Name: Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 34 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

I absolutely love this Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust Recipe because it combines simplicity with incredible flavor and a delightfully tender texture. Using cottage cheese in the dough makes the crust moist and slightly tangy, which adds a fresh twist to the classic pizza experience. It’s one of those recipes I reach for when I want something homemade, comforting, and quick, without compromising on taste or feel. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become a favorite in your rotation too!

Why You'll Love This Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust Recipe

What really excites me about this Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust Recipe is the unique way it elevates the crust’s flavor and texture. The cottage cheese lends a subtle creaminess that standard dough just doesn’t have, striking a perfect balance between soft and slightly chewy. I find this crust much lighter and more tender than the usual pizza base, which makes every bite delightful and never too heavy.

Another reason I adore this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or long hours of kneading and resting. The cottage cheese blends smoothly into the flour and baking powder, and with just a little olive oil, the dough comes together quickly and easily. This ease makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous pizza cravings—fast but full of love.

Serving this crust with fresh marinara, mozzarella, and seasonal toppings transforms it into a dish that feels special yet accessible. It’s perfect for cozy nights in but also fantastic for casual gatherings with friends or family. What truly sets this recipe apart is that it delivers the comforting, cheesy goodness of pizza with a wholesome, homemade crust that you’ll be proud to serve every time.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows six bowls on a white marbled surface, each with different ingredients. At the top center is a white bowl filled with white flour powder. Below and slightly to the right is a white bowl containing small, white cottage cheese curds. To the right of that is another white bowl with smooth, bright red tomato sauce. At the bottom center is a white bowl with shredded pale yellow cheese. On the left side of the image are three small glass bowls stacked vertically: the top one has golden olive oil, the middle one white salt, and the bottom one white baking powder. A small wooden bowl with fresh green basil leaves is placed left of the white bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things simple and straightforward, with ingredients that are easy to find but essential for achieving the best taste, texture, and color in your crust. Each element plays a key role in making the pizza crust both flavorful and perfectly tender.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Cottage cheese: Blended until smooth, it gives the crust a creamy texture and subtle tang.
All-purpose flour: The base for the dough providing structure and a classic pizza crust feel.
Baking powder: Helps the crust rise slightly for a soft yet sturdy bite.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the tanginess of the cottage cheese.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
Marinara sauce: A fresh and zesty topping to complement the tender crust.
Shredded mozzarella: Melts perfectly to create that classic cheesy pizza experience.
Fresh basil leaves: For a fragrant, vibrant finish.
Cherry tomatoes (optional): Add pops of sweetness and color if you like.

Directions

Step 1: Start by blending the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until it becomes completely smooth and creamy. This step is key because it ensures your dough will be soft and free of lumps.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a small well in the center, then add the olive oil along with the blended cottage cheese. Mix everything together and knead the mixture gently until you have a smooth, uniform dough. Let this rest for a few minutes while you prepare your baking sheet and toppings.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Lightly flour a piece of parchment paper and roll out the dough to your preferred shape—whether that’s a circle or rectangle. Place the dough on the parchment and brush the surface with a little olive oil to encourage browning. Bake the crust for about 7 to 8 minutes to give it a head start, ensuring it’s firm enough to hold toppings without getting soggy.

Step 4: Remove the pre-baked crust from the oven. Spread the marinara sauce evenly on top, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Add cherry tomatoes if you’re using them. Return the pizza to the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles up into a lovely golden layer.

Step 5: Once the cheese looks perfectly melted, take the pizza out and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Serve it hot for the best flavor and texture experience. Enjoy every bite of this delicious and satisfying homemade pizza!

Servings and Timing

This Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust Recipe makes enough pizza for 2 generous servings, perfect for a cozy meal or a shared snack. The prep time takes about 10 minutes, mostly for blending and mixing the dough. Baking takes roughly 15 minutes in total—7 to 8 minutes to pre-bake the crust and another 5 to 7 minutes to melt the cheese with toppings. Overall, you’re looking at around 34 minutes from start to finish, which is incredibly reasonable for homemade pizza that tastes this good. No extra resting time beyond the brief dough rest is needed.

