Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a quick and wholesome twist on traditional pizza. Combining creamy cottage cheese with vibrant vegetables and melted mozzarella, it’s a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat as per preference)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach or kale
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Sliced olives, to taste
• Diced onions, to taste
• Fresh basil, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a medium baking dish, spread the cottage cheese evenly across the bottom.
3. Step 3: Spoon the marinara sauce generously over the layer of cottage cheese.
4. Step 4: Scatter the chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach on top of the sauce.
5. Step 5: Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and any additional toppings you desire, such as olives and onions.
6. Step 6: Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh homemade marinara sauce for a richer flavor, or add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Swap mozzarella for cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different taste profile.
• Add cooked sausage or pepperoni for a meaty version.
• Try using kale instead of spinach for a heartier texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the cheese from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, mozzarella works best for melting, but you can substitute or combine it with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan to vary the flavor.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It reheats well and makes a nutritious, protein-packed meal that you can prepare in advance for busy days.

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 141 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a healthy and delicious twist on traditional pizza, featuring creamy cottage cheese as the base, topped with vibrant vegetables, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, it offers a comforting and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for pizza lovers seeking a lighter option.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese (Low-fat or full-fat as per preference)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (Store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (Any color)
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach or kale
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings & Toppings

• To taste olive oil
• To taste salt
• To taste pepper
• To taste sliced olives
• To taste diced onions
• To taste fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pizza bowl.
2. Prepare base: In a medium baking dish, spread the cottage cheese evenly across the bottom to create a creamy foundation for the pizza bowl.
3. Add sauce: Spoon the marinara sauce generously over the cottage cheese layer, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
4. Add vegetables: Scatter the chopped bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and spinach or kale evenly over the marinara sauce.
5. Top with cheese and extras: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top along with any additional toppings such as sliced olives and diced onions as per your preference.
6. Season and oil: Drizzle olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
8. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven, let the pizza bowl cool slightly, then garnish with fresh basil and serve hot for a delicious meal.

Notes

• You can customize the vegetables and toppings according to your preference or seasonal availability.
• For a richer flavor, use full-fat cottage cheese, but low-fat works well for a lighter option.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes or chili powder to the marinara sauce before baking.
• This recipe can easily be made gluten-free as it contains no traditional crust or wheat products.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: cottage cheese, pizza bowl, low fat pizza, baked pizza, healthy pizza, vegetarian pizza, easy dinner, quick pizza recipe