Craving a delicious, cheesy pizza without the guilt? my easy high protein pizza recipe is your answer! Packed with over 30g of protein per serving, this satisfying meal comes together in just 30 minutes, using a simple 2 ingredient dough. Perfect for a healthy, quick weeknight dinner.
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When I first got serious about my wellness journey, I thought my pizzaloving days were over. I pictured a future of sad salads and bland chicken breastand I was mourning a little! But who says that? this high protein pizza is my delicious proof that I can crush my fitness goals and enjoy my favorite foods. It’s packed with over 30 grams of protein to keep you full and fueled, and the taste is just pure, cheesy satisfaction. It’s the recipe that reminded me that balanced living can, and absolutely should, be delicious.
Why You’ll Adore This High Protein Pizza Recipe
Let’s be real, we need recipes that work for our busy lives. This one checks all the boxes, and then some. It’s a staple in my kitchen, and I’m pretty sure it will be in yours, too.
- Seriously Quick & Easy: From mixing the dough to pulling it out of the oven, we’re talking about 30 minutes, tops. The dough itself has just two ingredients. It doesn’t get much simpler than that!
- Packed with Protein: With over 30 grams of protein per serving, this pizza will actually keep you full and satisfied. It’s fantastic for hitting your protein goals, supporting muscle health, and avoiding that 9 PM snack attack.
- Completely Customizable: Think of this recipe as your perfect canvas. You can stick with my classic toppings or go wild with your own favorites. It’s a great way to use up leftover veggies!
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: It tastes like a treat, but it’s built on wholesome ingredients. This is how you enjoy the foods you love while still honoring your body and your wellness journey. It’s the kind of balanced living we all strive for.
Tools I Use Every Time
You don’t need a bunch of fancy equipment for this high protein pizza. In fact, you probably have everything you need already. Here’s my simple go-to list:
- A Medium Mixing Bowl: Just a standard bowl for mixing up that magical 2-ingredient dough.
- Parchment Paper: This is my secret weapon! Rolling the dough directly on parchment paper means it won’t stick, and cleanup is an absolute breeze. You could also use a silicone baking mat.
- A Rolling Pin: If you don’t have one, no sweat! I’ve used a wine bottle or even a sturdy, non-breakable tumbler in a pinch. Just lightly flour it first.
- A Baking Sheet: Any standard cookie sheet or pizza pan will do the trick.
The ingredients for this high protein pizza are simple, accessible, and packed with goodness. I love using shortcuts like rotisserie chicken to make this meal even faster, because let’s face it, we don’t always have time to cook chicken from scratch.
What You’ll Need for This High Protein Pizza
Check all ingredients here
Print Plain Greek yogurt: the star of our dough, you could also use cottage cheese for a similar protein boost. This is what replaces the yeast and oil in traditional dough, giving us a tender, tangy crust that’s loaded with protein. I always go for the full-fat version for the best texture and flavor, but a low-fat one works too.
self-rising flour. This is another one of my favorite shortcuts. It already has the baking powder and salt mixed in, which is what helps our dough puff up and get that lovely crust. If you don’t have any, you can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
shredded chicken breast: For the protein topping, as I said, I almost always use leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights and adds a delicious, savory flavor. For other amazing ways to use chicken, check out my Easy Lemon Pepper Wing Sauce, which are always a hit.
pizza sauce: You can use your favorite jarred sauce, or if you have a few extra minutes, a simple homemade one is great too. I usually aim for about 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup, depending on how saucy I’m feeling.
Mozzarella cheese. I prefer shredding my own from a block because it melts so much better than the pre-shredded kind (which often has anti-caking agents). But in a pinch, pre-shredded is totally fine!
Sliced bell pepper: thinly sliced red onion, and turkey pepperoni. The veggies add a nice crunch, color, and a boost of vitamins, while the turkey pepperoni gives us that pizza flavor we crave with less fat than the traditional kind.
Step by Step High Protein pizza
Alright, let’s get to the fun part! Making this high protein pizza is genuinely so simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious, healthy meal.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first, let’s get that oven roaring. Preheat it to 400°F (about 200°C). This high heat is key to getting a crust that’s perfectly golden on the bottom and cooked all the way through. While it’s heating up, go ahead and grab a baking sheet and line it with a piece of parchment paper. This little step will make your life so much easier later.
