High-Protein Pizza: The Ultimate Healthy Crust That Delivers 44g of Protein!

Meals

Jan 16, 2025

When I was on my 100-pound weight loss journey, I realized that enjoying the foods I love, like pizza, was crucial to staying motivated. But instead of depriving myself, I started making healthier, high-protein alternatives that fit my goals. This High-Protein Pizza is one of my favorites—packed with flavor and an incredible 44g of protein just from the crust alone! Yes, you read that right. This pizza crust is made with low-fat cottage cheese and eggs, making it not only delicious but also a great source of protein.

In this recipe, I’ve replaced the traditional pizza dough with a high-protein alternative that uses just a few simple ingredients. The cottage cheese gives the crust a soft, chewy texture, and it’s so easy to put together. Top it with your favorite pizza toppings (I’m all about turkey pepperoni and mozzarella), bake, and enjoy a pizza that's not only satisfying but also packed with muscle-building nutrients.

Macros per Slice (Makes 8 small slices):

Calories: 147
Protein: 11g
Carbs: 14g
Fat: 4g

Ingredients:

For the High-Protein Pizza Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
2 large eggs
1 tsp oregano (or Italian seasoning)
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Toppings:

1/4 cup pizza sauce (low-sugar, if desired)
1 cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
8-10 slices turkey pepperoni (or your favorite toppings)

1. Prepare the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cottage cheese, eggs, oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated and forms a thick dough. The cottage cheese will give the dough a slightly lumpy texture, but that’s what helps create a chewy, high-protein crust.
2. Shape the Dough:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Transfer the dough onto the baking sheet and use your hands to spread it out into a thin, round shape. You can make it as thin or thick as you like, but the thinner the crust, the crisper it will be.
3. Pre-Bake the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pizza crust for about 20-25 minutes until the dough is set, and the edges are starting to turn golden brown. This step ensures that the crust holds its shape and gets a nice texture.
4. Add Toppings:
Remove the crust from the oven and spread pizza sauce evenly on top. Then sprinkle with reduced-fat mozzarella cheese and layer the turkey pepperoni (or any other topping you prefer). You can get creative here—add veggies, chicken, or even some extra herbs if you like.
5. Final Bake:
Place the pizza back in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 10-15 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the pepperoni edges are crispy. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
6. Slice and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Slice it into 8 smaller slices (or more, depending on your preference), and enjoy this high-protein, low-carb delight!

Meal Prep & Storage Tips:

Meal Prep:
This high-protein pizza is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the crust ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before topping and baking. The dough holds up well, and the assembled pizza can be baked fresh whenever you’re ready to eat.
Freezing:
The unbaked crust freezes beautifully. After you’ve shaped the crust, simply wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just add your toppings and bake as directed. If baking from frozen, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the initial bake time.
Reheating:
Leftovers? No problem! To reheat, simply place your pizza slices in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until the crust crisps back up, and the cheese melts again. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quicker option, but the crust might not stay as crispy.

Additional Notes:

Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Be sure to adjust the measurements as needed since gluten-free flours can behave differently.
Customizing Toppings:
Feel free to customize the pizza with your favorite toppings! You can add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or even grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal. If you're vegan or dairy-free, try using dairy-free cheese or nut-based cheese alternatives.
Sweeten It Up: If you're in the mood for a dessert pizza, try swapping the pizza sauce for a sugar-free chocolate spread or nut butter, then topping it with some sliced bananas or berries for a sweet, high-protein treat.

Conclusion:

If you’ve been missing pizza while trying to eat healthier, this high-protein pizza is your new best friend! With a protein-packed crust and all the delicious pizza flavors you love, this recipe is a perfect way to indulge without derailing your health goals. The cottage cheese crust is a game changer, providing both flavor and an impressive amount of protein in every slice.

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep for the week, or a healthier alternative to traditional pizza, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Get creative with your toppings, and enjoy a pizza that aligns with your health and fitness goals.