Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl makes a quick and satisfying meal with a deliciously cheesy, protein-packed twist on traditional pizza. It’s perfect for those who love pizza flavors but want something easy, healthier, and ready in no time.

The dish is a small rectangular pizza with a golden-brown crust, topped with a layer of melted white cheese that covers the whole surface except the edges, where the crust is crispy and orange from the sauce. Five round, glossy red pepperoni slices are evenly placed on top, slightly sunken into the cheese. The pizza is garnished with small specks of black pepper and dried herbs scattered across the cheese layer. It is served on a white dish set on a cooling rack, with a silver spoon on the top left and a pizza cutter on the top right, all against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (fat free, reduced fat, or full fat)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • ¼ cup pizza sauce
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese (fat free, reduced fat, or full fat)
  • Pepperoni (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Optionally drain the cottage cheese to reduce excess liquid if you prefer a thicker texture.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and pizza sauce until well combined.
  3. Step 3: If you don’t like the texture of cottage cheese, blend or process the mixture until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture into a 16-ounce (or larger) baking or microwave-safe dish.
  5. Step 5: Gently stir in ¼ cup of the mozzarella cheese into the mixture.
  6. Step 6: Top the bowl evenly with the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella cheese and optional pepperoni slices.
  7. Step 7: Choose your cooking method:
  8. Step 8 (Oven Method): Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the bowl for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a crispy top.
  9. Step 9 (Air Fryer Method): Set the air fryer to 350°F (176°C) and cook for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  10. Step 10 (Microwave Method): Microwave the bowl for 1 minute before adding the remaining mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Stir gently, top with the leftover cheese and pepperoni, then microwave again for 1 minute until melted.

Tips & Variations

  • Try adding chopped veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Use full fat cheeses for a richer taste or fat free options to keep it lighter.
  • Blend the cottage cheese mixture if you prefer a smoother texture similar to traditional pizza sauce.
  • Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage or omit for a vegetarian option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid freezing as the texture may change.

How to Serve

A small rectangular pizza with one thin crust, covered in a layer of melted white cheese that has a slightly browned edge, topped with five glossy red pepperoni slices evenly spaced across the surface. The cheese has a smooth texture with some herbs and red chili flakes sprinkled on top. The pizza is served on a white oval plate placed on a metal cooling rack, which rests on a surface with a white marbled texture. A metal pizza cutter and a spoon are placed near the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend depending on your taste preference.

Do I have to drain the cottage cheese?

Draining is optional. It helps reduce excess moisture for a thicker consistency but is not necessary if you don’t mind a softer texture.

Print
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Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 25 minutes (oven), 20-25 minutes (air fryer), 12 minutes (microwave)
  • Yield: 1 serving (approximately one 16-ounce bowl) 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a creamy, protein-packed twist on traditional pizza, combining cottage cheese with Italian seasonings, pizza sauce, and mozzarella for a comforting and customizable dish. Perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or light meal, it can be cooked using an oven, air fryer, or microwave for convenience.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ Cups Cottage Cheese (Fat Free, Reduced Fat, or Full Fat all work great)
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • ¾ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 4 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
  • ¼ Cup Pizza Sauce
  • ½ Cup Mozzarella Cheese (Fat Free, Reduced Fat, or Full Fat all work great)
  • Pepperoni (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Drain Cottage Cheese (Optional): If you prefer a less watery texture, drain your cottage cheese before starting the recipe to reduce excess moisture.
  2. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and pizza sauce. Stir until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Blend Mixture (Optional): For a smoother texture, blend or process the mixture until creamy and uniform, especially if you do not like the curds in cottage cheese.
  4. Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a 16-ounce or larger baking/microwave-safe bowl or dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  5. Incorporate Mozzarella Cheese: Lightly mix in half of the mozzarella cheese (¼ cup) into the cottage cheese mixture for extra cheesiness.
  6. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella cheese on top along with optional pepperoni slices for a classic pizza flavor.
  7. Choose Cooking Method: Select your preferred cooking method—oven, air fryer, or microwave—to melt the cheese and warm the bowl through.
  8. Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the cottage cheese pizza bowl for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts completely. Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to achieve a crispy top.
  9. Air Fryer Method: Set the air fryer to 350°F (176°C) and cook the dish for 10 to 15 minutes, adjusting based on your air fryer’s heat-up time, until the cheese has melted and the top is bubbling.
  10. Microwave Method – First Step: Microwave the bowl for 1 minute to warm and slightly cook the mixture before adding the remaining toppings.
  11. Stir and Add Remaining Toppings: Mix the warmed mixture again, then top with the leftover mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
  12. Microwave Method – Final Step: Microwave for an additional 1 minute until the cheese melts and the toppings are heated through.

Notes

  • You can customize the pizza bowl by adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
  • Use fat-free or reduced-fat cheeses to reduce calories and fat content without compromising flavor.
  • Blending the cottage cheese results in a creamier texture preferred by some but is completely optional.
  • Oven and air fryer methods give a crispier top, whereas the microwave method is quicker but less crispy.
  • Adjust the Italian seasoning and garlic powder to taste if you prefer stronger or milder flavors.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes (oven), 10-15 minutes (air fryer), 2 minutes total (microwave)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl, Healthy Pizza, Low Fat Pizza, Quick Pizza, Protein Packed Pizza, Easy Microwave Pizza, Air Fryer Pizza Bowl

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