Step 2: Mix the 2-Ingredient Dough
Now for the magic. In your medium-sized bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese) and the self-rising flour. Start mixing it with a spoon or spatula. It will look a little shaggy at first, and that’s completely normal.
Once it starts coming together, it’s time to get your hands in there. Ditch the spoon and use your clean hands to knead the mixture for just a minute or so inside the bowl until it forms a round ball of dough. Now, a little warning: the dough will be sticky! Honestly, that’s a good sign it means the crust will be tender. If it gets a bit too tacky to handle, just rinse your hands, dry them, and lightly dust them with a bit of flour. Problem solved
Step 3: Roll Out Your High Protein Pizza Dough
This is where the parchment paper really shines. Place your sticky ball of dough directly onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly flour your rolling pin and roll the dough out into a circle or rustic-looking oval.
You’ll want to roll it quite thin to ensure it bakes up crispy, but not so thin that it might tear when you add the toppings. Since the dough is a bit delicate, rolling it directly on the parchment you’ll be baking on saves you the headache of trying to transfer it. It’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference.
Step 4: Time to Add the Toppings!
Here we go, grab your pizza sauce and spread an even layer over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. I like to use the back of a spoon to get it all the way to the edges.
Next comes the protein. Sprinkle the shredded chicken evenly over the sauce. I always add the chicken first, so it gets nestled under the cheese and stays nice and moist. After the chicken, it’s time for the mozzarella cheese. Be generous! Then, arrange your turkey pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, and red onions on top. It’s starting to look like a proper pizza
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Carefully slide the baking sheet into your preheated 400°F oven. Let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and melted and the crust is a beautiful golden brown.
A little insider tip: the baking time can vary. If you went light on the sauce and toppings, it will probably be done closer to the 20-minute mark. If you loaded it up (which I fully support), it might need the full 25 minutes or even a minute or two more. Just keep an eye on it. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the cheese set up, so your toppings don’t slide right off. Enjoy!
Amy’s Pro Tips for the Perfect High Protein Pizza
Over the years, I’ve made this pizza more times than I can count. Along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from great to absolutely fantastic.
- For an Extra Crispy Crust: If you’re a crispy crust fanatic like me, here’s a tip. After you roll out the dough, pre-bake the plain crust for about 5-7 minutes before you add any toppings. Then, pull it out, add your sauce and toppings, and bake again until the cheese is bubbly. This extra step helps cook off some of the moisture from the yogurt, resulting in a sturdier, crispier base.
- Don’t Over-Mix the Dough: The beauty of this dough is its simplicity. You just want to mix until the flour and yogurt are combined. Over-mixing can make the crust tough, and we’re aiming for a tender bite. So, mix until it just comes together into a ball, and that’s it.
- Get Creative with Sauces: While classic tomato sauce is always a winner, don’t be afraid to experiment! A swirl of pesto, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, or even a simple garlic-infused olive oil base can completely change the vibe of your pizza.
- Meal Prep It: You can absolutely make the dough ahead of time! Just mix it up, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling it out. It’s a great way to get a head start on dinner.
(FAQs) High Protein Pizza
I get a lot of questions about this recipe, so I’ve gathered some of the most common ones here. Hopefully, this helps you feel even more confident about whipping up your own healthy pizza
Which pizza has the highest protein?
Factually, a pizza’s protein content depends entirely on its crust and toppings. Most commercial pizzas from fast-food chains are high in carbs and fat but relatively moderate in protein. A typical pepperoni pizza might have 12-15 grams of protein per slice. However, a homemade high protein pizza like this one is designed specifically to maximize protein. By using a Greek yogurt or cottage cheese base for the crust and piling on protein-rich toppings like chicken, turkey pepperoni, and cheese, you can easily get over 30 grams of protein in just two slices. So, the pizza you make yourself with a focus on protein will almost always be the winner!
How to make a pizza high in protein?
Making a pizza high in protein is all about smart ingredient choices. It comes down to two main areas: the crust and the toppings.
