Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns

5 from 3 votes

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Cottage cheese pizza buns are the kind of snack that truly checks every box: easy, satisfying, kid-approved, and versatile enough for adults too. These fluffy, savory buns are packed with protein, made with simple ingredients, and taste just like your favorite slice of pizza—without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding toddlers, packing lunchboxes, grabbing a quick bite on the go, or looking for the perfect after-school snack, these pizza buns fit right into everyday life. And for adults? A drizzle of hot honey takes them to the next level.

Made with cottage cheese, eggs, and mozzarella, these pizza buns bake up soft and tender on the inside with golden, cheesy tops. They’re easy to hold, easy to reheat, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings. Think of them as a cross between a pizza muffin and a soft roll—comfort food with a nutritious twist.

Why Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns Are a Win

Cottage cheese adds moisture, protein, and a subtle creaminess without overpowering the classic pizza flavor. When blended or mixed well, it disappears into the batter, making these buns perfect for picky eaters who might otherwise shy away from cottage cheese. Combined with eggs and cheese, these buns are naturally filling and balanced, making them ideal for growing kids and busy adults alike.

They’re also incredibly practical. These pizza buns can be made ahead, stored in the fridge, or frozen for later. Warm one up in the microwave or toaster oven, and you’ve got a homemade snack in minutes—no prep required.

Perfect for Everyone

For kids and toddlers, these cottage cheese pizza buns are soft, flavorful, and easy to eat—no mess, no utensils required. For adults, they’re equally satisfying, especially when finished with a drizzle of hot honey for that irresistible sweet-heat contrast.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, stocking the freezer, or just looking for a wholesome snack everyone will love, cottage cheese pizza buns are bound to become a household favorite. I shared this recipe on social media last year and it went viral! Thousands of people tried it and shared amazing reviews. So I know it’s a good one. Definitely worth trying!!

How To Make Cottage Cheese Pizza Buns

The Ingredients

Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is the star of the recipe, adding protein, moisture, and a tender crumb. Good Culture cottage cheese is a great option for its clean ingredients and thick texture.
Substitutes: Ricotta cheese for a similar texture, plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor, or blended silken tofu for a dairy-free alternative.

Eggs
Eggs bind the batter and help the buns rise while adding protein.
Substitutes: Flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flax mixed with 5 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg replacer for an egg-free version.

Italian Seasoning
This blend brings classic pizza flavor with herbs like oregano and basil.
Substitutes: A mix of dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder, or pizza seasoning.

Flour
Flour gives structure and helps the buns hold their shape.
Substitutes: Whole wheat flour for extra fiber, gluten-free all-purpose flour, or oat flour.

Baking Powder

Baking powder helps the buns puff up and stay light.
Substitutes: A mix of baking soda and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice if needed.

Shredded Mozzarella
Mozzarella adds that classic stretchy, cheesy pizza flavor inside and on top.
Substitutes: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone, or dairy-free shredded cheese.

Marinara Sauce
Marinara adds moisture and rich tomato flavor. Our favorite is Rao’s!
Substitutes: Pizza sauce, crushed tomatoes with seasoning, or even pesto for a twist.

Pepperoni or Toppings (Optional)
Small pieces of salami, pepperoni, or veggies make these buns customizable.
Substitutes: Cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or keep them plain for toddlers.

What You Need

The Steps

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
In a large bowl combine cottage cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, baking powder, flour, 1/2 of the mozzarella
Using a cookie scoop form 9 buns
Press down slightly (they will expand while cooking)
Top with marinara, mozzarella & salami
Bake for 25 minutes
Let cool and enjoy
Option to drizzle with hot honey for extra flavour
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge

Recipe Tips

Make sure you're using a good quality thick cottage cheese. If yours is runny it will make the buns spread out even more while baking. If your cottage cheese is more runny, consider adding another tbsp of flour or trying to strain some of the liquid out.
Add whatever toppings you'd like. If you add chicken, you can up the protein.
These buns are a perfect way to sneak in protein into your kids diet.
A drizzle of hot honey takes this to the next level.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 310

Ingredients

1 heaping cup of cottage cheese
2 eggs
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup shredded mozzarella divided
1/2 cup marinara
Pepperoni or whatever toppings you want optional I used little pieces of salami

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
In a large bowl combine cottage cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, baking powder, flour, 1/2 of the mozzarella
Using a cookie scoop form 9 buns
Press down slightly (they will expand while cooking)
Top with marinara, mozzarella & salami
Bake for 25 minutes
Let cool and enjoy
Option to drizzle with hot honey for extra flavour
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge

Notes

Make sure you're using a good quality thick cottage cheese. If yours is runny it will make the buns spread out even more while baking. If your cottage cheese is more runny, consider adding another tbsp of flour or trying to strain some of the liquid out.
Add whatever toppings you'd like. If you add chicken, you can up the protein.
These buns are a perfect way to sneak in protein into your kids diet.
A drizzle of hot honey takes this to the next level.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 22gFat: 17gFiber: 2g

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6 Reviews

Rhi on February 6, 2026 at 10:32 am

I followed this to the tee, and within about 2 mins of it being in the oven it all spread out and did not stay as buns. Waiting to see if it cooks anyway and I can cut it on the squares but not sure what happened here.
Reply
- Ivanka Hanley on February 6, 2026 at 2:52 pm
  
  Hi! Mine always spread out a little but if they completely melt/spread that probably is the result of runny cottage cheese. The brand I use is Good Culture and theirs is typically thicker. So maybe adding another 1-2 tbsp of flour for runnier cottage cheese would help. I will make a note in the directions. Did they cook through? Were you able to eat them as squares? Sorry about that!
  Reply
Audra on February 14, 2026 at 9:22 pm

What size cookie scoop do you use?
Reply
- Ivanka Hanley on February 16, 2026 at 5:16 pm
  
  Hi! This was a 4inch cookie scoop.
  Reply
Erin Hurlock on February 18, 2026 at 1:22 pm

Great recipe! I have made these twice in the past month. I did add more flour based on the dough consistency I felt was needed in the North Carolina climate plus using cottage cheese and a mozzarella with more moisture than suggested. The 2nd time I made them I actually doubled the base recipe and again added more flour and added a little salt to the dough. I sprayed my hand with a little oil to help shape the buns since the dough is sticky, added pizza sauce, cheese, toppings of choice, more cheese, and dusted with garlic powder and a little more salt. Cooking time of 25 minutes was perfect. These are so delicious! Thank you for this high protein recipe that even my toddler loves.
Reply
- Ivanka Hanley on February 18, 2026 at 8:36 pm
  
  Thank you SO much for sharing your experience with this recipe! Love it when our toddlers love them too – such a win!
  Reply

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Meet Ivanka

Recipe creator, toddler mama & wellness enthusiast. Happy&Full is a blog all about quick and easy recipes for every day living! Eating well (and feeling well) doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

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