Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a quick and satisfying twist on traditional pizza. Packed with melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and flavorful seasonings, it’s perfect for a cozy single serving or a simple snack that feels indulgent without the fuss of dough.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1.5 oz pepperoni
• 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. This seasoning blend will ensure an even and consistent flavor throughout the dish.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, diced bell pepper, and pepperoni. Stir in the seasoning blend from Step 1 until evenly distributed. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Taste a small spoonful and adjust seasonings if needed.
3. Step 3: Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe bowl. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and add a few extra pepperoni slices for texture and presentation.
4. Step 4: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through.
5. Step 5: Switch your oven to the broiler on high and broil the bowl for 2-3 minutes to brown the mozzarella and crisp the pepperoni edges. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

• Try swapping pepperoni for cooked sausage or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
• Add fresh basil or oregano on top after baking for a fresh herby touch.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes without losing much flavor.
• Use part-skim mozzarella if you want a lighter option.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Note that the pepperoni may lose some crispness when reheated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute cottage cheese and mozzarella with your favorite dairy-free alternatives, such as plant-based ricotta and shredded cheese, but the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe can be made ahead and refrigerated. Bake fresh when ready to eat for the best texture and flavor, especially to retain the crisp pepperoni edges.

Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 93 reviews

This Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a quick and delicious twist on traditional pizza that combines creamy cottage cheese, savory marinara, colorful bell peppers, and crispy pepperoni baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for a comforting yet easy meal, this recipe layers bold Italian seasonings and melted mozzarella for that classic pizza flavor—you can enjoy it anytime without the hassle of dough.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Seasoning Blend

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• pinch red pepper flakes

Main Ingredients

• 3/4 cup cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
• 1.5 oz pepperoni, sliced
• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Create the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. This ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the cottage cheese base, preventing any clumps of seasoning.
2. Mix Base Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, diced bell pepper, and pepperoni. Add the prepared seasoning mix from the previous step, stirring until evenly combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sample a small amount to adjust seasoning as needed before baking.
3. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe bowl. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, then add a few extra pepperoni slices for texture and visual appeal.
4. Bake the Pizza Bowl: Place the bowl in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts and the mixture is heated through.
5. Broil to Finish: Switch the oven setting to broil on high, then broil the pizza bowl for 2-3 minutes. This step browns the mozzarella cheese and crisps the edges of the pepperoni, giving it an appetizing bubbly and slightly charred pizza-like finish. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Notes

• Use an oven-safe bowl or ramekin to prevent cracking during baking.
• Adjust seasoning according to personal preference, especially salt and red pepper flakes for heat.
• For a vegetarian option, omit pepperoni or substitute with vegetarian pepperoni slices.
• Serve immediately after broiling for the best texture and flavor.
• Feel free to add other pizza toppings like olives, mushrooms, or onions to customize.

Keywords: cottage cheese pizza bowl, easy pizza recipe, baked pizza bowl, quick pizza, low-carb pizza alternative, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni pizza, Italian-inspired bowl