All the cheesy, saucy pizza flavor you crave—without the dough! This low-carb, gluten-free pizza bowl packs 43g of protein per serving, is ready in minutes, and is so satisfying no one will miss the crust.
🥄 Recipe Card
Servings: 2 bowls
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Dietary Tags: High Protein, Low Carb, Gluten-Free
✅ Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or fat-free for lighter option)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- ½ cup pizza sauce (sugar-free if low-carb)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup turkey pepperoni (or regular)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Optional toppings: sliced olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or fresh basil
🔪 Instructions
- Layer base: In an oven-safe bowl, spread cottage cheese evenly across the bottom.
- Add protein: Top with cooked chicken and spoon over pizza sauce.
- Cheesy layer: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Customize: Add pepperoni and your favorite toppings.
- Bake or broil: Place under broiler or in oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and fresh basil if desired.
💡 Quick Notes
- For extra creaminess, blend cottage cheese before layering.
- Pre-cooked chicken makes this meal extra fast—rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- Microwave version: assemble and heat 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.
✨ Introduction
When my mom first asked, “How is this pizza if there’s no dough?”—she was skeptical. But after the first bite, the entire bowl disappeared, and nobody missed the crust!
This High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is proof that pizza doesn’t need bread to be amazing. It’s gooey, savory, and loaded with all the flavors of pizza—while packing a whopping 43 grams of protein per serving. Perfect for meal prep, post-workout fuel, or a guilt-free pizza night.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Cottage Cheese Base
Spread your cottage cheese across the bowl—it adds protein and a creamy base.
Step 2: Build the Pizza Layers
Add chicken, then spoon pizza sauce over it. This creates that saucy, hearty layer.
Step 3: Cheese & Toppings
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and your favorite pizza toppings go on top.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Heat until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Step 5: Dig In
Spoon it up and enjoy a high-protein pizza experience—no dough required!
🧀 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Cottage Cheese: Use low-fat for fewer calories, or whole milk for creamier flavor. Can swap with ricotta.
- Chicken: Rotisserie, leftover grilled chicken, or even ground turkey works.
- Pizza Sauce: Homemade or store-bought. Sugar-free keeps it keto-friendly.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is classic, but try provolone, cheddar, or even feta.
- Pepperoni: Turkey or plant-based pepperoni for a lighter option.
🍴 Variations & Serving Ideas
- Veggie Lovers: Load up with mushrooms, spinach, peppers, and onions.
- BBQ Pizza Bowl: Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and use shredded BBQ chicken.
- Buffalo Chicken Bowl: Use buffalo sauce, chicken, and a drizzle of ranch.
- Breakfast Pizza Bowl: Add scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, and cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with garlic green beans or roasted veggies.
- Enjoy as a post-workout protein-packed bowl.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Microwave or oven until hot and cheesy.
- Meal Prep Tip: Assemble bowls ahead of time and bake just before eating.
📊 Nutrition Facts (per bowl, approx.)
Calories: 390 | Protein: 43g | Carbs: 9g | Fat: 18g
Allergens: Dairy (cheese). Gluten-free when using GF sauce and toppings.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this without chicken?
A: Yes—sub with lean ground beef, turkey, or just load up with veggies for a vegetarian version.
Q: Will the cottage cheese taste strong?
A: Not at all! Once baked with sauce and cheese, it blends in like creamy ricotta.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked portions. Reheat in oven for best texture.
💭 Personal Note
This is one of those recipes that makes eating high-protein feel exciting, not restrictive. It’s everything I love about pizza—the cheese, sauce, toppings—without the heavy crust. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that healthy food can still taste indulgent.
👉 Try it for your next pizza night, and let me know what toppings you added to your bowl!
