What Is This Dish & Why You’ll Love It
This Cheesy Cottage Cheese Flatbread is a blissfully simple, protein-packed treat that combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the stretchy goodness of mozzarella, all bound together with almond flour and eggs. In just about 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes on the stove or in the oven, you can enjoy a warm, wholesome flatbread — perfect as a snack, a light lunch, or even a low-carb pizza crust alternative.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make roughly 4 flatbreads:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and the eggs until smooth and fairly well combined. - Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the almond flour, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until a slightly sticky, pliable dough forms. - Heat the Pan
Place a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl it around to coat the surface. - Form and Cook the Flatbreads
For each flatbread, scoop about ¼ of the dough into the pan. Use a spatula to gently spread it into a roughly circular, even thickness (about ¼–⅓ inch). - Cook on One Side
Let it cook undisturbed for about 6–7 minutes, until the bottom is lightly golden and the edges set. - Flip Carefully
With a spatula, carefully flip each flatbread. Cook the second side for another 5–6 minutes, until fully set and lightly golden, and the cheese has melted into a cohesive flatbread. - Finish & Rest
Once cooked, transfer the flatbreads onto a plate and let them rest for 1–2 minutes — they’ll firm up slightly as they cool.
Professional Serving Suggestions
- As a Pizza Base: Top with tomato sauce, extra mozzarella, and your favorite toppings. Pop under a broiler for 2–3 minutes for a “flatbread pizza.”
- Sandwich Style: Use two flatbreads as buns for grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted veggies.
- Dip-Friendly: Serve alongside hummus, tzatziki, or a spinach-artichoke dip.
- Breakfast Option: Spread a little ricotta or cream cheese, drizzle with honey, and top with fresh fruit for a sweet start to the day.
Thought-Provoking Discussion Questions
- What would you change in this recipe if you were making it for someone who is lactose-intolerant or dairy-free?
- Do you prefer to cook your flatbreads on the stove or bake them in the oven? Why?
- How might you adapt this recipe to make it savory or sweet?
- Can you think of cultural flatbread dishes that are similar to this? How would you fuse them?
Key Notes for Success
- Moisture Matters: If your cottage cheese is very wet, drain it through a fine strainer or cheesecloth to avoid a soggy dough.
- Pan Temperature: A moderate heat is best — too hot and the bottom will burn before the middle sets; too cool and the flatbread may be undercooked.
- Even Spreading: Try to spread the dough as evenly as possible so it cooks uniformly.
- Resting Time: Letting the flatbreads rest briefly after cooking helps them firm up and improves the texture.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can make the dough ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; just give it a quick stir before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
A: Absolutely. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mild provolone would work well, but the texture and melting behavior may change slightly.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Yes — this recipe is naturally gluten-free, since it uses almond flour instead of wheat flour.
Q: Can I bake these flatbreads instead of cooking on the stove?
A: Yes. Preheat your oven to 190 °C (375 °F), place the shaped flatbreads on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until golden.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover flatbreads in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.
Enjoy experimenting with this easy, cheesy flatbread — it’s versatile, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to whip up!