If you’re searching for a fast, protein-packed, and low-carb meal that satisfies your pizza cravings, this cottage cheese pizza bowl is your new best friend. Made with creamy cottage cheese, melty mozzarella, your favorite pizza toppings, and zesty marinara sauce, this recipe transforms a classic indulgence into a guilt-free bowl of goodness. Whether you’re on a low-carb diet or just looking for a quick lunch idea, this savory, customizable dish is ready in under 10 minutes and hits the spot every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-carb and high-protein – Great for keto, low-carb, or high-protein diets
- Quick and easy – Ready in 10 minutes or less
- Satisfies pizza cravings – All the flavors you love, none of the carbs
- Customizable – Add any toppings you’d put on a pizza
- Perfect for meal prep – Make in batches and store for later
Ingredients
- ½ cup cottage cheese (2% or full-fat works best)
- ¼ cup marinara or low-sugar pizza sauce
- ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4–6 pepperoni slices (or toppings of your choice)
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped basil or parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Layer the base
In a small, oven-safe ramekin or microwave-safe bowl, spread the cottage cheese on the bottom. - Add the sauce
Spoon the marinara or pizza sauce over the cottage cheese. - Top with cheese and toppings
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Add pepperoni slices or other toppings. - Season and cook
Sprinkle Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes on top.- Microwave: Heat on high for 1½ to 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Oven or air fryer: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve
Let cool slightly. Top with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve with a side salad or low-carb breadsticks.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–10 minutes (depending on method)
- Total Time: Under 10 minutes
- Servings: 1 bowl
- Skill Level: Beginner
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
Note: Nutrition will vary based on toppings and sauce used.
Tips & Variations
- Use ricotta if you’re not a fan of cottage cheese texture.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and load up with mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add extra protein: Stir in cooked sausage, ground chicken, or turkey pepperoni.
- Make it portable: Prep a few bowls in advance and reheat when needed.
FAQs
Can I use fat-free cottage cheese?
Yes, but it may not be as creamy or satisfying. 2% or full-fat yields the best flavor and texture.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! If you use a low-sugar sauce and full-fat cheese, this cottage cheese pizza bowl is keto-approved.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble bowls, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat when ready to eat.
What’s the best kind of sauce to use?
Go for a low-sugar marinara or pizza sauce with simple ingredients and no added sugar.
Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
Equipment
- – Ramekin or small bowl
- – Microwave or oven
- – Spoon
Ingredients
- – ½ cup cottage cheese
- – ¼ cup marinara or pizza sauce
- – ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- – 4–6 slices pepperoni or toppings of choice
- – ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- – Pinch red pepper flakes optional
- – Fresh basil or parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Add cottage cheese to a ramekin or microwave-safe bowl.
- Spread marinara sauce over the top.
- Add mozzarella and your favorite pizza toppings.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Microwave 1½–2 minutes or bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish and enjoy!
Notes
– Great for meal prep—just assemble and refrigerate.
– Keto-friendly if using low-sugar sauce and full-fat cheese.
Conclusion
This cottage cheese pizza bowl is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, post-workout meals, or anytime pizza cravings strike. It delivers serious flavor without the carbs, and you can make it your own with endless topping combinations. Once you try it, this quick and cozy dish will be a repeat favorite—easy, satisfying, and completely delicious.