High Protein Pizza Rolls
Enjoy the nostalgic comfort of pizza rolls with a healthy twist! These homemade rolls feature a soft, protein-rich cottage cheese dough filled with gooey mozzarella, savory sauce, and fresh basil. Perfect for a fun appetizer, a satisfying snack, or a meal prep lunch.
Equipment
- Sheet Pan
- Parchment Paper
- Food processor
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
dough:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
toppings:
- ½ cup pasta or pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup fresh chopped basil
Instructions
Prep the Pan and Blend the Dough Base
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, blend the cottage cheese until it is completely smooth and creamy with no visible curds.
Mix and Roll the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the blended cottage cheese to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then use your hands to gently knead it in the bowl until a soft, cohesive dough ball comes together.
- Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about ½ inch thick.
Fill, Roll, and Slice
- Spread the pizza sauce in a thin, even layer over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and chopped fresh basil evenly over the sauce.
- Starting from a long side, roll the dough tightly into a log. Using a sharp, wet knife, slice the log into 9 to 10 rolls.
- Place the rolls cut-side up on the prepared sheet pan, leaving some space between each one.
Bake, Cool, and Serve
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through, the tops are golden, and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the rolls rest on the pan for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and prevents the rolls from falling apart.
Notes
Storage: Let leftover rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, arrange baked and cooled rolls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag, where they will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or in a conventional oven until warm.
Pro Tip: Use a thick pizza sauce to prevent the dough from becoming soggy. A wet, sharp knife ensures clean cuts and neat spirals.
Extra Protein: To increase the protein content, whisk ¼ cup of unflavored whey or casein protein powder into the dry ingredients.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.