Craving pizza but looking for a healthier twist? This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl combines creamy cottage cheese, turkey pepperoni, marinara, and melty mozzarella for a high-protein, low-carb meal that’s ready in just 10 minutes!
This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the carbs or guilt. A version of this recipe initially went viral on TikTok, winning over food lovers with its simple preparation and mouthwatering flavor. Its high-protein, low-carb profile quickly made it a favorite among busy individuals looking for a quick, satisfying meal. The base of creamy cottage cheese provides a protein-packed foundation, while turkey pepperoni and mozzarella cheese bring that classic pizza flavor in a healthier form. A splash of marinara sauce ties it all together with a savory, tangy twist—just make sure to choose a gluten-free brand if needed. This dish is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly, making it a versatile option for various dietary preferences. It’s also a great way to incorporate more protein into your day without relying on traditional pizza crust.
Looking for other easy cottage cheese recipes? Try my Cottage Cheese Queso, Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl, Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip or Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Here's what you need to make a Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl:
- Cottage Cheese - I prefer low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter result, but you can use fat-free for a leaner option or full-fat cottage cheese for a richer dish. The choice is yours depending on your preference! Look for it in the dairy section near yogurt and sour cream.
- Marinara Sauce - Marinara sauce adds a classic pizza flavor with its savory, tomato-rich taste. Choose a sugar-free or gluten-free brand to keep the dish low-carb and diet-friendly; you'll find it near the pasta sauces.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese - Mozzarella cheese brings the gooey, melty goodness that makes this dish feel like pizza. Pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient and can usually be found in the refrigerated cheese section.
- Turkey Pepperoni - Turkey pepperoni offers all the smoky, savory flavor of traditional pepperoni but with less fat and calories. You’ll find it in the deli section or near packaged lunch meats.
- Italian Seasoning - Italian seasoning is a flavorful blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that enhances the pizza vibe. You can find it in the spice aisle of any grocery store.
- Garlic Powder - Garlic powder adds a subtle, savory kick to the dish, boosting the overall flavor profile. Look for it in the spice aisle alongside other seasonings.
- Red Pepper Flakes - Red pepper flakes give a spicy heat that balances the richness of the cheese and marinara. They’re typically located with the spices and seasonings.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make a Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and chopped turkey pepperoni. Stir until well combined.
2. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the cottage cheese mixture.
3. Top the marinara with the shredded mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, such as olives, mushrooms, or extra pepperoni.
4. Microwave the bowl for 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld. Let cool for 1 minute before digging in. Enjoy!
Hint: For an extra creamy texture, blend the cottage cheese in a food processor before assembling the dish—it creates a smooth base without the chunky texture of cottage cheese.
Substitutions
Want to substitute an ingredient in this Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl recipe? Here's how:
- Low-Fat Cottage Cheese - If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, try ricotta cheese for a creamier texture or plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, high-protein option.
- Italian Seasoning - Don’t have Italian seasoning? Use ⅛ teaspoon each of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Garlic Powder - Swap garlic powder for 1 clove of fresh minced garlic for a more robust garlic flavor, or use onion powder as an alternative.
- Red Pepper Flakes - For a milder dish, leave out the red pepper flakes.
- Marinara Sauce - Use pizza sauce or crushed tomatoes with a sprinkle of seasoning if you don’t have marinara sauce on hand. Choose sugar-free options to keep it low-carb.
- Chopped Turkey Pepperoni - For a meat-free version, use chopped veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. Regular pepperoni or cooked ground turkey sausage also works.
- Mozzarella Cheese - Use an equal amount of a different shredded cheese in place of the mozzarella such as fontina or Parmesan.
Variations
Try one of these variations of this easy Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl:
- Vegetarian - Skip the turkey pepperoni and load up on veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or spinach. These toppings add flavor, texture, and nutrients while keeping the dish meat-free.
- Spicy - Double the red pepper flakes or drizzle the finished dish with hot sauce for a fiery kick. Jalapeño slices also make a great topping for heat enthusiasts.
- Gluten-Free - This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but ensure the marinara sauce and any toppings you use are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- Low-carb/ Keto - This recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, but ensure you are using a no-sugar added marinara sauce if keeping to a strict low-carb or keto diet.
- Low-Calorie - Opt for fat-free cottage cheese and a reduced-fat mozzarella cheese. Keep toppings minimal or choose lighter options like fresh herbs and diced tomatoes.
Equipment
This equipment comes in handy when making a Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl:
- Microwave-Safe Bowl - A microwave-safe bowl is essential for both assembling the pizza bowl and heating it. Ensure it's large enough to hold all the ingredients without spilling during microwaving.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups - You'll need measuring spoons cups to accurately measure the ingredients.
- Spoon or Stirring Utensil - A spoon or stirring utensil is necessary for mixing the cottage cheese, seasoning, and pepperoni together before layering the marinara and cheese.
- Microwave - The microwave is key to quickly melting the mozzarella and warming up the ingredients. It helps the flavors meld together in just a few minutes.
Storage
Here's how to store a Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl:
To store your Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl in the refrigerator, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring gently halfway through to ensure even heating, and enjoy it warm!
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the assembled bowl without microwaving it. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Top tip
If you prefer to bake your pizza bowl, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), assemble the ingredients in an oven-safe dish, and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
FAQ
Yes, regular pepperoni works perfectly if you’re not concerned about keeping the dish lower in fat. You can also try other protein options like cooked sausage or grilled chicken.
Yes, you can assemble the bowl and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to eat, microwave it for 2-3 minutes to heat it through and melt the cheese.
Related
Looking for other quick and easy recipes like this Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl? Try these:
Pairing
Serve this Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl with one of these vegetable dishes for a balanced meal the whole family will love:
Recipe
Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup turkey pepperoni chopped
- ⅓ cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- ¼ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- toppings of your choice such as pepperoni slices, black olives, jalapenos, fresh basil, or diced bell peppers
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and chopped turkey pepperoni. Stir until well combined.
- Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the cottage cheese mixture.
- Top the marinara with the shredded mozzarella cheese and any additional toppings of your choice, such as olives, mushrooms, or extra pepperoni.
- Microwave the bowl for 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld. Let cool for 1 minute before digging in. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
Shannon
It’s so good I could eat it daily!