Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns are a fun and tasty treat! These little buns are soft and filled with creamy cottage cheese, tomato sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings.
It’s like having a mini pizza party in a bun! I love making these for a quick snack or a simple dinner. Just pop them in the oven, and they’re ready in no time—easy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Smooth cottage cheese works best for a creamy texture. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute with ricotta cheese for a richer taste, or even a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free option.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that gooey, melty quality that everyone loves. Cheddar can be a nice substitute for a sharper flavor, or try a blend of cheeses for variety.
All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour is great for structure. If you’re looking for alternatives, whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor, or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version, adjusting the liquid slightly as needed.
Pizza Sauce: You can make your own with crushed tomatoes and Italian spices or use store-bought for convenience. For a twist, barbecue sauce or pesto can be used instead!
How Do I Make Sure My Buns Are Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the cooking time just right is essential for these buns. Here’s what to do:
- Pay attention to the color: You’re looking for a lovely golden brown finish. If they’re browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.
- Check with a toothpick: Insert it into the center of a bun. If it comes out clean, they’re done. If it’s a bit sticky, they need a couple more minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Give each bun space to rise and cook evenly, avoiding soggy bottoms.
Let them cool for a few minutes after baking to firm up a bit, making them easier to handle. These tips will help you enjoy perfectly baked Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns every time!
Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably smooth)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
Optional Toppings:
- Finely chopped pepperoni
- Sliced olives
- Diced bell peppers
- Other preferred pizza toppings
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or dried herbs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you should plan for around 30-35 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a quick and delicious snack or meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, take a baking sheet and either line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will help prevent the buns from sticking.
2. Mix the Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, egg, and pizza sauce. Stir everything together until it’s all well mixed. This gooey mixture is going to be the heart of your pizza buns!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. This will add flavor and structure to your buns.
4. Make the Dough:
Now, add the dry ingredients to the cheese mixture. Stir everything together gently until a soft dough forms. If you want to jazz up your buns, fold in any optional toppings like pepperoni or bell peppers to give them extra flavor!
5. Shape the Buns:
Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out portions of the dough and shape them into small buns or patties, about 3-4 inches wide. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space to rise.
6. Add Extra Cheese and Seasoning:
Sprinkle a bit of extra mozzarella cheese on top of each bun for that delightful cheesy topping. If you’d like, you can also add a pinch of Italian seasoning or some chopped parsley for garnish.
7. Bake Them:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown and cooked through. The aroma will be irresistible!
8. Cool & Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the buns cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows them to firm up just a bit, making them easier to handle.
9. Enjoy with Sauce:
Serve your Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. They’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun main dish!
Enjoy your homemade Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns! They’re cheesy, savory, and sure to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can experiment with using cheddar, provolone, or a dairy-free cheese alternative to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Is There a Way to Make These Buns Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the baking powder is also gluten-free, and you may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe slightly based on the flour you choose.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave them for a quick warm-up.
Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just shape the buns and bake them when you’re ready. This makes for a quick snack or meal option when you’re busy!
