High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Dip Recipe (53g Protein)
Gluten-Free | Quick to Make | Gooey + Cheesy + Full of Flavor
One evening, my in-laws came over and we ordered dinner, but everyone was starving and it was going to be an hour before food arrived. I opened my fridge and thought, “What can I whip up fast that everyone will actually like?”
I had my staples: cottage cheese, turkey pepperoni, shredded cheese, and a jar of marinara sauce. In 10 minutes, this dip was born!
It ended up being a huge hit with everyone, toddlers, Gen Z, millennials, and even my father-in-law, who usually won’t touch cottage cheese.
It’s gooey, cheesy, and loaded with 53g of protein, so you can feel good about serving it. My 2-year-old now asks for this “pizza dip” all the time. This dip is cozy, packed with flavor, and a great way to sneak in more protein using cottage cheese. Perfect for game day, a quick easy lunch, or as a last-minute party appetizer. It’s simple, satisfying, and something I genuinely enjoy making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
Packed with protein: You get approximately 53 grams of protein in the whole dip, making it a satisfying snack or easy meal that keeps you full.
Simple ingredients: No complicated grocery runs here, just everyday staples like cottage cheese, mozzarella, and turkey pepperoni.
Low carb option: When you serve it with fresh veggies or grain-free chips, it’s a great low-carb snack or appetizer that fits into many meal plans.
This dip hits that perfect balance of being easy to make, delicious, and good for you, a total win in my book!
Ingredients You'll Need:
1 cup cottage cheese
This is the base of the dip and where most of the protein comes from. I like using low-fat, but any kind works. I blend mine for a smoother texture.½ cup shredded mozzarella
Adds that melty, stretchy layer you expect from anything pizza-inspired.¼ cup parmesan cheese
A little sharper and saltier than mozzarella, great for mixing in and sprinkling on top.2 tbsp marinara sauce
Just enough to give it that tomato flavor without making the dip too thin.½ cup chopped turkey pepperoni
I usually keep this on hand, it adds flavor and more protein without the grease.1 tbsp Italian seasoning
This pulls everything together. You could also add garlic powder or onion powder if you want more depth.Fresh basil (for topping)
Not essential, but I love the freshness it adds right at the end.
Jazz's Recommended Kitchen Tools
Immersion blender: perfect for getting a smooth cottage cheese base in just a few seconds.
Oven-safe baking tray: the right size for this dip and fits easily in most air fryers or ovens.
Air fryer: this is the one I use and love; it heats evenly and works fast.
Directions (Air Fryer)
1. Blend cottage cheese (see blending tips in section below).
2. Mix in mozzarella, parmesan, marinara, turkey pepperoni, and seasoning. Reserve a few tablespoons of parmesan and turkey pepperoni for topping!
3. Transfer to an oven-safe ramekin or casserole dish.
4. Top with a few tablespoons of parmesan and optional pepperoni slices.
5. Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
6. Cool for 5 minutes (dip thickens as it cools).
7. Top with fresh chopped basil and serve.
Oven Instructions
Bake at 425°F for 13–15 minutes in a preheated oven until bubbling and golden. Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you want a crusty top.
Blending Cottage Cheese (Smooth or Chunky?)
Blending cottage cheese makes the dip creamy, smooth, and more like traditional pizza dip.
You don’t have to blend it, if you like a little texture, you can skip it.
To blend: Use a blender or food processor for 20–30 seconds until smooth and creamy.
Add-Ins + Pizza Toppings
One of the best parts of this easy pizza dip recipe is how customizable it is. You can tailor the base of this dip to match your favorite pizza toppings:
Black olives
Chopped cooked italian sausage or ground beef (I used Applegate Turkey Pepperoni!)
Sautéed green peppers, onions, or mushrooms
Red pepper flakes for a fiery kick
Sliced cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers
Swap marinara sauce for spicy pizza sauce or homemade tomato sauce
Use what you love! The combo of melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and creamy dip texture makes this a top-of-the-list family favorite.
What to Serve It With!
This is a perfect appetizer for game nights, a super bowl party, or your next gathering. Here are some of my go-to dippers:
Pita chips or tortilla chips
Fresh sourdough or crusty bread
Cucumber rounds or bell pepper strips
Protein chips or zucchini chips
Bagel chips, baguette slices, or french bread
Raw veggies like carrots, celery, or snap peas
Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Dip
Cool before serving.
Let it sit for about 5 minutes before digging in. The dip thickens as it cools and the cheese settles into that perfect gooey texture.Drain if needed.
Some cottage cheese brands are on the runnier side. If yours is watery, drain or blot with a paper towel before blending to avoid a thin dip.Blend for smoothness.
Blending the cottage cheese helps create a creamy base. If you want a smoother dip, this step makes a big difference.Top it right.
A few extra slices of turkey pepperoni and a sprinkle of parmesan on top help the dip brown nicely and get that melty finish.Want it golden?
If the top isn’t browning, try adding a little extra parmesan before baking or air frying.Want a crusty top?
Broil it for the last 1–2 minutes to crisp things up without overcooking.Use the right dish.
Make sure your ramekin or baking dish is oven-safe or fits in your air fryer. I use this one! The size is just right.
Make It Your Own
Need to adapt the recipe? Here are some easy substitutions:
Vegetarian: Skip the turkey pepperoni or use a veggie-based version.
Low-carb: Stick to veggie dippers and avoid bread or crackers.
Dairy-free: Use your favorite plant-based mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese alternatives.
Add cream cheese: For extra richness, stir in 1–2 tbsp softened cream cheese into the cottage cheese mixture.
FAQs
-
Yes, ricotta will work, but low-fat cottage cheese has more grams of protein, making it a better option if you're tracking your protein intake.
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Absolutely! Just assemble the dip in a ramekin or oven-safe bowl, cover, and refrigerate. Cook it when you’re ready to serve.
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Keep any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until bubbly.
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Nope! Once you blend cottage cheese and bake it with the marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and seasoning, it transforms into a cheesy pizza dip that tastes nothing like the texture of cottage cheese.
If you’re looking for a great recipe to satisfy those pizza cravings without diving into a whole pizza, this is it. It’s the ultimate appetizer that doesn’t wreck your nutrition goals. It also makes a surprisingly easy lunch if you portion it with veggies and a few grain-free crackers.
Let me know if you try it, tag me on socials and leave a star rating!
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Dip (53g Protein)
This cottage cheese pizza dip recipe packs 53g of protein, uses simple ingredients, and is perfect for game day or an easy lunch. Creamy, cheesy, and low carb when served with veggies or grain-free chips!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp marinara sauce
- ½ cup chopped turkey pepperoni
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (for topping)
Instructions
- Blend cottage cheese (see blending tips below).
- Mix in mozzarella, parmesan, marinara, turkey pepperoni, and seasoning. Reserve a few tablespoons of parmesan and turkey pepperoni for topping!
- Transfer to an oven-safe ramekin.
- Top with a few tablespoons of parmesan and pepperoni slices.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Cool for 5 minutes (dip thickens as it cools).
- Top with fresh chopped basil and serve.
- Bake at 425°F for 13–15 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Nutrition Facts
Protein
53 g
Hey, I’m Jazz
I’m a nutritional therapist practitioner and spent 3 years as a personal chef to NBA athletes. Follow along for easy, attainable and healthy recipes in under 30 minutes!
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