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Pizza cravings meet easy weeknight snacking with these three ingredient cottage cheese pizza strips. This is the fuss-free answer for when you want something hot cheesy and packed with nostalgic flavor but do not want to deal with dough or lots of prep. It is been my go-to during busy after-school hours—my kids devour them before they are even cool.
I threw this together on a night when groceries were low and was surprised at how the crispy cheesy edges reminded me of childhood pizza parties. Now these strips have a permanent spot in our snack rotation.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese: homemade or store bought gives a protein packed base and a creamy tang Use small curd for smoothness or blend for extra creamy texture
- Pizza sauce: your favorite jarred or homemade variety brings the classic tomato flavor Choose one with herbs for extra depth
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts to golden bubbly perfection Choose whole milk for richest flavor and best melt
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper Make sure the oven is fully hot before moving on since this helps the cheese crisp
- Mix the Base:
- In a medium bowl combine cottage cheese and pizza sauce Stir until the mixture looks uniform with no clumps or streaks of either ingredient This makes sure every bite tastes like pizza
- Shape and Spread:
- Scoop the mixture onto the lined baking sheet Using a spatula gently shape it into a large thin rectangle not too thick so it bakes up crisp and slices easily into strips
- Top with Cheese:
- Evenly scatter shredded mozzarella all over the top covering to the edges Press lightly so the cheese stays put This will create that irresistible cheesy crust
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the sheet in the preheated oven Bake for fifteen to twenty minutes until the cheese is melted bubbling and starting to turn golden brown Watch the last few minutes so it does not overcook
- Cool and Slice:
- Let cool for a few minutes then cut into strips with a pizza cutter or sharp knife The cooling lets the cheese set so strips hold together
Cottage cheese is hands down the ingredient that makes these pizza strips special It adds that boost of nutrition with a creamy finish I remember a rainy Saturday when my daughter helped stir the base and we both could not wait for the cheesy aroma to fill the kitchen
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge These pizza strips stay tasty for up to three days Reheat in a toaster oven to get the edges crisp again Microwave reheating works but will be softer
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap cottage cheese for ricotta for a milder touch Use vegan cheese shreds and dairy free cottage cheese if needed If you do not have pizza sauce plain tomato sauce with a sprinkle of Italian herbs and garlic powder fills in beautifully
Serving Suggestions
Serve as after school snack or on a game night tray Add a salad for a balanced lunch Dip strips in extra pizza sauce ranch or a garlic dip for more flavor
Cultural Insight
This recipe fits the American love for easy pizza treats and also echoes Italian simplicity with minimal high quality ingredients My neighbor from Naples swears that less is more with pizza and this recipe sticks to that belief
Seasonal Adaptations
Stir in some chopped summer basil or fresh garden spinach before baking Layer sliced tomatoes when tomatoes are in season for a brighter taste Add roasted peppers or olives in winter for a richer vibe
Success Stories
A friend made these for her picky eaters and texted that there were zero leftovers Another reader told me these pizza strips became part of their weekly meal prep routine and freeze surprisingly well for quick snacks
Freezer Meal Conversion
Bake cool completely and slice Wrap tightly in foil and stash in the freezer up to one month They reheat quickly in an oven or air fryer straight from frozen making them even crispier
Give these pizza strips a try for your next snack or quick meal The easy cleanup and kid friendly flavor might surprise you
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I prevent soggy strips?
Use full-fat cottage cheese and bake until the edges turn lightly golden for a firmer texture.
- → Can I add toppings?
Absolutely! Try sliced olives, bell peppers, onions, or herbs layered before the final bake.
- → What type of mozzarella is best?
Shredded low-moisture mozzarella gives the best melt and browning for these strips.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
- → Is it suitable for kids?
Kids usually enjoy the cheesy flavor and fun strip shape, making it great for family snacks.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days; reheat before serving.