Quick Description
This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a creamy, low-carb twist on traditional pizza. With a base of cottage cheese, zesty marinara sauce, fresh veggies, and melted mozzarella, it’s a satisfying, protein-packed meal. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect for those craving pizza without the dough, offering all the flavors you love in a healthier, quicker form.
Servings & Timing
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Ingredients List
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ cup chopped spinach or kale
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Sliced olives (optional, for topping)
- Diced onions (optional, for topping)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Cottage Cheese
- Spread the cottage cheese evenly across the bottom of a medium baking dish.
3. Add the Marinara Sauce
- Spoon marinara sauce generously over the cottage cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
4. Add the Vegetables
- Scatter chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach (or kale) on top of the marinara sauce.
5. Top with Cheese and Seasonings
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the vegetables.
- Add optional toppings such as sliced olives and diced onions for added flavor.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake
- Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
7. Garnish & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve hot.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 280–320
- Protein: 25–30g
- Carbs: 12–15g
- Fat: 18–20g
- Fiber: 3–4g
Benefits
- High-Protein: Cottage cheese + mozzarella provide a solid protein boost.
- Low-Carb: A great pizza alternative without the dough, perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
- Veggie-Packed: The bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Quick & Easy: This pizza bowl takes just 35 minutes from prep to plate, with no dough prep required.
- Customizable: Add your favorite pizza toppings for endless variations.
Additional Notes
- Cheese Tip: Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat if desired.
- Veggie Options: Add zucchini, olives, or tomatoes for more variety.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free mozzarella and a plant-based marinara sauce.
- Meal Prep: Make multiple bowls and refrigerate for easy reheating.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein: Yes
- Low-Carb: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Yes
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Dairy-Free Option: Yes (with substitutions)
Brief Introduction
This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl was created as a fast, healthy alternative to traditional pizza. With a creamy base of cottage cheese and topped with flavorful marinara, fresh veggies, and mozzarella, it delivers all the comforting flavors of pizza without the carbs and crust. Perfect for anyone looking for a healthier, protein-packed option.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat oven and prepare your baking dish.
- Layer cottage cheese, then add marinara sauce.
- Top with veggies and cheese.
- Bake until golden and bubbly.
- Cool slightly, garnish with basil, and serve.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Cottage Cheese: The creamy base for this dish. Full-fat gives a richer flavor, but low-fat works fine.
- Marinara Sauce: Use sugar-free or homemade marinara to control sugar content.
- Mozzarella: Mozzarella is best for melting. Consider using a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
- Veggies: Customize based on your preferences — bell peppers, onions, and spinach are classic pizza toppings.
- Olives: Optional for added savory flavor and texture.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Vegetarian Pizza Bowl
Add roasted eggplant, zucchini, and olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Meat Lover’s Pizza Bowl
Top with cooked ground turkey, chicken sausage, or turkey pepperoni.
Spicy Pizza Bowl
Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a kick.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a light soup for a cozy, satisfying dinner.
- Enjoy as a stand-alone meal for a low-carb lunch or dinner.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Heat in the oven or microwave until warm.
- Freeze: Freeze individual portions for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Optional Personal Story
I created this Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl because I was craving pizza but didn’t want the heavy carbs from the crust. The first time I served it, my family loved it so much they asked for it every week! It’s now a regular in our meal rotation, and we love customizing it with different veggies and toppings.
