Pizza. It can be a symphony of flavors and textures—or just a quick fix after a long day. But what if I told you that the dough itself could be a protein powerhouse?
Imagine biting into a crust that’s not just a vessel for toppings, but a nourishing, satisfying experience all on its own. I remember the first time I tried this recipe—pure magic! It’s like meeting an old friend who has suddenly become a fitness guru.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with self-rising flour. Stir with a spoon, then use your hands to form the mixture into a ball of dough. If the dough is too sticky, rinse your hands and dust them with flour before continuing.
- On a piece of parchment paper, roll out the dough using a lightly floured rolling pin until it forms a thin crust. Alternatively, use a floured cylinder like a plastic cup. Perform this step directly on the parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Spread your chosen pizza sauce evenly over the rolled-out dough.
- Layer the shredded chicken on top, followed by mozzarella cheese, turkey pepperoni, and any additional veggies you prefer.
- Bake the pizza in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden brown. Adjust the cooking time based on the amount of sauce and toppings used.
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1.5 cups shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken recommended for convenience)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
- 10-12 slices turkey pepperoni
Nutritional Values
Calories: 676kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 62g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.006g | Cholesterol: 132mg | Sodium: 966mg | Potassium: 782mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1126IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 540mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- How should I store leftover pizza?
- Leftover pizza should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, use the microwave in 15-20 second intervals or air fry at 350 degrees for 3-4 minutes.
- Which is better for the dough, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese?
- Both Greek yogurt and cottage cheese work well for the dough, providing a high-protein base. Cottage cheese results in a slightly saltier dough with a subtle cheesy taste, but the final texture is similar to that of Greek yogurt.
- Can I use gluten-free self-rising flour?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free self-rising flour. However, be aware that the texture and final outcome may differ slightly from using regular self-rising flour.
- What other protein options can I use instead of shredded chicken?
- Instead of shredded chicken, you can try using ground chicken, ground turkey, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- What are some additional high protein pizza variations?
- You can try making a high protein BBQ chicken pizza by substituting the tomato sauce with barbecue sauce, and adding shredded chicken and cheddar cheese. Alternatively, a high protein Greek pizza can be made by adding artichoke hearts, spinach, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
Tips
- To prevent the dough from becoming too sticky while you’re working with it, rinse your hands and lightly dust them with flour. This will make it easier to handle and shape into a ball.
- For an easy rolling process, use a lightly floured rolling pin directly on parchment paper. This minimizes sticking and allows you to transfer the crust to the oven seamlessly.
- If you opt for a gluten-free version, be aware that the dough’s texture and final appearance might differ slightly from the regular flour version, but it should still work well for the pizza.
- To save time, consider using rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken topping, or quickly prepare shredded chicken in an air fryer, seasoning it as you like.
Equipment
- Silicone Baking Mat – Useful for rolling out the dough and baking.
- Pizza Stone – Optional, but can enhance the baking process for the crust.
- Rolling Pin – Essential for rolling out the pizza dough.
