Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust (No-Rise & Protein-Packed!)

As a girl married to a pizza connoisseur, I’ve been on a mission to search out methods to amp up the protein on this beloved staple. Seems, there’s magic in cottage cheese. Blended clean, it provides moisture and construction to pizza dough, and about 20 grams of protein per serving! 

An added perk of this high-protein pizza base is the no-rise dough. It skips yeast fully, and nonetheless bakes up crispy, chewy, and quick sufficient to make for a hungry toddler. That’s what makes it a favourite for busy weeknights and anytime I need pizza now, not later.

Easy methods to Get the Good No-Rise Pizza Crust

The only most vital tip for this high-protein dough is rolling it skinny. Goal for about ⅛ inch thick, even when it feels thinner than you’re used to. A skinny crust is what provides these crisp edges and prevents the middle from getting doughy.

I additionally be certain the dough feels dry to the contact earlier than rolling. If it sticks, I mud my work floor and rolling pin with extra flour as I’m going. As a result of there’s no rise time, the feel you create earlier than baking is strictly what you’ll get within the oven, so somewhat further care right here makes all of the distinction.

Substances You’ll Want

This dough makes use of easy pantry staples, however each performs an vital position within the closing texture and taste:

• All-purpose flour: This creates a pleasant stability of chew and crisp. I haven’t examined gluten-free flour, coconut flour, or almond flour, and don’t advocate self-rising flour alongside baking powder. Complete wheat flour may go, however count on a denser crust.
• Baking powder: Since there’s no yeast, that is what provides the dough a little bit of carry and retains it from baking up flat. Don’t skip it!
• Sea salt: Salt is crucial for taste. Add garlic powder, oregano, Italian seasoning, or different dried herbs for a extra seasoned crust.
• Cottage cheese: Use blended cottage cheese for a clean dough and protein enhance. Each low-fat and full-fat work, although full-fat will give a barely richer texture. Small or massive curd is ok so long as it’s absolutely blended. There’s no want to empty it first.

Cottage cheese is what makes this pizza dough particular. As soon as blended, it melts seamlessly into the dough, including protein, moisture, and construction with out the necessity for oil or yeast. The result’s a crust that’s chewy on the within, crisp on the sides, and durable sufficient to carry toppings.

I’ve examined this dough as Skyr pizza and with Greek yogurt, and each work superbly. Yogurt creates a barely thinner, extra traditional pizza crust with crisp edges, whereas cottage cheese produces a chewier texture and a bit extra puff.

Easy methods to Make the Dough

Making this protein pizza dough is refreshingly easy, however a couple of small particulars make an enormous distinction in how the crust seems. Right here’s a step-by-step overview with ideas to assist get that crispy, chewy texture good:

1. Combine the dough. Stir the flour, baking powder, salt, and cottage cheese (or yogurt) collectively till a dough types. It would look somewhat tough at first, however that’s regular. As soon as it comes collectively, swap to utilizing your fingers to softly press it right into a ball.
2. Knead till clean. Flip the dough out onto a floured floor and knead simply till it feels clean and now not sticky. If the dough is sticking to my fingers or the counter, I sprinkle in a bit extra flour. It must be dry sufficient to roll, not moist or cheesy.
3. Roll it very skinny. That is crucial step. Roll the dough as skinny as doable, aiming for a fair thickness all through. A thinner crust means crispier outcomes, whereas thicker spots have a tendency to remain smooth or doughy within the heart. That’s not an excellent factor!
4. Parbake the crust. Bake the crust by itself earlier than including toppings. This helps set the construction and prevents a soggy center as soon as the sauce and cheese go on. It’s prepared when it appears dry on high and simply barely begins to agency up.
5. Add toppings and end baking. After parbaking, add the sauce and toppings, then return the pizza to the oven. Regulate the underside of the crust throughout this stage. A lightweight golden brown colour is the cue that it’s crisp and able to come out.

