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Easy High Protein Pizza Crust with Cottage Cheese

This incredible high protein pizza crust is made with cottage cheese for a guilt-free pizza night! It's unbelievably easy, delicious, and packed with 40g of protein.

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This incredible high protein pizza crust is made with cottage cheese for a guilt-free pizza night! It’s unbelievably easy, delicious, and packed with 40g of protein.

Details

Servings

2 slices

Prep time

10 minutes

Cooking time

35 minutes

Calories

421 kcal

Table of Contents

That tug of war between craving comfort food and sticking to your health goals? It ends here. This incredibly simple high protein pizza crust is transforming pizza into a nutritious powerhouse. Honestly, it feels like breaking the rules, in the most satisfying way.

Why You’ll Adore This High Protein Pizza Crust Recipe

As a matter of fact, this recipe has become a staple in my house, and I have a feeling it will in yours, too. It’s more than just a clever food hack; it’s a way to feel amazing about what you’re eating.

  • Insanely High in Protein: We’re talking a whopping 40 grams of protein per serving! This is fantastic for muscle maintenance, especially if you’re active, and it keeps you feeling full and satisfied for hours. No more post pizza snack attacks!
  • Unbelievably Simple: You don’t need a blender, a stand mixer, or any fancy equipment. Just a bowl and a spatula. Seriously, that’s it! It’s a mix, spread, and bake situation, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Supports Healthy Weight Management: Because this crust is so high in protein and lower in carbs than traditional dough, it’s a perfect fit for a balanced lifestyle. It helps crush cravings and keeps you on track without feeling deprived. For more on this, you might find my thoughts on how to eat healthy without dieting helpful.
  • Endlessly Customizable: This crust is your blank canvas. Whether you’re gluten-free, low-carb, or just want to use up what’s in the fridge, this recipe works. We’ll get into all the easy swaps in a bit.

Tools and Ingredients for This Easy High Protein Pizza Crust

Before we dive in, let’s talk about what you’ll need. I bet you have most of this in your kitchen right now. No frantic grocery store trips required!

Tools I Use Every Time

You don’t need a professional kitchen setup for this high protein pizza crust. In fact, the simplicity is part of its charm.

  • A large mixing bowl
  • A spatula or large spoon
  • A sheet pan
  • Parchment paper (This is non-negotiable! It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.)

Ingredients You’ll Need for this Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust

The ingredients are simple, wholesome, and packed with goodness. Here’s the breakdown of what makes this crust so special.

Easy High Protein Pizza Crust with Cottage Cheese 4 - Easy High Protein Pizza Crust with Cottage Cheese
Easy High Protein Pizza Crust with Cottage Cheese 12
  • Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the show! I typically reach for a small curd, lowfat cottage cheese because it gives a great texture without excess fat. However, full-fat works wonderfully too if that’s what you prefer or have on hand. The cottage cheese is what packs in most of the protein.
  • Large Eggs: Two large eggs act as the binder, holding the crust together and adding even more high-quality protein. They are essential for the structure of the crust.
  • Flour of Your Choice: I’ve made this with regular all purpose flour and it’s perfect. But the beauty is its versatility! Oat flour or whole wheat flour add extra fiber. If you need a gluten-free option, a good 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend works like a charm.
  • The Seasoning Trio: A simple blend of onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano gives the crust that classic, savory pizza flavor. If you have Italian Seasoning, feel free to swap that in for the oregano. It’s all about that aromatic base!
  • A Pinch of Black Pepper: This is optional, but I find a little freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice, subtle kick.

For the Toppings (My Suggestions)

  • Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite jarred pizza sauce or marinara. Just a thin layer will do.
  • Cheese: I used a low fat pizza cheese blend, which is usually a mix of mozzarella and provolone. Shredded low-moisture mozzarella is the classic choice and melts beautifully.
  • Turkey Pepperoni: I don’t like pork at all, so turkey pepperoni is my go to for that spicy, savory flavor. But you should absolutely use whatever you love regular pepperoni, grilled chicken, or even plant-based sausage would be great.
  • Optional Garnishes: A little sprinkle of grated Parmesan or some red pepper flakes after it comes out of the oven really takes it to the next level. It’s those little touches that make it feel like a gourmet experience.

