This Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a delicious and protein-packed twist on traditional pizza, without the carbs! Creamy cottage cheese, melted mozzarella, savory toppings, and zesty pizza sauce come together in a warm, satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a guilt-free comfort meal, this pizza bowl delivers all the flavor of pizza in a healthier form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb and High-Protein – A great alternative for those watching their carbs.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Customizable – Swap out toppings to suit your taste.
- Satisfying and Cheesy – Enjoy all the best parts of pizza without the crust.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat for a simple, delicious meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for richness, or low-fat for a lighter option)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup low-carb pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup minced onion
- ½ cup cooked sausage or pepperoni slices (omit for a vegetarian version)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Base – In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Assemble the Bowl – Spread the cottage cheese mixture into a small, ovenproof bowl or individual casserole dish.
- Add the Sauce – Pour the pizza sauce evenly over the top.
- Layer with Cheese – Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the sauce.
- Top It Off – Arrange the bell peppers, olives, onion, and sausage or pepperoni evenly over the cheese.
- Bake – Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve – Let the dish cool slightly before topping with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add sliced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add mushrooms or spinach.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in a little ricotta or cream cheese for added creaminess.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based cheese alternative and dairy-free cottage cheese.
- Different Proteins: Swap the sausage for grilled chicken or turkey pepperoni.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as cottage cheese may change in texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in a microwave?
Yes! Assemble in a microwave-safe dish and cook on high for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
What type of cottage cheese works best?
Full-fat cottage cheese creates a richer texture, while low-fat keeps it lighter.
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Ricotta will give it a smoother texture while still keeping it creamy.
How do I make this dish more filling?
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese substitutes and a plant-based cottage cheese.
What’s the best way to get a golden, crispy top?
Broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking for a crispy cheese layer.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of pizza sauce?
Yes, chopped tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt and Italian seasoning work well.
How do I reduce the sodium content?
Use low-sodium cottage cheese and sauce, and reduce or omit added salt.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
What other toppings work well?
Try artichokes, mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl delivers all the best flavors of pizza in a protein-packed, crust-free version. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with delicious toppings, making it the perfect easy meal for pizza lovers looking for a low-carb alternative. Try it today and enjoy a guilt-free indulgence!
Print
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a rich, cheesy, and flavorful alternative to traditional pizza. Packed with cottage cheese, mozzarella, and savory toppings, it’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for pizza lovers following a low-carb lifestyle. Enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the crust!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for richness, low-fat for fewer calories)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup low-carb pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage or pepperoni slices (omit for vegetarian option)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together cottage cheese, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Spread the mixture into a small oven-safe dish or ramekin.
- Evenly pour the pizza sauce over the cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add the bell peppers, olives, onion, and sausage or pepperoni, distributing evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage or pepperoni for a meat-free version.
- Extra Crunch: Top with crushed pork rinds or almond flour crumbs for added texture.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Low-Carb, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