I hold this one easy within the recipe card with cheese and pepperoni, however high your pizza with no matter you want. Don’t overlook an excellent pizza sauce, too. I at all times go do-it-yourself with my 4-ingredient pizza sauce.

attempt it!

Selfmade Pizza Sauce

Our do-it-yourself pizza sauce comes along with simply 4 elements. You’ll adore it!

Retailer leftover unbaked pizza dough within the fridge for as much as 3 days. To freeze, wrap the unbaked dough tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable freezer bag. It’ll hold properly for as much as 2 months. Simply be certain to thaw within the fridge in a single day earlier than utilizing.

If you happen to’ve already baked the crust (plain or absolutely topped), let it cool fully, then wrap slices tightly or retailer them in an hermetic container within the fridge for 3-4 days. 

I like reheating slices in a 375°F oven, toaster oven, or a scorching skillet for a couple of minutes till the underside crisps up once more. This works particularly properly with cottage cheese crust, which may soften a bit after storing. It crisps proper again up with dry warmth.

Preserve issues easy on pizza night time with sides that stability the crispy, tacky crust and hold issues recent and enjoyable. These are straightforward add-ons that pair properly with a high-protein pizza crust:

• Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad with a balsamic French dressing provides freshness and somewhat chunk that cuts by way of the richness of the pizza.
• Baked Candy Potato Fries: These are certainly one of my favorites on burger nights, however they’re excellent for dipping on pizza nights, too.
• Caprese Quinoa Salad: You’ll get even MORE protein with this salad, a combo of juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, recent basil, and quinoa.
• Greek Salad: Crisp veggies, briny olives, and feta make this a traditional, refreshing facet that feels mild however satisfying.
• Selfmade Ranch Dressing: A cool, creamy ranch is nice for drizzling over the pizza or serving on the facet for dipping crusts or these candy potato fries.

Love the thought of pizza + cottage cheese? Attempt my Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl or Whipped Cottage Cheese Pizza Dip subsequent!

Is cottage cheese pizza more healthy than common pizza?

Cottage cheese pizza is usually a more healthy possibility as a result of it boosts protein with out including lots of further elements or prep. Larger protein might help hold you fuller longer, and utilizing cottage cheese within the dough provides vitamins like calcium whereas nonetheless delivering a satisfying crust.

For even lighter swaps, my Cauliflower Pizza Crust recipe is one other nice different that cuts carbs and provides veggies. After I’m within the temper for a conventional pizza recipe, my Grandma Marie’s Selfmade Pizza Dough is the very best. It’s all about selecting the crust that matches the pizza night time you bear in mind.

Why ought to I select cottage cheese over Greek yogurt or ricotta?

Cottage cheese is increased in protein than ricotta and Greek yogurt. I like utilizing Greek yogurt, too, however it provides the crust a thinner, crispier texture. Cottage cheese makes it a bit chewier, which is ideal if you need a dough that feels substantial with out being heavy.

Greek yogurt also can style somewhat tart, relying on what you’re doing with the remainder of the pizza. Cottage cheese has a extra impartial taste that gained’t overpower your favourite toppings. 

Are you able to make pizza sauce with cottage cheese?

Sure, cottage cheese will be blended into sauces so as to add creaminess and protein, although it’s normally higher as a base for white-style pizza sauces quite than traditional marinara. Mixing it helps create a wealthy, creamy texture with no need heavy cream.

Does pizza dough usually comprise eggs?

Conventional pizza dough doesn’t comprise any eggs. It’s usually made with flour, water, yeast, salt, and typically oil. You usually gained’t see eggs or egg whites in flatbread recipes, both. This no-rise dough is totally different as a result of the protein-rich dairy replaces yeast.

If you happen to’re trying to make a flourless or gluten-free model of this pizza crust, I haven’t examined these variations but. It would work with alternate options like almond flour, oat flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose mix. You’d probably want so as to add massive eggs or regulate the moisture to get the batter to carry collectively. 

The feel could also be a bit denser than the traditional model, however it’s price experimenting if you need a keto, gluten-free, or low-carb pizza possibility!