Quick Description
All the flavors of your favorite pizza packed into a creamy, cheesy, high-protein bowl — without the crust! Made with cottage cheese, marinara, mozzarella, and toppings of your choice, this dish is perfect for pizza cravings while keeping your health goals on track.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Bake Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
Ingredients List
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce (sugar-free if desired)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1–2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Toppings of choice (pepperoni, turkey pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, tomatoes, etc.)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, garlic powder)
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
-
Assemble Base
- In an oven-safe bowl or dish, spread a layer of cottage cheese.
- Add marinara sauce on top and stir gently to combine.
-
Add Cheese & Toppings
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
- Layer with desired pizza toppings.
-
Bake
- Bake uncovered for 18–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
-
Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and fresh herbs.
- Enjoy hot as a stand-alone bowl or with a side salad.
Additional Notes
- For extra creaminess, blend cottage cheese before layering.
- For meal prep, assemble in glass meal prep containers and bake when ready to eat.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
Dietary Info
- High-Protein
- Low-Carb / Keto-Friendly (if using low-carb sauce & toppings)
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian Option (skip meat toppings).
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Meat Lover’s Bowl: Add cooked ground chicken, turkey, or lean beef.
- Veggie Bowl: Load up with spinach, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms.
- Buffalo Pizza Bowl: Swap marinara for buffalo sauce, add chicken & blue cheese crumbles.
- Breakfast Bowl: Use scrambled eggs as a topping with cheese & sausage crumbles.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store up to 3 days, reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Freezer: Assemble bowls (without toppings), freeze, and bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.
FAQs
Q: Can I eat it cold like leftover pizza?
A: Yes — it’s surprisingly good chilled, especially if blended cottage cheese is used.
Q: Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
A: Definitely, though ricotta will make it richer and slightly higher in fat.
Q: How do I keep it from being watery?
A: Drain excess liquid from cottage cheese or blend it with 1 teaspoon cornstarch for thicker consistency.
Call-to-Action
If pizza cravings hit but you still want to stay on track, this High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is your best friend. Try it, share your topping combos, and make it your go-to guilt-free pizza fix!
