This cottage cheese pizza bowl recipe is the perfect answer when you crave pizza but don't want the crust. It's a quick and easy high-protein, low-carb meal that can be eaten as a dip or with a spoon.
I am a big fan of pastas and pizza as are all my family members, but sometimes I just want something higher in protein and low carb ( like this breakfast casserole). And once again, cottage cheese is the star of the show because of its high protein content.
As someone who absolutely loves pizza but sometimes wants a lighter option, I've found this pizza bowl to be the perfect solution. It gives me all the pizza flavors I crave while keeping things lighter and protein-focused.
This crustless pizza alternative has become one of my go-to quick meals when I want something satisfying but don't want to deal with making pizza dough.
Want more savory high-protein cottage cheese recipes? check out this cottage cheese queso, this cottage cheese egg salad, or this 2-ingredient flat bread.
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Why I love this recipe
- High-protein: Thanks to the cottage cheese base this pizza bowl packs about 30 grams of protein per serving.
- Low-carb: Crustless pizza means low-carb pizza. If you're feeling like making a high-protein crust then try my cottage cheese pizza which was a great hit from my readers and family.
- Customizable: You can experiment with different toppings to make it fun and different each time- see topping ideas below-.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your fridge
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunches.
Ingredients needed
- Cottage cheese: I like using full fat for the best taste and texture, but if you are strict about calories you can use fat-free cottage cheese for this recipe.
- Marinara sauce: You can use homemade or ready-made.
- Mozzarella cheese: You can use cheddar cheese instead and I've also seen some people replace it with parmesan.
- Turkey pepperoni
- Italian seasonings: I used a mix of basil and oregano because I like basil the most on my pizzas. Sometimes, I use oregano.
- Salt & pepper: to season.
How to make Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
- Preheat your oven to 375F/190C.
- In an oven-safe bowl or dish combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper and mix thoroughly.
Note: You can use ramequins too.
- Layer sliced pieces ( or shredded) of mozzarella cheese and turkey pepperoni on top of the cottage cheese mixture.
- Place in the oven for 15 minutes or until the pizza is piping hot, the cheese melts and starts to get golden brown around the edges.
Alternatively, you can bake it in the microwave for 3 30-second intervals mixing in between each one.
Hanaa's recipe tips
Tip 1: You might need to drain your cottage cheese to prevent extra watery cottage cheese and tomato sauce mixture. To do so, just place your cottage cheese in a fine-mesh strainer while getting the other ingredients ready.
Tip 2: If you are not a big fan of the cottage cheese curds you can choose to blend it before mixing with with the tomato sauce.
Tip 3: Don't mix the mozzarella into the cottage cheese mixture: Creating distinct layers (cottage cheese mix on bottom, mozzarella on top) gives you that classic pizza texture contrast with a melty top and creamy base.-
Pizza toppings
If you make this recipe and you enjoy it but want to switch things up, you can use these toppings:
- Grilled chicken pieces, BBQ sauce drizzle and red onions.
- Parmesan, romano and provolone shavings to replicate the four cheese pizza.
- Spinach, feta crumbles, kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce drizzle and blue cheese crumbles.
- Bell peppers, red onions, Italian sausage, black olives, and mushrooms.
Remember to add any meat toppings pre-cooked, since the baking time is relatively short.
Storage instructions
- Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave and enjoy!
- I wouldn't recommend freezing as it may change the consistency and cause separation when thawed.
Frequently asked questions
You can prepare the cottage cheese-marinara mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the toppings and bake when ready to eat.
Use an individual oven-safe bowl or ramekin about 6-8 inches in diameter for a single serving. For multiple servings, you can use a larger baking dish and double the ingredients.
I don't think so, freezing it may change the consistency and cause separation when thawed.
If you're looking for more dips I recommend this Moroccan Zaalouk dip and this cottage cheese ranch dip.
Recipe card
Viral Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
Ingredients
- ½ cottage cheese I used full fat
- ½ marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano and basil
- 6 pieces turkey pepperoni
- 1 ball mozzarella cheese or ½ cup shredded
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F/190C.
- In an oven-safe bowl or dish combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, herbs, salt, and pepper and mix thoroughly.
- Layer sliced pieces ( or shredded) of mozzarella cheese and turkey pepperoni on top of the cottage cheese mixture.
- Place in the oven for 15 minutes or until the pizza is piping hot, the cheese melts and starts to get golden brown around the edges.
- Alternatively, you can bake it in the microwave for 3 30-second intervals mixing in between each one.
Notes
- Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave and enjoy!
Mandy says
Great recipe. I love how easy it is.
Bouchra says
I really love pizza!!, and this recipe made it easy for me. It's incredibly tasty!.
Thank u very much our chef!.
Salma says
Wow, this pizza bowl dip is a game changer! It looks so creamy and cheesy, I can’t wait to try it. You always know how to make the best recipes! 🍕💫.
Mandy says
Looks delish. Thanks a lot for posting this cottage chees epizza bowl recipe.