How to Serve This Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust Recipe

A small round pizza sits on white parchment paper on a worn baking tray with brown rust spots. The pizza has a golden-brown crust that is slightly raised around the edges. It has one visible layer of red tomato sauce spread across the dough, topped with a layer of melted white cheese evenly covering the surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I like to serve this pizza hot and fresh right out of the oven to enjoy that melty mozzarella and tender crust at its best. Pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the cheese and olive oil beautifully. A side of roasted vegetables or even a bowl of soup can also complement this meal nicely if you want something a bit heartier.

For garnish, I love adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Fresh basil not only adds color but brings an aromatic freshness that elevates the entire experience. When plating, I often slice the pizza into four manageable portions so everyone can grab a piece easily, making it perfect for informal dinners or even lunch alongside some garlic bread.

As for drinks, this pizza crust is so versatile. A light, fruity red wine like a Chianti or Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully, cutting through the cheese richness while enhancing the tomato notes. If you’re staying non-alcoholic, a sparkling lemon water or herbal iced tea feels refreshing. This recipe suits any occasion from casual weeknight meals to small parties, especially when you want something homemade, flavorful, and a little out of the ordinary.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust Recipe is how flexible it is. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works well—just keep an eye on the texture since gluten-free flours absorb moisture differently. For a dairy-free or vegan version, you can replace cottage cheese with mashed silken tofu or vegan cream cheese, and use a plant-based mozzarella substitute.

For flavor twists, try stirring herbs like dried oregano, thyme, or garlic powder directly into the dough for a fragrant crust that adds complexity without any extra work. You can even experiment with different cheeses or sauces on top—those who love spicy flavors might enjoy adding some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey to the finished pizza.

If you want a crispier crust, I sometimes bake the dough for a couple of minutes longer before adding toppings, or even finish it off under a broiler for a very short time to crisp the edges. Alternatively, cooking the dough on a hot cast-iron skillet for a few minutes before oven baking creates a deliciously charred underside that’s a real treat.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover pizza, I like to let it cool completely and then store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Keeping it in the refrigerator is best to maintain freshness, and it will keep well for up to 3 days. Using a container with a good seal helps prevent the crust from drying out.

Freezing

Freezing this pizza is definitely an option if you want to save some for later. I recommend freezing the pre-baked crust or the fully prepared pizza before reheating. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Properly stored, it should last up to 2 months in the freezer without a loss in flavor or texture.

Reheating

For the best reheating results, I avoid microwaving because it can turn the crust soggy. Instead, I like to reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through, which helps maintain the crust’s crispness. Another great option is reheating in a hot skillet on the stove for a few minutes to recrisp the base while melting the cheese back perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese in this recipe?

Yes! You can definitely use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that using the full-fat variety tends to yield a richer and moister crust. If using low-fat versions, the dough might be slightly less creamy, so you could add a teaspoon of olive oil if it feels a little dry.

Is this pizza crust recipe gluten-free?

This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the dough together.

Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can mix the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling it out. Just bring it to room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling to make it easier to work with.

What other toppings pair well with this cottage cheese crust?

This crust is versatile, so I love classic toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or even caramelized onions. Fresh vegetables and herbs also complement the subtle tang from the cottage cheese perfectly.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can make a vegan version by replacing cottage cheese with silken tofu or a vegan cream cheese substitute, using a plant-based cheese, and confirming your flour blend suits vegan diets. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and satisfying.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust Recipe enough if you’re looking for an easy, flavorful twist on homemade pizza. It’s straightforward, fun to make, and produces a crust that’s tender, light, and delicious every time. Whether you’re a pizza aficionado or trying something new, this recipe is sure to impress and become a staple in your kitchen. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!