High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe

Introduction

These High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls are a quick and tasty way to satisfy pizza cravings while keeping things healthy. With creamy cottage cheese, flavorful marinara, and gooey melted mozzarella, they make a satisfying meal or snack you can whip up in minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Garlic powder (to taste)
• Chili flakes (to taste)
• Fresh basil leaves (for topping)
• Optional toppings of your choice (like Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, etc.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spoon ½ cup of cottage cheese into each of two small, microwave-safe bowls to build the base.
2. Step 2: Add a little shredded mozzarella, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, a pinch of garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each bowl. Stir gently to combine without overmixing.
3. Step 3: Microwave each bowl for 1 minute to start warming the ingredients through.
4. Step 4: Top each bowl with 1 more tablespoon of marinara sauce and a little extra mozzarella. Microwave again for 1 minute until the cheese melts.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle chili flakes, fresh basil leaves, and any additional toppings you like over the bowls to finish.
6. Step 6: To bake or air fry instead, follow the same layering steps, then cook at 350°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. Use oven- or air fryer-safe bowls for this method.

Tips & Variations

• Swap dried thyme with Italian seasoning or oregano for a different flavor profile.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to your toppings for extra veggies.
• Use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese depending on your preference for creaminess.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 30–60 seconds until warmed through. The texture may change slightly after refrigeration but will still taste delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can try using plant-based cottage cheese alternatives and vegan mozzarella to keep it dairy-free, but the texture and flavor will differ from the original recipe.

Can I prepare these pizza bowls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bowls in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready, microwave them as directed. Keep toppings like fresh basil and chili flakes until serving to preserve their freshness.

High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 126 reviews

This High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with classic pizza flavors. Perfect for a wholesome snack or light meal, it features layers of cottage cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and herbs, topped with your favorite pizza-inspired additions. Ready in just minutes using your microwave, oven, or air fryer, it’s a versatile, protein-packed alternative to traditional pizza.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Total Time: 9 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Chili flakes, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for topping
• Optional toppings of your choice (such as Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, etc.)

Instructions

1. Build the base: Spoon ½ cup of cottage cheese into each of two small, microwave-safe bowls to create the foundation of your pizza bowls.
2. Mix in the flavor: Add a little shredded mozzarella, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, a pinch of garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each bowl. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to overmix to maintain texture.
3. First heat-up: Microwave each bowl for 1 minute to begin warming the ingredients and melding flavors.
4. Top it off: Add 1 more tablespoon of marinara sauce and some extra shredded mozzarella on top of each bowl. Microwave for an additional minute, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
5. Finish & garnish: Sprinkle with chili flakes, fresh basil leaves, and any other desired toppings like olives or cherry tomatoes to enhance the pizza experience.
6. Optional baking or air frying: If preferred, follow the same layering steps, then bake or air fry at 350°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. Use oven-safe or air fryer-safe bowls for this method.

Notes

• You can customize your toppings to suit your taste, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or pepperoni slices.
• To keep it lower in sodium, choose a low-sodium marinara sauce and reduced-sodium cheese options.
• Microwave times may vary depending on your appliance, so adjust as needed to ensure cheese melts without overcooking.
• Ensure bowls are microwave, oven, or air fryer safe depending on the cooking method you select.

Keywords: high protein, cottage cheese, pizza bowl, quick snack, microwave recipe, healthy pizza, low fat, easy meal