Description
This Healthy Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a protein-packed, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, featuring a creamy cottage cheese base topped with marinara, mozzarella, pepperoni, and fresh veggies. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (or low-fat if preferred)
Sauce and Seasonings
- ¼ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings
- 10-12 slices pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni)
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons sliced black olives
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a small oven-safe ramekin or baking dish and add the cottage cheese, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Use the back of a spoon to gently press it down and create a smooth, compact layer. This creamy cottage cheese base gives the pizza bowl its rich texture while adding plenty of protein.
- Season and Add Sauce: Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes over the cottage cheese for extra flavor. Spoon the marinara sauce on top and spread it gently across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent bubbling over.
- Add the Cheese Layer: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce, covering the surface completely. Then finish with a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, nutty flavor and golden top.
- Add the Toppings: Arrange pepperoni slices evenly across the cheese layer. Add diced bell peppers and sliced black olives for color and texture. Customize with mushrooms, onions, or other favorite pizza toppings if desired.
- Bake: Place the dish on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. The cheese will melt fully and become bubbly with golden spots. Pepperoni will crisp slightly around the edges.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and allow to rest for 2–3 minutes to let the cheese settle. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving to add brightness and color.
Notes
- Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Use Greek yogurt mixed with a pinch of salt for a tangier base.
- Replace pepperoni with cooked Italian sausage, mushrooms, or spinach for variety.
- You can use turkey pepperoni or a vegetarian pepperoni alternative for dietary preferences.
- Make sure to leave a border when spreading sauce to avoid overflow while baking.
