These cottage cheese pizza buns satisfy pizza cravings in under 30 minutes and deliver about 18 grams of protein per serving. They’re an easy lunch or snack, perfect for meal prep, and can be topped with your favourite ingredients.
Recipe Highlights
- Healthier pizza option: All the classic pizza flavours on a light, fluffy cottage cheese base.
- High in protein: About 18 grams per bun (more if you add pepperoni).
- Quick and easy: One bowl, no yeast, and no rolling required.
- Meal prep friendly: Make a batch and reheat through the week.
- Customizable: Top with pepperoni, veggies, extra cheese, or whatever you prefer.
Cottage cheese dough is quick to make and bakes up soft and tender. These Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns are an easy, high-protein way to enjoy personal-size pizzas—great for lunch, after-school snacks, or whenever you have a craving. The dough comes together in one bowl and is much simpler than traditional pizza dough. Serve the buns on their own or with a simple side salad.
These remind me of the mini pizzas my grandmother made on English muffins—comfort food that makes the whole family happy. If you enjoy cottage cheese in savoury recipes, try other cottage cheese dishes like mac and cheese or a quick queso-style dip.
Ingredient Notes
Cottage cheese: Adds moisture, structure and protein without a noticeable cottage cheese flavour once baked. If you prefer a smoother dough, briefly blend the cottage cheese, though it’s not necessary.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well. You can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Apple cider vinegar: A small amount helps activate the baking powder for a better rise. White vinegar works as a substitute.
How To Make Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns
*This overview highlights the main steps. Exact measurements and the full recipe are in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Whisk the egg, then stir in the cottage cheese and apple cider vinegar.
Step 2: Combine the flour, baking powder and seasonings, then mix into the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Divide the dough into four portions and flatten each on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Spread pizza sauce over each dough round.
Step 5: Add shredded cheese and any additional toppings.
Step 6: Bake at 400°F for 18–24 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
How To Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5–8 minutes until warmed and slightly crisp. The microwave will warm them quickly but won’t crisp the base.
Jess’s Tips
- Strain watery cottage cheese if necessary to remove excess liquid.
- Mix just until combined to avoid a dense bun—don’t overwork the dough.
- Flatten evenly so each bun bakes consistently.
- Use sauce sparingly to prevent a soggy base.
- Customize toppings such as pepperoni, sausage, peppers, mushrooms, or Mediterranean-style toppings for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Once baked the cottage cheese blends into the dough and isn’t noticeable—only the soft, chewy texture remains.
Yes. Cool completely, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for about 10–12 minutes.
You can replace up to 1/3 cup of the flour with almond flour. Replacing all the flour with almond flour will make the dough fragile and harder to handle.
Try These Cottage Cheese Recipes Next!
Main Dishes
Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns
Cottage Cheese
High Protein Banana Pudding With Greek Yogurt
Breakfast
Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins
Chia Seeds
High Protein Chia Pudding With Cottage Cheese
Tried these Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns? Leave a review below and tag @choosingchia on social media—I love seeing your recreations.
Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns
- Author: Jessica Hoffman
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High protein
Description
These cottage cheese pizza buns come together in just 30 minutes and have about 18 grams of protein each.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup cottage cheese (I use 2%)
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional toppings
- Pepperoni
- Bell pepper
- Mushrooms
- Onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Whisk the egg, then add cottage cheese and apple cider vinegar and mix to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. It should be a little soft, not elastic like traditional bread dough.
- Divide the dough into 4 portions. Place each portion on a baking sheet and flatten into circles about 1/2 inch thick. Lightly wetting your hands helps prevent sticking.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto each bun, then add shredded cheese and desired toppings.
- Bake for 18–24 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden.
- Let cool briefly, then enjoy.
Notes
If your cottage cheese is very runny, strain it to remove excess liquid before using.
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until warmed through to keep the base crisp. The microwave will work but softens the crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g