These crispy cottage cheese pizza shards are a savory, low-carb twist on classic pizza flavors. Baked until golden and crunchy, they deliver cheesy satisfaction in snackable pieces, perfect for dipping into warm marinara sauce or enjoying on their own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These pizza shards are quick to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and bake up beautifully crisp without frying. They’re naturally gluten-free, high in protein thanks to cottage cheese, and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. The texture is crunchy on the outside with a rich, cheesy flavor that feels indulgent while still being simple and wholesome.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the pizza shards
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, well drained
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For serving
1/2 cup marinara sauce, warmed
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, almond flour, mozzarella, and parmesan. Stir until a thick, cohesive mixture forms.
Add the oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the herbs and seasoning.
Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it into a thin, even layer about 1/4-inch thick.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the surface is deeply golden and crisp around the edges.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Once slightly cooled, break or cut into irregular shard-like pieces.
Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 to 3 people as a snack or appetizer
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes
Total time: about 40 minutes
Variations
You can add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or mix in finely chopped olives for a Mediterranean flavor. Swap the dried herbs for Italian seasoning if you prefer a more robust herb profile. For extra crispiness, spread the mixture slightly thinner and bake a few minutes longer, watching closely.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pizza shards in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the texture.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but full-fat cottage cheese produces a richer flavor and crispier texture.
Do I need to blend the cottage cheese?
No, draining it well is sufficient. The small curds add texture to the shards.
Is almond flour necessary?
Almond flour helps bind the mixture and keeps it low-carb. Other flours may change the texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on cheese, so dairy-free substitutions will significantly alter the result.
How thin should I spread the mixture?
About 1/4-inch thick is ideal for crispy shards without burning.
Can I add vegetables?
Very finely chopped vegetables can be added, but excess moisture may prevent crisping.
Are these shards keto-friendly?
They are relatively low in carbs and suitable for many low-carb lifestyles.
Can I freeze the pizza shards?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture becomes soft when thawed.
What can I serve besides marinara sauce?
They pair well with garlic yogurt sauce or a simple tomato dip.
Why are my shards not crispy?
They may need more baking time or a thinner spread to release moisture.
Conclusion
Crispy cottage cheese pizza shards are a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy bold pizza flavors in a unique, crunchy form. With minimal prep and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is perfect for quick snacks, casual gatherings, or anytime you crave something cheesy and crisp without the fuss of traditional dough.
Crispy Cottage Cheese Pizza Shards are a low-carb, gluten-free snack baked to golden perfection with cottage cheese, almond flour, and Italian herbs—perfect for dipping in warm marinara or enjoying on their own.
Ingredients
For the pizza shards:
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, well drained
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For serving:
1/2 cup marinara sauce, warmed
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, almond flour, mozzarella, and parmesan. Mix well.
Add oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a thin, even layer about 1/4-inch thick.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until deeply golden and crispy around the edges.
Let cool for 5 minutes, then break or cut into shards.
Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Drain cottage cheese well to avoid excess moisture.
For extra crispness, spread thinner and bake a few minutes longer.
Use full-fat cheese for best texture and flavor.
Avoid adding high-moisture vegetables to maintain crispiness.
