Garlic & Spinach White Pizza on Cottage Cheese Crust

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy pizza without the heaviness of traditional dough. The cottage cheese crust is surprisingly sturdy and packed with protein, making it perfect for those following low-carb or gluten-free diets. The creamy garlic and spinach topping adds rich flavor without needing any red sauce. It’s customizable, quick to prepare, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or a lighter comfort food craving.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cottage Cheese Crust:

• Cottage cheese
• Eggs
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Almond flour or oat flour
• Baking powder
• Salt and black pepper

For the White Pizza Topping:

• Fresh spinach
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Olive oil
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Ricotta or cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, mozzarella, almond flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Blend or stir until smooth. Spread mixture onto the prepared pan in a thin, even circle.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake for 20–25 minutes until firm and golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Topping: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the Pizza: Spread a thin layer of ricotta or cream cheese (if using) over the crust. Top with the garlic-spinach mixture, followed by mozzarella and Parmesan. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired.
6. Final Bake: Return pizza to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes if a crispier top is desired.
7. Cool and Slice: Let sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, cooked sausage, or turkey bacon.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cottage cheese, cheese alternatives, and sautéed mushrooms for a rich topping.
• Herb Boost: Add chopped basil, oregano, or thyme to the crust or topping for extra flavor.
• Low-Fat Option: Use low-fat cottage cheese and reduce the mozzarella slightly.
• Add Veggies: Include sautéed mushrooms, onions, or roasted red peppers.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or warm in a skillet over low heat to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the crust soft.

FAQs

What kind of cottage cheese should I use?

Full-fat or low-fat both work. Blending it smooth before mixing into the crust can improve texture.

Is the crust firm enough to hold toppings?

Yes, once baked, the cottage cheese crust is sturdy enough for toppings and can be eaten by hand.

Can I make this crust ahead of time?

Yes, bake the crust in advance and store in the fridge. Add toppings and bake again when ready to serve.

Is this crust gluten-free?

Yes, if you use almond flour or certified gluten-free oat flour.

Can I freeze the crust?

Yes, bake the crust, cool completely, and freeze. Thaw and add toppings before reheating.

How do I make the crust crispier?

Bake the crust longer initially or use a pizza stone or cast iron pan for better heat distribution.

Can I skip the ricotta layer?

Yes, it’s optional. The pizza will still be creamy thanks to the mozzarella and garlic-spinach mixture.

What cheese works best for the topping?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but provolone, fontina, or asiago can also work well.

How thin should I spread the crust?

About ¼ inch thick is ideal to ensure it holds together but cooks through.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, when made with almond flour and full-fat dairy, it fits well into a keto or low-carb diet.

Conclusion

Garlic & Spinach White Pizza on Cottage Cheese Crust is a nourishing and flavor-packed way to enjoy pizza without the carbs and heaviness of traditional dough. With its creamy garlic topping, melty cheese, and surprisingly crisp, protein-rich base, it’s a satisfying meal for any time of day. Whether you’re following a specific diet or just looking for a wholesome alternative, this pizza delivers big on taste and texture.

Garlic & Spinach White Pizza on Cottage Cheese Crust

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Garlic & Spinach White Pizza on Cottage Cheese Crust is a high-protein, low-carb twist on traditional pizza. With a sturdy, flavorful crust made from cottage cheese and almond flour, it’s topped with creamy ricotta, sautéed garlic and spinach, and melty mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for a light, satisfying meal that’s gluten-free and customizable.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or pizza pan with parchment paper.,In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, eggs, shredded mozzarella, almond flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Blend or stir until smooth.,Spread mixture onto the prepared pan in a 1/4-inch thick circle or rectangle. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until firm and golden. Let cool slightly.,While the crust bakes, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.,Spread ricotta or cream cheese (if using) on the baked crust. Top with the garlic-spinach mixture, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Add red pepper flakes if desired.,Return to the oven and bake for another 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.,Cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

For a crispier crust, bake longer during the initial bake or use a pizza stone.,Blending cottage cheese smooth before mixing improves texture.,You can make and store the crust ahead of time and add toppings later.,Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan version.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of pizza
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 130mg