Creamy cottage cheese, roasted broccoli, and melty mozzarella come together on homemade pizza dough for a fresh, flavor-packed dinner. This Broccoli Cottage Cheese Pizza is easy to make and bakes in under 20 minutes. It’s a simple, satisfying way to try cottage cheese as a sauce.
Using cottage cheese as the base for this broccoli cottage cheese pizza is a smart twist. Blending it into a sauce gives you a creamy, tangy layer that’s lower in fat but still rich and satisfying.
It’s a great choice if you want something other than tomato sauce or heavier white sauces.
Broccoli on pizza brings a bit of texture and earthiness, especially when it’s lightly steamed so it stays bright but tender.
The lemon zest keeps everything fresh, and the red pepper flakes add just enough heat to balance it all out.
Mozzarella finishes it off with that classic melty pull. If you’re into high-protein, veggie-forward meals made from scratch, this one checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
See the recipe card for exact amounts.
- pizza dough: I use my own pizza dough recipe. Try my recipe or use your favorite dough.
- Cottage cheese: I blend cottage cheese until it’s smooth and creamy, and it makes a great base for pizza. It has a bit of tang and adds some extra protein without making things heavy.
- Olive oil: I always add a splash of olive oil to the sauce. It helps everything blend together and makes the base spread easily on the dough.
- Fresh mozzarella: I like fresh mozzarella here because it melts into those gooey, stretchy pockets. It’s soft, mild, and doesn’t take over the flavor of the cottage cheese.
- Lemon zest: I use lemon zest to brighten everything up. It cuts through the richness and makes the broccoli taste fresher.
- Dried basil: A bit of dried basil adds some extra flavor to the sauce. It’s mild but gives the whole pizza a little more depth without needing fresh herbs. (Although you could garnish with fresh basil too!)
- Broccoli: I steam the broccoli just until it’s tender. It adds texture and keeps its color. Using the microwave, it only takes a minute or two.
- Red pepper flakes: These are totally optional, but I like the little kick they give. It balances out the creamy base and adds a bit of contrast.
Substitutions
- Pizza dough: If you don’t want to mess with dough, a flatbread or naan works just fine. It’ll bake quicker and give you a thinner, crispier crust.
- Mozzarella: Shredded mozzarella or a pizza blend will work here.
Instructions
Prep Tips
This pizza is easy to throw together once you prep the sauce and broccoli. The dough bakes at a high temperature, so everything cooks quickly. Here’s how to make it.
Prep the broccoli:
Steam the broccoli with a splash of water in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, just until tender and bright green. Drain any excess water.
- In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese with olive oil, dried basil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Roll the dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush the outer inch with olive oil for nice browning.
- Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the dough.
- Add the steamed broccoli.
- Tear or slice the fresh mozzarella and place it over top.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.
Tips for Making Broccoli Cottage Cheese Pizza
- Use room temperature dough. Cold dough is harder to roll. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- If you have a pizza stone, use it. A preheated surface gives a crispier bottom crust. If using a sheet pan, avoid parchment paper so the bottom gets direct heat.
- Watch your oven. Oven temperatures vary, so start checking around 15 minutes. You’re looking for a golden crust and bubbling cheese.
More Pizza Recipes
Storage
Let the pizza cool completely before storing. Transfer slices to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
FAQs
Yes, blended cottage cheese works really well as a white pizza sauce. It’s smooth, spreadable, and adds a slightly tangy flavor that pairs with veggies and herbs.
Yes, of course you can use store-bought dough. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling it out so it stretches easily and cooks evenly.
Broccoli Cottage Cheese Pizza
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- lemon zest from 1 lemon
- lemon juice from about 1/2 a lemon, adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ cups broccoli
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese 120 grams
Instructions
- Mix cottage cheese, basil, oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth.
- Steam broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with a lid over top, with 1 tablespoon water for about 1-2 minutes.
- Roll dough into a 12" circle. Brush the outside inch with olive oil.
- Spread the cottage cheese mix on the inside of the pizza crust, avoiding the oiled outside inch. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if using.
- Add the broccoli and mozzarella.
- Bake at 450℉ (230℃) for 18-20 minutes.
- Garnish with more red pepper flakes and lemon zest. Slice and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutritional information is an estimate. Values vary based on products used. Read our full Nutrition Disclaimer.
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This looks delicious!!!! I haven’t tried it yet, but what would your take on adding red onions and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar be, for contrast. Thank you for your time.
Yes, I’d try that Laura! Cheddar and red onions are always great on pizza, and broccoli and cheddar go well together. Come back and let me know if you try it!
Jacqueline