Step by Step Instructions Perfect Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust

Alright, follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, golden brown crust ready for toppings in no time.

Step 1: Preparing the High Protein Pizza Crust Batter

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (that’s about 175°C). Next, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me on the parchment paper, it’s your best friend for an easy cleanup.

Step 2: Now, grab your large mixing bowl. Add the cottage cheese, the two large eggs, your flour of choice, the onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano. If you’re using it, add a dash of black pepper here, too.

Step 3: Using your spatula, simply stir everything together until it’s fully combined. You’re looking for a smooth-ish, pancake like batter. There’s absolutely no need to blend it; in fact, leaving a little texture from the cottage cheese curds is perfectly fine. The goal is just to make sure there are no dry pockets of flour.

Easy High Protein Pizza Crust with Cottage Cheese - Easy High Protein Pizza Crust with Cottage Cheese
Easy High Protein Pizza Crust with Cottage Cheese 13

Step 4: Baking the Crust to Perfection

Pour the mixture onto the center of your parchment lined baking sheet. Then, using the back of your spoon or the spatula, gently spread the batter into a circle, about 10-12 inches in diameter. Try to keep it an even thickness, but don’t spread it too thin or it won’t be sturdy enough to hold the toppings. Me I prefer to make a thick layer of mixture,

Step 5: Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden brown and the center feels firm to the touch. When you take it out, let it sit on the pan for a minute or two. Genuinely, this little pause helps the crust set up properly before you add the sauce.

Step 6: Assembling and Finishing Your High Protein Pizza

Now for the fun part! Spread a thin layer of your favorite pizza sauce evenly over the baked crust, leaving a small border around the edge.

Step 7: Sprinkle your shredded cheese all over the sauce, followed by the pepperoni or any other toppings you’re using. Get creative here! Sliced mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers are also fantastic additions.

Step 8: Place the pizza back into the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes. This final bake is just to melt the cheese until it’s bubbly and delicious. Once it’s done, pull it out, garnish with a little grated Parmesan or some chili flakes if you like heat, and enjoy your amazing creation

high protein pizza crust: Close up of a high protein pizza with a golden crust, cottage cheese base, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni slices.
High protein pizza crust topped with melted cheese and pepperoni—crispy, cheesy, and protein-packed.

My Tips & Tricks for Recipe Success

Over the many times I’ve made this, I’ve picked up a few little tricks. Here are my secrets to making this high protein pizza crust foolproof every single time.

  • Curd Size Matters (Sort Of): I prefer small curd cottage cheese because it integrates into the batter more smoothly. If you only have large curd, you can give it a quick pulse in a blender first, but honestly, it’s not a deal-breaker if you don’t.
  • Don’t Ditch the Flour (Unless You Want To): You can make this crust without flour for a super low-carb, keto-friendly version. I’ve tried it! Just be aware that the texture will be much softer and more like a frittata. It won’t be as sturdy for picking up, but the flavor is still great.
  • Let It Rest: I mentioned this in the steps, but it bears repeating. Letting the crust cool for a couple of minutes before adding the sauce prevents it from becoming soggy. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
  • Meal Prep It!: You can absolutely bake the crust ahead of time. Let it cool completely, then wrap it well and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready for pizza night, just add your toppings and do the final bake. This is a lifesaver for busy weeks and makes for a fantastic quick lunch, just like my favorite Salmon Quinoa Bowl.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional profile for this high protein pizza crust. Keep in mind this is an estimate and can vary based on your specific ingredients and toppings. The serving size is 2 hearty slices.

NutrientAmount per Serving (2 Slices)
Calories421 kcal
Protein40g
Carbohydrates28g
Fat16g
Saturated Fat8g
Fiber2g
Sugar5g
Sodium1617mg
Cholesterol258mg
Calcium510mg
Iron4mg

The standout number here is that incredible 40g of protein! It’s what makes this pizza so uniquely satisfying and nourishing, turning a classic comfort food into a well-balanced meal.

