Timeless Kitchen | Spinach Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust, South Beach Diet Recipes, High Fat Low Carb Recipes

How to make Spinach Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust

Ingredients:

• For the crust:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the topping:

  

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup bell peppers, chopped
  • ¼ cup olives (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking.
2. In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, spinach, and eggs together until well blended.
3. Add almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir until everything is combined thoroughly.
4. Spread the mixture onto a parchment paper-lined pizza stone or baking sheet. Shape it into a circle about ½ inch thick.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
6. While the crust is baking, prepare your toppings. In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, olives (if using), and Italian seasoning.
7. Once the crust is done, take it out of the oven. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the hot crust, followed by the vegetable mixture.
8. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust

This Spinach Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust is not only tasty but also packed with nutritional benefits. The unique cottage cheese crust provides a high-protein base that is sure to satisfy your hunger without the excessive carbs. Each bite is a perfect blend of cheesy goodness and vibrant veggies, making it a delightful choice for anyone, especially those following low-carb or South Beach diet plans.

Nutriment Benefits

• High in Protein: Cottage cheese is rich in protein, which helps build and repair muscles.
• Low in Carbs: This pizza is a great option for those looking to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Rich in Vitamins: Spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, essential for overall health.
• Healthy Fats: The use of almond flour and olive oil (if used in the preparation) supplies healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling fuller for longer.

What to Serve With Spinach Pizza

This pizza pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the flavors well.
• Roasted Veggies: Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts or zucchini will add a nice crunch to your meal.
• Soup: A light vegetable soup can make a great starter before enjoying your pizza.
• Dipping Sauces: A side of marinara or pesto sauce can provide an extra burst of flavor.

How to Store Spinach Pizza

To keep your leftover Spinach Pizza fresh:

• Fridge: Store any uneaten pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: You can also freeze the pizza. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They should stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in the oven.

Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t rush the baking time: Allowing the crust to bake thoroughly will ensure a nice texture. Underbaking could lead to a mushy crust.
• Use fresh spinach: If using fresh spinach, make sure to wash and dry it thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
• Eggs: Be sure to mix the eggs well. This will help bind the crust ingredients together properly.
• Check the temperature: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your pizza and adjust baking times as necessary.

Variations

• Cheese Swap: If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to substitute mozzarella with cheddar or feta for a different taste.
• Add Proteins: To increase protein content, add cooked chicken breast or turkey on top of the pizza.
• Spice It Up: For heat lovers, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or jalapeños will enhance the flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use a different flour for the crust?

  • Yes, you can use other low-carb flours like coconut flour or even a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture may vary.

• Is this pizza suitable for a gluten-free diet?

  • Absolutely! As long as you use almond flour and avoid any gluten-containing toppings.

• Can I make this pizza ahead of time?

  • Yes, you can prepare the crust in advance and refrigerate it. Add the toppings just before baking for the best results.

This Spinach Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious meal without the carbs. It’s simple to make, healthful, and full of flavor!

Spinach Pizza with Cottage Cheese Crust

A delicious and healthy pizza featuring a high-protein cottage cheese crust, loaded with spinach and topped with fresh veggies and mozzarella cheese.

Servings 8 servings

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• to taste Salt and pepper

For the topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup bell peppers, chopped
• ¼ cup olives (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking.
• In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, spinach, and eggs together until well blended.
• Add almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir until everything is combined thoroughly.
• Spread the mixture onto a parchment paper-lined pizza stone or baking sheet. Shape it into a circle about ½ inch thick.

Baking

• Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Topping

• While the crust is baking, prepare your toppings. In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, olives (if using), and Italian seasoning.
• Once the crust is done, take it out of the oven. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the hot crust, followed by the vegetable mixture.
• Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving

• Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.

Notes

To store, place any uneaten pizza slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze individually wrapped slices for up to 3 months. For variation, substitute mozzarella with cheddar or feta, add cooked chicken for protein, or spice it up with red pepper flakes.

Calories: 200kcal

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Healthy, Italian

Keyword: Cottage Cheese Crust, Healthy Pizza, Low-Carb Pizza, Spinach Pizza, Vegetable Pizza