Imagine enjoying all the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza without the carb-heavy crust dragging you down. Sounds like a dream, right? This Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is here to make that dream a reality. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so versatile that you’ll find yourself whipping it up on busy weeknights, for cozy weekend dinners, or even as a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Let me tell you how this recipe came to life in my kitchen. Like most of us, I have a soft spot for pizza—but the post-meal carb coma? Not so much. One day, I was experimenting with some leftover cottage cheese (because, let’s be real, it doesn’t always have a starring role in recipes). The result? A pizza-inspired bowl that’s loaded with flavor but skips the crust. It’s become a household favorite, and once you try it, I bet it’ll be yours, too.
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Pizza Bowl Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this dish, but let me break down why it’s worth a spot in your recipe collection:
- Low-Carb and High-Protein: If you’re watching your carbs or looking for a protein-packed meal, this checks both boxes. The cottage cheese and cheese blend are not only creamy but also full of satisfying protein.
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and basic ingredients, this is a no-fuss recipe that doesn’t require any fancy skills or equipment.
- Customizable: Love veggies? Pile them on. Prefer spicy flavors? Add chili flakes. Want to keep it vegetarian? Skip the sausage or pepperoni. The options are endless.
- Comfort Food Feel: Let’s face it—there’s something magical about melted cheese, tangy marinara, and savory toppings. It’s warm, cozy, and feels indulgent without actually being so.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch, portion it out, and enjoy it for a few days. It reheats beautifully, so you’ll always have something delicious ready to go.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 2 generous servings or 4 smaller portions
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 300 calories (varies with toppings)
Ingredients
For the base, you’ll need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, depending on your preference)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup low-carb pizza or marinara sauce (choose one with no added sugar)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
For the toppings, feel free to mix and match:
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (any color—red, yellow, and green all work beautifully)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup minced onion (red or yellow onions are great)
- ½ cup cooked sausage or turkey pepperoni slices (optional for a meatier dish)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional, but highly recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions to make the Low Carb Pizza Bowl
Let’s dive into making this easy, cheesy masterpiece. Trust me, it’s simpler than it sounds, and the results are so worth it.
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly, and the cheese melts to golden perfection.
Mix the Base
Grab a mixing bowl and combine the cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well blended. Don’t worry if the mixture feels a bit chunky—the cottage cheese will melt down into creamy deliciousness while baking.
Assemble Your Pizza Bowl
Take an ovenproof bowl or small casserole dish and spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly across the bottom. Next, spoon the low-carb marinara sauce over the top, spreading it out in an even layer. Then, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Add Your Toppings
Now for the fun part—customizing your pizza bowl! Scatter the diced bell peppers, olives, and onions over the cheese. If you’re adding sausage or turkey pepperoni, layer those on too. Remember, the toppings are where you can really make this dish your own.
Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden, and your kitchen smells like a pizzeria. For an extra crispy top, you can broil it for 1–2 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the pizza bowl cool for a few minutes before digging in. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve it on its own or pair it with a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
- Drain the Cottage Cheese
If your cottage cheese seems watery, place it in a fine mesh strainer for 10–15 minutes to remove excess moisture. This helps the dish stay creamy rather than soupy. - Choose High-Quality Sauce
Since the marinara or pizza sauce is a key ingredient, opt for one with no added sugar and bold, fresh flavors. You can even make your own if you’re feeling ambitious! - Experiment with Toppings
Feel free to get creative. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or roasted eggplant would all work beautifully. - Make It Spicy
If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce before serving. - Meal Prep Like a Pro
Double the recipe and portion it into individual containers. These pizza bowls make fantastic leftovers and are easy to reheat in the microwave or oven.
Low Carb Pizza Bowl Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this dish is how easily you can tweak it to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and pepperoni, and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and artichoke hearts.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your marinara sauce and other ingredients to ensure they’re safe.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the cottage cheese mixture for a subtle kick.
- Extra Creamy: Blend the cottage cheese before mixing it with the other cheeses for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Herb Swaps: Instead of Italian seasoning, try fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is incredibly satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some ideas:
- Pair with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The crisp, tangy greens balance the richness of the dish.
- Serve with roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli for a nutrient-packed meal.
- For a family-friendly option, set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their own pizza bowl.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop the bowl in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of cheese instead of cottage cheese? Absolutely! Ricotta is a great substitute if you prefer a slightly milder flavor.
Is this dish keto-friendly? Yes! With its low-carb ingredients, it’s perfect for a keto diet. Just ensure your marinara sauce is keto-approved.
Can I make this ahead of time? Definitely. You can assemble the bowl a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready.
What if I don’t have an ovenproof dish? No problem—use a skillet or any baking-safe container. Just make sure it can handle the heat.
Can I double the recipe? Of course! This recipe scales up beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Conclusion
This Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is everything you love about pizza, but in a healthier, easier-to-make format. It’s rich, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, making it a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. I can’t wait to see how yours turns out—snap a photo and tag me on Instagram so I can drool over your cheesy creation!
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Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe: A Deliciously Simple, Guilt-Free Twist
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl delivers all the cheesy, saucy pizza flavors you love without the carb-heavy crust. Made with cottage cheese, marinara sauce, and customizable toppings, this dish is high in protein, quick to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- Base:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup low-carb marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Toppings:
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup minced onion
- ½ cup cooked sausage or turkey pepperoni (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Spread the mixture into an ovenproof dish. Layer marinara sauce on top, followed by the remaining mozzarella.
- Add your toppings—bell peppers, olives, onions, and optional sausage or pepperoni.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes, garnish with basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- Drain the cottage cheese for a thicker base.
- Adjust toppings to your taste or dietary needs.
- Freeze for up to 3 months or refrigerate leftovers for 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired