Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns are a fun twist on your classic pizza! They’re soft and fluffy, filled with creamy cottage cheese, and topped with zesty pizza sauce and your favorite toppings.
These little guys are perfect for a snack or quick meal. I love making them for family movie nights—who can resist pizza buns? They’re always a hit! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese is best for a smoother texture. If you can’t find it, ricotta can work as a great alternative, providing a similar creaminess and flavor.
Flour: Self-rising flour gives the buns a nice lift. If you don’t have it, you can mix all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt (2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt per cup of flour).
Cheeses: Mozzarella is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment! Cheddar or Monterey Jack can add extra flavor. Parmesan adds a wonderful depth, but if you’re out of it, just skip it or use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy aroma.
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought pizza sauce works fine! You can also use marinara or any tomato-based pasta sauce. For a spicy kick, try adding a little hot sauce or red pepper flakes to your sauce.
Mix-Ins: Get creative! Chopped bell peppers, onions, or a sprinkle of cooked sausage can turn these buns into your favorite pizza combination. Just keep it small so they fit well inside.
How Do You Get the Perfect Dough Consistency?
The dough consistency is key for fluffy pizza buns. Start by mixing the cottage cheese with the egg and pizza sauce; it should be creamy and cohesive. When adding flour, do it gradually. This helps you see how the texture changes.
- The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it’s sticking to your hands, flour your hands or add a little more flour.
- A good tip is to flour your work surface lightly when shaping the buns. This helps prevent sticking while keeping them fluffy.
Also, shape them not too thick, about 1/2 inch works well. This ensures they cook evenly and remain soft inside. Don’t forget to give them room on the baking sheet so they can puff up properly!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably small curd)
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour with 2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (like basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: finely chopped pepperoni, olives, or your other favorite pizza toppings
Estimated Time Needed:
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, all in all, expect to spend about 40-45 minutes to have these delicious Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s important to get the oven nice and hot so the buns can rise well when baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, and pizza sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. You want it to be creamy and combined before adding the dry ingredients.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Next, add the self-rising flour, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Gently stir the mixture until a soft dough begins to form. If the dough is too sticky, don’t worry—just add a little bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable but still soft.
4. Incorporate the Cheeses and Mix-Ins:
Fold in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. If you want to add some fun toppings like chopped pepperoni or olives, do that now! Just remember to keep the pieces small so they mix in well.
5. Shape the Buns:
Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking. Take a scoop of dough and shape it into small buns, about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Place each bun spaced out on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Add Toppings:
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the top of each bun for flavor. Then, sprinkle a little extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top to give it that cheesy, melted look!
7. Bake the Buns:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the buns for 18-22 minutes. They should be golden brown on the edges and the cheese should be bubbly and slightly browned. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the buns from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps keep the bottoms nice and fluffy. Serve them warm with additional pizza sauce for dipping.
Enjoy your delicious, soft, cheesy Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns as a savory snack or a fun meal! They’re sure to bring smiles all around! 🍕
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works just fine in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making the buns a bit less rich, but they will still be delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Self-Rising Flour?
No worries! If you don’t have self-rising flour, simply use all-purpose flour and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for every cup of flour you use. This will mimic the effect of self-rising flour perfectly.
Can I Freeze These Pizza Buns?
Yes, you can freeze the buns! Once cooked and completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They will be good in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them in the oven or microwave.
How Can I Make These Spicier?
If you like a little heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the dough or spicing up your pizza sauce with some hot sauce. You could also use spicy pepperoni or add jalapeños for an extra kick!