Cottage Cheese Dough Mini Pizzas

These delightful mini pizzas are a tantalizing fusion of flavors, offering a unique twist on traditional pizza. Made with a dough infused with the creamy goodness of cottage cheese, they boast an irresistible softness and a hint of tanginess. The toppings can be customized to suit every taste bud, with options ranging from savory sausages to crunchy bell peppers. Ideal for casual gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these mini pizzas are quick to prepare yet deliver big on flavor. The crispy edges and melting cheese make them a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Their small size makes them perfect for appetizers or a main course when served with a side salad. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or cooled to room temperature, they never disappoint. Add your favorite herbs and spices for an extra punch, and you have a dish that will have everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 200g cottage cheese
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 4 tbsp melted, cooled butter or margarine
• 1 heaped tsp baking powder

Topping Ingredients

• Mayonnaise
• Tomato sauce
• Finely chopped onions
• Finely chopped sausage
• Finely chopped pickles
• Finely chopped bell pepper
• Grated cheese
• A pinch of spices (Anniņa's spice without salt and a bit of pepper)

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Start by preparing the dough: Mix the cottage cheese with salt and sugar, then add the melted and cooled butter.
2. Whisk the eggs gently and incorporate them into the cottage cheese mixture.
3. Sift the flour and mix it with the baking powder, then add it to the cottage cheese mixture.
4. Adjust the dough consistency: If the cottage cheese is dry, 2 cups of flour will suffice. If it's moist, add an additional 2 tablespoons of flour until the dough is soft and doesn't stick to your hands.
5. Place the dough in a plastic bag and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the toppings: Chop all the topping ingredients as listed above.
7. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces and roll each piece into a small flat circle, resembling a mini pancake.
9. Spread a layer of mayonnaise and tomato sauce on each dough circle.
10. Add the prepared toppings: onions, spices, pickles, bell pepper, sausage, and a generous amount of cheese.
11. Arrange the mini pizzas on the baking sheet.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
13. Serve hot or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
14. Watch out for burning edges: If edges start browning too quickly, cover with foil and finish baking.
15. Experiment with toppings: Try mushrooms, olives, or use different cheeses for varied tastes.
16. For a healthier option, use low-fat cheese and whole-grain flour.
17. Add herbs like basil or oregano for an aromatic touch.
18. Check for doneness: The crust should be firm yet soft in the center.
19. Cool on a wire rack slightly before serving to avoid sogginess.
20. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Tips

• Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a different texture.
• Make ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Use fresh herbs for extra bursts of flavor.
• Adjust the spice level with more or less pepper to taste.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approx. 320 per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 28g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit sausage and add mushrooms and spinach.
• Vegan Option: Use egg replacers and vegan cheese.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
• Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine for an elegant touch.

Best Places

1. La Pizzeria Italiana - Traditional Italian flavors in a charming setting. Location: 123 Rome Ave, Rome, Italy.
2. New York Slice - Famous for its authentic NYC-style pizzas. Location: 456 Manhattan Blvd, New York, USA.
3. Napoli Delight - A taste of Naples in every bite. Location: 789 Via Napoli, Naples, Italy.
4. Little Venice Café - Quaint spot with delicious mini pizzas. Location: 321 Canal Rd, Venice, Italy.
5. The Pizza Loft - Trendy place offering unique pizza creations. Location: 555 Baker St, London, UK.
6. Pizza Paradise - Known for diverse toppings and crust choices. Location: 888 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, USA.
7. Cheese & Crust - Specializes in cheesy, crispy pizzas. Location: 222 Brisbane Ln, Sydney, Australia.
8. Spice & Slice - Offers pizzas with a spicy kick. Location: 111 Spicy Rd, Bangkok, Thailand.
9. Urban Dough - Modern spot with innovative flavor combinations. Location: 777 Market St, San Francisco, USA.
10. Berlin Pizzeria - Fusing traditional and modern styles in pizzas. Location: 999 Alexanderplatz, Berlin, Germany.