The Crust: This is your foundation. Instead of a traditional flour-and-water dough, use a protein-rich base. My recipe uses Greek yogurt, but cottage cheese also works wonders. These dairy products not only add a significant amount of protein but also keep the crust moist and tender.
The Toppings: This is where you can really ramp things up. Load up on lean proteins! Think shredded chicken, lean ground turkey, turkey pepperoni, or even a high-protein fish like the salmon from my Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon recipe. Adding extra cheese or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can also boost the protein content.
Can you eat pizza on a high-protein diet?
Absolutely, you can! You know, this is one of the biggest misconceptions about healthy eating that you have to give up your favorite foods. It’s not about restriction; it’s about making smarter versions of the foods you love. A traditional pizza might not fit well into a structured high-protein diet because of its high carb and fat content relative to its protein. But a homemade high protein pizza is a perfect fit. It’s macro-friendly, helps you meet your protein targets, and satisfies that craving, which can actually help you stick to your diet long-term. It’s the ultimate win-win.
What is a good source of protein for pizza?
Lean Meats: Lean ground beef or turkey, Canadian bacon, or sliced prosciutto.
Seafood: Cooked shrimp or even canned tuna (if you’re a fan of tuna melts, you might love it!). A healthy tuna salad like my Healthy Tuna Salad Recipe (No Mayo) proves how versatile fish can be.
Plant-Based Proteins: For a vegetarian option, you could add chickpeas, lentils, or crumbled firm tofu or tempeh.
Cheese: Don’t forget that cheese is a great source of protein! In addition to mozzarella, consider adding ricotta, feta, or parmesan for an extra flavor and protein kick.
Oh, the possibilities are endless! While this recipe uses chicken and turkey pepperoni, you can get so creative here. Some of my other favorite protein sources for pizza include:
Conclusion High Protein Pizza
So there you have it. This high protein pizza is more than just a meal; it’s proof that you can have it all delicious food, balanced nutrition, and a lifestyle that feels good from the inside out. I genuinely hope this easy high protein pizza brings as much joy and convenience to your kitchen as it does to mine. When you make it, I’d love to see it! Tag me in your photos and tell me what you think. Happy cooking!
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Quick High Protein Pizza: Over 30g Protein Ready in 30 Minute
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Craving a delicious, cheesy pizza without the guilt? My easy high protein pizza recipe is your answer! Packed with over 30g of protein per serving, this satisfying meal comes together in just 30 minutes, using a simple 2-ingredient dough. Perfect for a healthy, quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 cup plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
1 cup self-rising flour
1.5 cup shredded chicken breast, I like to use rotisserie chicken for convenience
1/2–3/4 cup pizza sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1/4 bell pepper, sliced
1/4 red onion, sliced
10–12 slices turkey pepperoni
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. In a medium bowl, add Greek yogurt or cottage cheese and self-rising flour. Mix with a spoon and then finish with clean hands, forming into a round ball of dough. Note: it will be a little bit sticky! If it gets too sticky, rinse your hands and lightly coat your hands with flour before continuing to work on the dough.
3. Next, roll out the dough on a piece of parchment paper using a lightly floured rolling pin. The dough should be quite thin but still durable. You can also use any floured cylinder shape to roll the dough, like a cup (use something non-breakable, like a plastic tumbler). Since the dough is a bit sticky, I recommend doing this directly on the parchment paper that you’ll be baking on. You can roll out the dough on a floured surface too, but it may stick a bit. You can also use a silicone baking mat.
4. Next, spread your pizza sauce evenly on the rolled out pizza dough.
5. Add the shredded chicken first, and then top with shredded cheese, pepperoni and veggies.
6. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. Note: If you like less sauce and less toppings, it will be done closer to 20 minutes. If you have more sauce and more toppings, it will likely take a few minutes longer.
Notes
For an extra crispy crust, pre-bake the plain dough for 5-7 minutes before adding toppings.
Don’t over-mix the dough; just mix until it forms a ball to keep the crust tender.
Feel free to get creative with other sauces like pesto or a garlic olive oil base.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices
- Calories: 338
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 483mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.003g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 66mg
