delicious when freshly made and hot! If there are leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until it becomes crispy again and the mozzarella melts again.
I do not recommend freezing the pizza already topped, as the mozzarella and tomato might alter their texture once thawed. You can, however, prepare only the base, cook it, and then freeze it: once thawed, top it and bake as per the recipe.
Recipe Alternatives and Variants
The beauty of this pizza lies in its versatility!
1 – VEGAN PIZZA – LACTOSE-FREE: Replace cottage cheese with a vegan spreadable cheese based on cashews or tofu (about 350-400g, adjusting the consistency), the eggs with 2 tbsp of ground flaxseeds + 6 tbsp water (let stand for 5 minutes) or a vegan egg powder, and the parmesan with nutritional yeast flakes (40-50g) that give a cheese-like flavor. Use vegan mozzarella for topping.
2 – WHITE PIZZA WITH VEGETABLES: Omit the tomato puree. After the first baking of the base, top with mozzarella, spoonfuls of ricotta, and sautéed vegetables like spinach, grilled zucchini, or mushrooms. A drizzle of raw oil and fresh rosemary will complete the masterpiece.
3 – GOURMET PIZZA WITH Prosciutto and Arugula: After baking the pizza base with tomato and mozzarella, once removed from the oven and slightly cooled, add slices of prosciutto and plenty of fresh arugula. You can also add some parmesan flakes.
4 – MINI SINGLE-SERVE PIZZETTES: Instead of rolling out one large base, form small discs of dough on the baking pan. Ideal for appetizers or kids’ snacks!
Usage and Pairings
This Cottage Cheese Pizza is perfect for a light and tasty dinner, a quick lunch, or as a pre-workout snack, thanks to its high protein content. It’s a great solution for when you crave pizza but want to watch your calorie or carbohydrate intake. You can pair it with a fresh mixed salad dressed with oil and lemon, or a side of steamed vegetables. It also pairs well with a light beer or a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon. It’s a “smart” dish that allows you to enjoy a moment of pleasure without guilt!
Origins and History of the Recipe
Cottage cheese pizza is a relatively modern recipe, born from the need to create lighter and healthier alternatives to traditional dishes, in line with current nutritional trends that value low-carbohydrate and high-protein foods (like ketogenic diets or diets for athletes). It does not have deep historical roots like Neapolitan pizza, but is the result of the ingenuity and creativity of food bloggers and cooking enthusiasts seeking innovative solutions to reconcile taste and wellness. Cottage cheese, an old and versatile dairy product, finds new life here, transforming from a simple breakfast or snack ingredient into a surprising base for an iconic Italian dish.
Not Just Taste: The Benefits of Cottage Cheese!
Did you know that cottage cheese is not only delicious but also a real boon for your well-being? It is rich in high-quality proteins, essential for muscle mass and satiety. It contains calcium, crucial for bone health, and is naturally low in fats and carbohydrates. Including it in your diet, and in this pizza, means making a smart choice for your body without sacrificing taste. Try it and discover a new way to eat healthy and happy!
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
1. Does the cottage cheese base have a strong flavor?
No, absolutely not! Cottage cheese has a very delicate and neutral flavor. The parmesan adds a savory note reminiscent of cheese, but the base perfectly adapts to the pizza toppings without overpowering them.
2. Can I prepare the base in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the base, cook it as indicated in the first step, and let it cool completely. You can then wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for a day, or freeze it. When you’re ready for pizza, take it out, top it, and bake it.
3. Is this pizza suitable for lactose intolerant people?
No, cottage cheese, parmesan, and mozzarella contain lactose. For a version suitable for the lactose intolerant, you should use lactose-free cottage cheese and mozzarella, and parmesan aged over 30 months, which contains minimal amounts. Alternatively, you can opt for the completely vegan version suggested.
