This Cottage Cheese Pizza Dip is cheesy, gooey, and packed with pizza flavor—but made with protein-rich cottage cheese so you can feel good about digging in. It’s super easy to make and always a hit at hangouts, movie nights, or even just when you’re craving pizza but want something quicker and a little different.
This one bakes up hot and bubbly, with golden brown cheese on top and all the good stuff layered underneath. You can scoop it with chips, pita, garlic bread, or just a spoon (no shame here).
Why I Love This Recipe
Okay, here’s the thing—I used to think cottage cheese was just for boring lunches or weird diet food. Then I blended it into this pizza dip, and it completely changed the game.
- It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor
- Has way more protein than regular pizza dip
- Cooks fast and uses ingredients I always have on hand
- It’s secretly kinda healthy-ish, but you’d never know
- Everyone always asks for the recipe!
One time I brought this to a last-minute game night. I had 30 minutes and a half-empty fridge, but it came together perfectly. It disappeared in like 10 minutes flat.
Servings: 6
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup mini pepperoni
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for topping)
- Chips, pita, or garlic bread for serving
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Small round baking dish (about 6–8 inch)
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Oven
Pro Tips
- Blend the cottage cheese until it’s totally smooth for a creamy base—no lumps!
- Use whole milk cottage cheese for the best texture and flavor
- Don’t skip the garlic and oregano—they give it that real pizza vibe
- Bake until the cheese is really bubbly and golden around the edges
- Let it cool a bit before diving in so it’s not lava-hot
Substitutions and Variations
- Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a richer dip
- Go meat-free and top with diced veggies like bell peppers or olives
- Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or onions before baking
- Sub in marinara if you don’t have pizza sauce
- Top with fresh basil instead of parsley
Make-Ahead Tips
- Blend and layer everything in the baking dish up to a day ahead
- Cover and store in the fridge until ready to bake
- Add 5 extra minutes to bake time if baking from cold
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Blending cottage cheese breaks down the curds and creates a creamy texture like a cheese sauce. Since it’s high in protein and low in fat, it holds up well when baked, giving the dip structure without being greasy. Mozzarella on top melts into gooey perfection, and the pizza sauce adds acid to balance the richness.
Common Mistakes
- Not blending the cottage cheese – It’ll stay chunky, which messes with the creamy texture
- Using low-moisture mozzarella only – You need a little meltiness, so use regular shredded
- Not seasoning enough – The base needs garlic and herbs to taste like pizza
- Overbaking – It’ll dry out. Pull it when the cheese is just browned and bubbling
What to Serve With
- Pita chips
- Garlic bread
- Baguette slices
- Tortilla chips
- Sliced bell peppers or cucumbers if you want something lighter
Let’s Make It!
Step 1: Blend the Base
Add 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Mix in the Cheese
Pour the blended cottage cheese into a mixing bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup grated parmesan and 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip
Spoon the cheese mixture into a small round baking dish. Spread evenly. Spoon 1/4 cup pizza sauce over the top and spread gently. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup mozzarella and add 1/4 cup mini pepperoni evenly over the surface.
Step 4: Bake
Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly with golden brown cheese on top.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven. Let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped parsley on top. Serve warm with chips or garlic bread.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave until hot
- Stir before serving again if it separates a little—totally normal
Macros (Per Serving, makes 6)
- Calories: ~170
- Protein: ~12g
- Carbs: ~4g
- Fat: ~11g
Macros may vary depending on toppings and brands used
FAQ
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but whole milk gives a creamier texture.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Not easily—this recipe relies on cheese, but you can try using dairy-free versions.
Can I microwave it instead of baking?
You can, but you won’t get the bubbly golden top.
Is it spicy?
Only if you use red pepper flakes. Leave them out if you prefer mild.
Final Thoughts
This Cottage Cheese Pizza Dip is seriously addicting. It’s quick, cheesy, and feels like comfort food, but still packs some protein and can be made ahead. Definitely a crowd-pleaser and super easy to make whenever that pizza craving hits. Give it a try, then let me know how it went and what toppings you added—I love hearing your spins on it!