Crispy cottage cheese pizza shards are my latest obsession—thin, crunchy, high-protein snacks that taste like pizza but feel like chips. With a base made from cottage cheese, herbs, and a sprinkle of cheese, these shards bake up into crispy, flavorful bites that are perfect for dipping, snacking, or even topping salads. They’re simple to make and totally customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it gives me all the flavor of pizza with a lighter, crispier texture and a protein boost from the cottage cheese. The shards are easy to bake, super versatile, and great for low-carb or gluten-free snacking. I can enjoy them on their own or serve them with marinara, hummus, or pesto. Plus, they take less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
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Egg (to bind)
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Shredded mozzarella or Parmesan
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Italian seasoning or dried oregano
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Garlic powder
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Salt
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Optional: chili flakes, chopped fresh basil, or finely diced pepperoni
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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I blend the cottage cheese until smooth, then stir in the egg, cheese, and seasonings until well combined.
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I spread the mixture thinly onto the prepared baking sheet—about 1/8 inch thick—for maximum crispiness.
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I bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is firm and dry.
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I let it cool for a few minutes, then slice or break it into shards.
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I serve them as-is or with my favorite dip—usually marinara or garlic sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 2–4 servings of shards (depending on how small I break them).
Total time is around 30 minutes:
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10 minutes for preparation
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20–25 minutes for baking
Variations
Sometimes I add a thin layer of pizza sauce before baking or top with mini pepperoni for extra flavor. I’ve also mixed in sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or fresh herbs. For a dairy-free version, I use plant-based cheese and cottage cheese alternatives. If I want a crispier chip-like version, I bake it a little longer or turn it into two thin batches.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover shards in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To re-crisp, I pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be refreshed easily if they soften.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, I’ve used both full-fat and low-fat cottage cheese. Full-fat gives a richer flavor, but both work well when blended smooth.
How do I make sure they turn out crispy?
I spread the mixture very thin and make sure to bake it until the edges are golden brown and the center is no longer soft or shiny.
Can I make these without blending the cottage cheese?
Blending gives a smoother texture and helps everything hold together, but if I like the curdy texture, I skip blending for a more rustic version.
Are these good for dipping?
Absolutely. I love them with marinara, ranch, pesto, or even guacamole. They hold up well when baked long enough.
Can I freeze them?
I don’t recommend freezing—they lose crispness—but they stay fresh in the fridge for a few days and can be reheated easily.
Conclusion
Crispy cottage cheese pizza shards are a creative, tasty twist on snacking that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether I’m looking for a low-carb treat, a protein-packed chip alternative, or a new way to enjoy pizza flavors, these shards deliver. They’re quick, crunchy, and totally customizable—definitely worth baking again and again.
PrintCrispy Cottage Cheese Pizza Shards
Crispy cottage cheese pizza shards are high-protein, thin, crunchy snacks that mimic the flavor of pizza with a chip-like texture. Perfect for dipping, snacking, or topping salads, they’re made with a simple base of cottage cheese, herbs, and shredded cheese, then baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: chili flakes, chopped fresh basil, or finely diced pepperoni
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
- In a bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, egg, shredded cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Add optional mix-ins if using.
- Spread the mixture thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is firm and dry.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then slice or break into shards.
- Serve as-is or with your favorite dip.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake a little longer or make two thin batches.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for richer flavor.
- Customize with toppings like pepperoni, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives.
- Best eaten fresh but can be re-crisped in the oven.
- Not suitable for freezing as they lose their crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 batch
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
