These Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns are a fun twist on pizza! They are soft, cheesy, and filled with tasty toppings all wrapped in a fluffy bun. Perfect for lunch or a snack!
Making these is a blast! I love how the cottage cheese adds extra creaminess. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings—what’s not to like? 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient adds a lovely creaminess. If you’re looking for a smoother texture, you can blend it before adding. Ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt can be good alternatives if you want something different.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but for a healthier option, consider whole wheat flour. Just remember it might make the buns denser. You could also use a gluten-free blend if you’d like to avoid gluten.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that gooey character. For extra flavor, combine it with cheddar or provolone. If you’re keeping it lighter, a part-skim version is a decent choice.
Egg: The egg helps bind everything together. For a vegan option, consider using a flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute.
Toppings: Pepperoni is classic, but feel free to get creative! Veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives work well too. You can mix different meats for variety.
How Do You Get the Perfect Dough Texture?
Getting the dough right is key to making these Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns soft and chewy. Here’s how:
- Mix the dry ingredients first to ensure even flavor. Don’t skip the herbs and garlic, they really amp up the taste.
- When adding the wet ingredients, combine just until everything is mixed; over-kneading can make the buns tough.
- If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed while shaping. However, try to keep it soft for that ideal fluffy bite.
Give yourself permission to experiment a little; baking can be forgiving, and adjustments based on your preference can lead to fantastic results!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- Optional: Pepperoni slices or your favorite pizza toppings
- Optional: Fresh or dried parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 15-18 minutes of baking time. You’ll have delicious Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns ready in under 30 minutes, making them a fantastic quick meal or snack option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect cooking temperature for getting your buns nice and golden brown. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking—easy clean-up!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, dried Italian herbs (or oregano), garlic powder, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until they’re well mixed. This will ensure that all the flavors are evenly distributed in your dough.
3. Mix in Wet Ingredients:
Add the cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, egg, and olive oil to your dry mixture. Carefully mix everything until a dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s a little sticky; that’s normal! Just make sure it all comes together.
4. Shape the Dough:
Lightly flour your hands and a work surface to make it easier to work with the dough. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a round disc, about ½ inch thick. You want them to be a nice size for pizzas!
5. Add the Toppings:
Place the flattened discs onto the prepared baking tray. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on top of each disc, then add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. If you’re feeling indulgent, top with pepperoni slices or any favorite toppings you enjoy!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and the cheese is deliciously melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take the buns out of the oven and, if you like, sprinkle with fresh or dried parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor. Let them cool slightly before serving them warm. Enjoy your amazing Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns!
These buns are perfect for a quick meal, lunch, or game day snacks. Enjoy every cheesy, tasty bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a blend for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses can alter the texture and taste slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through. They make for a great snack or quick meal!
Can I Freeze the Buns?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough! Shape the pizza buns, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, and then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be frozen.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Definitely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, as gluten-free flours can have different absorption rates. Just watch the dough consistency!