These Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns are super fun and tasty! They have a soft, chewy dough filled with creamy cottage cheese and topped with your favorite pizza goodies.
Perfect for lunch or a snack, they’re like little pizza pockets. Honestly, I can’t eat just one—who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😋
Making these is a breeze! You just mix, fill, and bake. I love serving them warm with a side of marinara for dipping. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: It adds creaminess and protein to the buns. If you want a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese until smooth before mixing. I like the extra flavor and benefits of low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese here.
Flour: Self-rising flour gives the buns a lovely rise. If you use all-purpose flour, add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder for every cup of flour. My personal tip is to sift the flour to keep it fluffy!
Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together. For an egg-free option, try using a flaxseed meal or a little unsweetened applesauce, about ¼ cup per egg.
Cheeses: Mozzarella is great for melting, while Parmesan has a beautiful flavor. Feel free to switch up the cheeses—maybe try cheddar or even feta for something different!
Pizza Sauce: A store-bought sauce works fine, but homemade sauce can take it up a notch. You can also use salsa or pesto for a twist, depending on what you like.
How Do I Make Sure My Buns Have the Right Texture?
The texture of the dough is crucial. Keep these tips in mind to get it just right:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently; overmixing can lead to tough buns.
- If the dough feels sticky, add a small amount of flour until you can handle it without it sticking to your hands.
- Shape the buns gently without compressing them too much; they need some air to expand during baking.
- Let the baked buns cool slightly; this helps them set up a bit more and makes them easier to handle.
Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (drained if very watery)
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour + baking powder)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for topping)
- Pepperoni slices (optional, for topping)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing)
Time Estimate
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep, and around 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns!
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, add the cottage cheese, egg, garlic powder, and oregano. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy. This is where all the flavor starts!
3. Make the Dough
Next, gradually add in the self-rising flour to the mixture. Stir just enough to form a soft dough. It should be slightly sticky; if it feels very wet, sprinkle in a little more flour until it is manageable.
4. Add Cheese
Gently fold in the ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese into the dough. This adds a delicious cheesy flavor to the buns!
5. Shape the Buns
Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it a bit to make a round bun shape on your prepared baking sheet.
6. Add Toppings
On each bun, spoon a little pizza sauce in the center—don’t overdo it! Top the sauce with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, and add a few pepperoni slices if you like.
7. Bake
Place the buns in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese on top is bubbly and melted.
8. Optional Finishing Touch
If you want a nice shiny top, brush the warm buns with a little melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
9. Cool and Serve
Let the buns cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm, and they pair wonderfully with extra pizza sauce for dipping!
Enjoy your soft, cheesy Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns with a crispy, golden topping—perfect for any pizza lover! 🍕
Can I Use Different Cheeses in the Buns?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can substitute with other melty cheeses like cheddar or provolone. For a bolder flavor, consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese!
What Should I Do if My Dough is Too Sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky to work with, don’t worry! Just sprinkle in a little more flour, about a tablespoon at a time, until you can handle it comfortably without it sticking to your hands.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza Buns?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Freeze These Buns?
Yes, these buns freeze wonderfully! Make sure they are completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.