If you love pizza but want a quick, single-serving, low-carb option, the Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a perfect solution. Combining creamy cottage cheese, savory marinara, fresh vegetables, pepperoni, and melted mozzarella, this dish delivers all the flavors of pizza in a bowl—without the crust. It’s ideal for busy mornings, a solo lunch, or a healthy snack that still satisfies your pizza cravings.
This recipe is not only simple and fast but also highly customizable. By mixing cottage cheese with a perfectly balanced blend of herbs and spices, every bite is flavorful and creamy. The broiling step at the end creates that signature bubbly, lightly charred cheese topping you expect from a pizza, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Below, you’ll find detailed instructions, ingredient insights, tips for perfect baking, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure a foolproof dish every time.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 1 serving
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Difficulty: Easy
- Course: Breakfast / Lunch / Snack
- Cuisine: Pizza-Inspired / Low-Carb Option
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- ¾ cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- 1.5 oz pepperoni
- ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning Blend
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Insights
Cottage Cheese:
Provides a creamy base with protein and a mild flavor that pairs well with pizza toppings. Full-fat or low-fat versions can be used depending on preference.
Marinara Sauce:
Adds classic tomato flavor. Choose a smooth sauce for easy mixing and even coverage.
Bell Peppers:
Add crunch, color, and freshness. Red, yellow, or green peppers can all be used.
Pepperoni:
Classic pizza topping that crisps slightly on top when baked. Sliced or diced works fine.
Mozzarella Cheese:
Melts beautifully, creating a stretchy, gooey topping.
Seasoning Blend:
Combining Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes ensures that the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the cottage cheese base.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl for seasoning blend
- Oven-safe bowl or ramekin
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven with baking and broiler function
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Blend
In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. This step ensures your cottage cheese base will be evenly flavored without clumps of seasoning.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a larger mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, marinara sauce, diced bell pepper, and pepperoni. Add the seasoning blend from Step 1 and stir until everything is evenly distributed. Taste a small spoonful and adjust with salt and black pepper if needed.
Tip: It’s easier to add more salt now than to try to correct over-seasoning later.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Bowl
Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe bowl or ramekin. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then add a few extra pepperoni slices for a visually appealing finish.
Step 4: Bake
Bake the bowl in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through.
Step 5: Broil for the Perfect Finish
Switch your oven to the broiler on high and broil for 2–3 minutes. This lightly browns the mozzarella and crisps the edges of the pepperoni, mimicking the look and texture of a traditional pizza.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye while broiling to prevent burning; broilers vary in intensity.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven carefully and let cool slightly. Serve warm, either as a single-serving meal or paired with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a small side salad or roasted vegetables for a light lunch.
- Serve as a high-protein breakfast by adding a poached or fried egg on top.
- Include in a meal prep rotation by assembling multiple bowls in advance and baking when ready.
- Top with fresh basil or crushed red pepper flakes for extra aroma and flavor.
Flavor Variations
- Vegetarian: Omit pepperoni and add mushrooms, olives, or spinach.
- Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce.
- Cheese Lover’s: Sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan before broiling.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium marinara and reduce added salt.
- Meat Combo: Mix in cooked sausage, ham, or shredded chicken for variety.
Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
- Evenly Distribute Seasonings: Ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Use Oven-Safe Bowl: Prevents spills and allows broiling without transferring.
- Broil Carefully: A few minutes under the broiler creates a bubbly, golden top.
- Adjust Vegetables: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Portion Control: Perfect for single servings, making it ideal for quick meals.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Microwave for 30–60 seconds or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
Tip: Reheat in a small oven-safe dish to preserve the cheesy topping.
Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl – Quick, Cheesy, and Flavorful!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
Description
Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl – a quick, cheesy, and flavorful single-serving pizza bowl with cottage cheese and pepperoni.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1.5 oz pepperoni
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, marinara sauce, bell pepper, pepperoni, and seasoning blend. Stir until evenly mixed. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Transfer mixture into an oven-safe bowl. Sprinkle mozzarella on top and add extra pepperoni slices.
- Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until cheese melts and mixture is heated through.
- Switch to broiler on high and broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning after tasting before baking.
- Perfect single-serving pizza alternative!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Snack
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the bowl and refrigerate until ready to bake. Broil just before serving for a fresh, bubbly top.
2. Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely. Provolone, gouda, or pepper jack all melt well.
3. Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Use plant-based cheese and cottage cheese alternatives.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. Onions, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions.
5. Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, especially if you omit starchy sides. It’s high in protein and a filling single-serving meal.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Simple: Ready in just 35 minutes.
- Single-Serving Friendly: Perfect for solo meals or portion control.
- Customizable: Add toppings or adjust seasoning to suit your taste.
- Low-Carb Option: Delivers pizza flavor without traditional dough.
Conclusion
The Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a versatile, nutritious, and indulgent single-serving meal that satisfies pizza cravings without the hassle of dough. Creamy cottage cheese, savory marinara, tender vegetables, and melted mozzarella combine to create a bowl that’s flavorful, hearty, and visually appealing.
Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a high-protein breakfast, or a low-carb dinner, this recipe is fast, simple, and endlessly adaptable. With the broiler finish for a bubbly, slightly crisp cheese topping, you get all the satisfaction of a traditional pizza in a healthy, convenient, and single-serving bowl.
