These Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns are a fun twist on pizza! They are soft, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Just imagine warm buns filled with gooey cheese and tasty toppings.
Making these is a blast! I love letting my kids choose their favorite toppings. It’s like building mini pizzas, and they love being part of the fun! Perfect for snack time or a quick meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star ingredient! It adds moisture and a nice cheesy flavor. If you want a smoother texture, you can blend it before adding. No cottage cheese? Ricotta or Greek yogurt can work as a substitute!
All-Purpose Flour: The base for the buns. For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour. You can also try gluten-free flour blends if needed!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for that gooey, stretchy texture. Parmesan adds a lovely savory kick. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor.
Herbs & Spices: Italian seasoning is a great go-to, but feel free to mix it up! Fresh herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a fun twist.
What’s the Best Way to Shape the Buns?
Shaping the buns is easy and allows for creativity! Here are my tips:
- Use your hands for this task. Wet them slightly to prevent sticking.
- Keep the buns thick (about 1 inch) for a soft interior.
- Arrange them with some space on the baking sheet to allow for slight expansion during baking.
This method ensures your buns come out fluffy and perfectly baked!
How Do I Get the Cheese Topping Just Right?
For an amazing cheesy top, follow these simple steps:
- After spreading sauce, sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella.
- Add it right before baking for a melty finish.
- If you want it extra crispy, place them under the broiler for a minute after baking.
These tips will keep your buns cheesy and delicious!
Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup pizza sauce (for dipping and topping)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. Total time, including cooling, will be around 45-50 minutes. You’ll have delightful, cheesy pizza buns ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and milk. Use a fork or whisk to mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This will help evenly distribute the dry ingredients in your dough.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
5. Add Cheese and Optional Ingredients:
Fold in the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, along with the chopped onion if you’re using it. This will give the buns a delicious cheesy flavor throughout.
6. Shape the Buns:
Using your hands or a large spoon, scoop out portions of dough and shape them into thick buns or rounds, about 6-8 total. Place the shaped buns on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
7. Add Sauce and Cheese Topping:
Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on top of each bun. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. This step ensures that the buns have a delightful cheesy crust!
8. Brush with Oil:
Lightly brush the sides of each bun with olive oil. This will give them a nice golden color as they bake.
9. Bake the Buns:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch closely until the buns are golden brown and the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly browned.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the buns out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve these delicious cottage cheese pizza buns warm, with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
These Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns make for a delightful snack or a quick meal option for everyone to enjoy!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will make your buns heartier and add a nutty flavor. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture, so you could add a bit more milk if the dough seems too dry.
Can I Add Different Toppings or Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. You can add cooked vegetables, pepperoni, olives, or your favorite pizza toppings. Just make sure they are precooked or won’t release too much moisture into the buns.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza Buns?
To store leftovers, let the buns cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave them for a quick fix.
Can I Freeze These Pizza Buns?
Yes! These buns freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each bun in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months! Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy them.