Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl (Viral Recipe)
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Get your pizza fix without the crust with this 5-minute cottage cheese pizza bowl. It’s warm, cheesy and loaded with 23g of protein!
I first made this viral cottage cheese pizza bowl two years ago, and it’s a recipe I keep coming back to, so I figured it was time to share it on the blog!
This cottage cheese pizza bowl recipe is like pizza dip meets a crustless slice. It’s packed with protein, ready in minutes and has become one of my favorite quick lunches or snacks. Honestly, it never gets old.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
This bowl is like a personal pan pizza… minus the pan, crust and wait time. Here’s why I know you’ll love it:
- Satisfies a pizza craving: All the classic pizza flavors in one warm, cheesy bowl.
- Totally customizable: Use your favorite pizza toppings or skip the meat to make it vegetarian.
- High in protein: Cottage cheese, mozzarella and turkey pepperoni pack in 23g of protein per serving.
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 5 minutes, especially if your veggies are pre-chopped.
- Kid-friendly: My kids love this one because it tastes like pizza but feels like a fun snack.
Ingredients Needed
- cottage cheese – the creamy, high-protein base that gives this bowl its signature texture. I like using full-fat for extra creaminess, but 2% cottage cheese will work as well.
- marinara sauce – adds that classic pizza flavor. Use your favorite store-bought jar or homemade! You can also use my homemade pizza sauce recipe if you want.
- mozzarella cheese – melty, gooey, and essential for that cheesy pizza moment. Freshly shredded melts best.
- Italian seasoning – brings that herby, pizzeria-style flavor in every bite.
- bell pepper – adds crunch, color, and a little sweetness. Any color works, so use what you have.
- yellow onion – adds savory depth and balances the richness of the cheese. Chop it small so it softens quickly.
- turkey pepperoni – brings all the nostalgic pizza vibes with a leaner twist. I used Applegate Turkey Pepperoni, but any brand works!
How to Customize This Pizza Bowl
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. It’s basically a personal pizza in a bowl, so get creative with it!
- Switch up the protein: Not feeling turkey pepperoni? Try chopped chicken sausage, cooked ground turkey or veggie pepperoni for a plant-based twist.
- Add more veggies: Toss in mushrooms, olives, baby spinach, chopped zucchini or extra bell peppers. Just make sure anything watery is sautéed or patted dry so it doesn’t water down the bowl.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a little kick.
- Try another sauce: Marinara is classic, but pesto or spicy arrabbiata would also be delicious.
How to Make a Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
Step 1: Add cottage cheese, marinara sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella and Italian seasoning to a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until everything is combined.
Step 2: Stir in the chopped bell pepper and onion.
Step 3: Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and chopped pepperoni.
Step 4: Microwave for 30–45 seconds, or until warm and the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper if desired and enjoy!
Tips for The Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
- Use full-fat cottage cheese: It gives you the creamiest texture and richest flavor. Low-fat versions work too, but they won’t feel quite as indulgent.
- Shred your own mozzarella: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and doesn’t have the anti-caking additives that pre-shredded cheese often includes.
- Pre-chop your toppings: Small, bite-sized pieces heat through faster and give you that perfect “pizza in every bite” effect.
- Microwave in short bursts: Heat in 30–45 second intervals so the cheese melts evenly without overcooking the cottage cheese.
- Add some crunch: If you like texture contrast, pair your bowl with crackers or crusty bread for dipping. It’s like a deconstructed pizza, and I’m here for it.
Storing Leftovers
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to save it:
- Fridge: Let the pizza bowl cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Warm in the microwave, air fryer or oven at 350ºF until heated through. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating to make it taste freshly made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! If you’d rather bake your pizza bowl, you definitely can. Just make sure you’re using an oven-safe ramekin or small baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the assembled bowl for about 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want that extra golden, toasty top, switch your oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Yes! Assemble everything in an oven-safe ramekin just like the oven method, then pop it in your air fryer at 375°F for 6–8 minutes. If your air fryer has a broil setting, give it a quick 2-minute broil at 400°F to get the cheese perfectly golden and bubbly.
Yep! You can mix everything together and refrigerate the assembled bowl (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just heat it in the microwave, oven or air fryer until warm and melty.
Totally! You can customize the toppings based on what your kiddo likes. Skip the red pepper flakes and spicy toppings if you want a milder version.
No, I wouldn’t recommend freezing this pizza bowl. The texture of the cottage cheese changes once frozen and thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
More High-Protein Pizza Recipes
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Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
Ingredients
- ½ cup full-fat or 2% cottage cheese
- ¼ cup marinara sauce
- 1 oz shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1-2 Tablespoons chopped bell pepper
- 1-2 Tablespoons chopped yellow onion
- 4 turkey pepperoni, chopped – I used Applegate
Instructions
- Place cottage cheese, marinara, ½ of the mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning in a microwave safe bowl.
- Stir to combine and pop in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- Add bell pepper and yellow onion to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and pepperoni. Microwave for 30-45 seconds or until warm throughout and cheese has melted. Top with crushed red pepper, if you’d like.
- Enjoy with mini bell peppers or crackers for dipping.
Notes
- Original recipe: @takingmylifebackat42
- Storage: This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven or air fryer until warm and melty.
- Oven method: If you prefer baking, assemble your bowl in an oven-safe ramekin and bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Air fryer method: Assemble in an oven-safe dish and air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes. For an extra golden top, air fry at 400°F for 2 minutes at the end.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the turkey pepperoni and add extra veggies like mushrooms, olives or spinach.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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