If you’re craving a pizza that feels both comforting and delightfully fresh, the Cottage Cheese Pizza with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil Recipe is an absolute must-try. This unique take on pizza combines a soft, tender crust made from cottage cheese with vibrant toppings that bring a burst of flavor and color to every bite. The creamy cottage cheese base adds a subtle tang that sets this pizza apart from the usual, while juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and fragrant fresh basil tie the whole experience together perfectly. It’s the ideal way to enjoy a homemade pizza that feels special, yet is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together simple and wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering remarkable taste, texture, and freshness. From the soft cottage cheese forming the base of our dough to the bright cherry tomatoes adding juicy pops, every component is carefully chosen to create a harmonious and colorful pizza.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: The secret to making a tender, slightly tangy dough that bakes up beautifully.
- 1 cup flour: Provides structure for the dough, helping it hold together without heaviness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in your crust and toppings.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note that brightens the dough’s flavor.
- 4 ounces tomato sauce: A rich, tangy base that adds classic pizza goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs providing an aromatic touch to the sauce.
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella: Melted cheese that stretches and bubbles, giving that essential pizza texture.
- 1/4 cup sliced olives (green, black, or both): Briny and slightly salty, offering a fantastic contrast to the creamy base.
- 1/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bursts of freshness that brighten every bite.
- 10 fresh basil leaves: Aromatic and peppery, adding fresh herbal notes both baked and fresh.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pizza with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, flour, salt, and garlic powder. Stir gently until the cottage cheese is coated with flour, then knead the mixture until it forms a dough that can be shaped into a smooth ball. This dough is soft but manageable, promising a tender crust that’s unlike any traditional pizza base.
Step 2: Shape and Pre-Bake the Crust
Lightly flour your working surface and roll out or stretch the dough into a circle that’s at least 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and gently roll the edges up about 1/4-inch to create a little crust lip. This helps hold your toppings in place while baking. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to give it a nice head start on cooking and crisping up before adding toppings.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Seasoning
Take the partially baked crust from the oven and spread the tomato sauce evenly across the surface, leaving a half-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle the sauce with Italian seasoning to enhance the flavors with that classic herb mix that sings of Mediterranean sunshine.
Step 4: Top and Bake
Scatter the shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then add sliced olives and cherry tomatoes. For the fresh basil, split the leaves in half—add some now so their flavor infuses as the pizza bakes, and save the rest to sprinkle on afterward for a bright contrast. Bake the pizza for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust has turned a beautiful golden color.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Remove your pizza from the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes. This brief pause helps the cheese set slightly so when you slice, everything holds together beautifully without sliding apart. Then slice, serve, and get ready for a taste sensation!
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Pizza with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil added after baking is a game-changer, giving a punch of herbal aroma that transforms every slice. You might also consider a light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a touch of heat to complement the bright, creamy flavors.
Side Dishes
A crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this pizza. The contrast of fresh greens against the savory, cheesy pie creates a balanced meal. Roasted vegetables or a simple bowl of marinated olives also work well for heartier accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cottage Cheese Pizza with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil Recipe on a wooden board to highlight its rustic charm. You can also cut into smaller appetizer-sized pieces for parties or gatherings, making it an irresistible finger food that everyone will want to try. For a fun twist, let guests add their own fresh basil or chili flakes at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pizza tastes great even cold, but if you want to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the basil separate if possible, adding it fresh when reheating for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
While the crust is delicate, you can freeze leftover pizza slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your pizza in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 7-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust regains some crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works just fine and will create a similarly tender dough, though the crust might be slightly less rich. It’s a great option if you prefer a lighter pizza.
Can this pizza recipe be made gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends in place of regular flour, but the dough texture may vary. It’s best to use a blend designed for baking to achieve similar stretch and structure.
Is it necessary to pre-bake the crust?
Pre-baking the crust helps it set and prevents sogginess once the sauce and toppings are added. It ensures your pizza has a crisp bottom and holds up well during the final bake.
Can I substitute the mozzarella with another cheese?
Yes! Feel free to try provolone, fontina, or even a mild goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind the melting qualities of the cheese for best results.
How do I keep the basil fresh after baking?
Add half the basil before baking to infuse flavor, and add the remainder fresh immediately after the pizza comes out of the oven. This way, you get both aromatic depth and vibrant freshness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Cottage Cheese Pizza with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil Recipe that makes it a standout in any pizza lineup. It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to pull together, making it perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive treat for friends. I encourage you to give it a try—in every crispy, gooey, herb-filled bite, you’ll find plenty of reasons to make this recipe a new favorite in your kitchen.
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Cottage Cheese Pizza with Olives, Cherry Tomatoes, and Fresh Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Cottage Cheese Pizza featuring a homemade dough with cottage cheese and flour, topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. This recipe offers a lighter alternative to traditional pizza dough and is perfect for a quick homemade meal.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings
- 4 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced olives (green, black, or both)
- 1/4 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- 10 fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, flour, salt, and garlic powder. Stir until the cottage cheese is coated with flour, then knead the mixture until it forms a dough that can be shaped into a ball.
- Shape and Pre-Bake the Crust: Using a rolling pin or your hands, roll or stretch the dough into at least a 12-inch circle. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle additional flour as needed. Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, folding the edges up about 1/4 inch to create a crust lip. Bake the crust for 10 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Remove the partially baked crust from the oven. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border at the edges. Sprinkle the surface with Italian seasoning.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Top the pizza with shredded mozzarella, followed by the sliced olives and cherry tomatoes. Add half of the fresh basil leaves before baking and reserve the rest for garnish after baking. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the crust to firm up slightly. Add the remaining fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can add your preferred vegetables or protein toppings to customize the pizza.
- If the dough is too sticky, dust your work surface and hands with additional flour to make handling easier.
- Using fresh basil both before and after baking enhances the flavor and appearance.
- The crust is softer than traditional yeast dough but bakes to a crispy texture when pre-baked properly.
- For a slightly crisper crust, bake the dough a few extra minutes before adding toppings.