(FAQs) High Protein Pizza Crust

I get a lot of questions about this high protein pizza crust, so I’ve gathered the most common ones here for you!

Which pizza has the highest protein?

Traditionally, pizzas topped with lots of meat like pepperoni, sausage, and chicken will have more protein. However, the bulk of a standard pizza’s calories comes from the carbohydrate-heavy crust. That’s what makes this recipe so special! This cottage cheese pizza crust is likely the highest protein pizza you can make at home, as the protein is built right into the foundation of the pizza itself, not just the toppings.

How to make a pizza high in protein?

The key is to focus on the two main components: the crust and the toppings.
Start with a High-Protein Base: Use this recipe for a high protein pizza crust! Swapping traditional flour dough for a base made from protein-rich ingredients like cottage cheese and eggs is the most effective strategy.
Load Up on Lean Toppings: Add grilled chicken breast, turkey pepperoni, lean ground turkey, or even extra low-fat mozzarella cheese. For plant-based options, chickpeas or lentils can also boost the protein content.

Is pizza dough high in protein?

No, traditional pizza dough is generally not high in protein. It’s made primarily from refined flour, water, yeast, and salt, making it rich in carbohydrates but relatively low in protein. A typical slice of regular cheese pizza might have 10-14 grams of protein, whereas two slices of this recipe have a whopping 40 grams. It’s a night-and-day difference!

What is the most healthy pizza crust?

“Healthy” can mean different things to different people, but generally, the healthiest pizza crust is one that is rich in nutrients and aligns with your wellness goals.
For high protein and lower carbs: This cottage cheese crust is an unbeatable option.
For more fiber: A crust made from 100% whole wheat flour or even cauliflower is a great choice.
For gluten-free needs: Besides this recipe (using GF flour), crusts made from almond flour, chickpeas, or quinoa are also fantastic, healthy alternatives. This is another area where making meals at home, like my simple Tuna Salad Sandwich, gives you complete control.

Conclusion: High Protein Pizza Crust

There you have it! A pizza that you can feel genuinely good about eating, any night of the week. Who knew a high protein pizza crust could be this easy and this delicious? It’s proof that living a balanced, healthy life doesn’t mean giving up the foods that bring you joy. It just means getting a little creative in the kitchen.

So go ahead, whip this up, and enjoy a pizza night that will leave you feeling energized, satisfied, and happy. I can’t wait to hear what you think

Thank you for being a loyal reader and supporter of SavoringDish! Follow me on Medium, Facebook and Instagram, Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest and print it out.

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high protein pizza crust on parchment

Easy High Protein Pizza Crust with Cottage Cheese


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  • Author: Amy
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

This incredible high protein pizza crust is made with cottage cheese for a guilt-free pizza night! It’s unbelievably easy, delicious, and packed with 40g of protein.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, low-fat recommended)

2 large eggs

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or oat, whole wheat, or GF flour)

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian Seasoning)

1/4 tsp black pepper, optional

1/4 cup pizza sauce or marinara

1 cup low-fat pizza cheese blend or shredded mozzarella

1/4 cup turkey pepperoni (or topping of choice)

Grated parmesan, optional for garnish

Red pepper flakes, optional for garnish


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, eggs, flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Add black pepper if using.

3. Using a spatula, stir everything together until it is fully combined into a smooth, consistent batter. No need to blend.

4. Pour the mixture onto the prepared sheet pan. Use the back of a spoon to spread it into a 10-12 inch circle of even thickness.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 1-2 minutes to set.

6. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the baked crust, leaving a small border.

7. Top with the shredded cheese and pepperoni (or your other favorite toppings).

8. Bake again for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and fully melted.

9. Garnish with grated parmesan or chili flakes, if desired. Slice and enjoy immediately!

Notes

Serving size is 2 slices, which contains approximately 40g of protein.

You can use any type of flour you prefer. For a gluten-sensitive option, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Sliced mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or grilled chicken are all fantastic.

The crust can be made without flour for a low-carb version, but the texture will be much softer and less sturdy.

You can pre-bake the crust and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days for quick assembly later.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: high protein breakfasts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American / Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 slices
  • Calories: 421
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 1617mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0.02g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 258mg

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