Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe
Introduction
This Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a quick, flavorful twist on traditional pizza that’s perfect for a simple meal. Featuring creamy cottage cheese and bubbling mozzarella, it delivers all the classic pizza flavors in a cozy bowl.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1.5 oz pepperoni, chopped
- 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. This seasoning blend will evenly distribute flavor throughout the cottage cheese base.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, diced bell pepper, and chopped pepperoni. Stir in the seasoning blend from Step 1. Add salt and black pepper to taste, and adjust seasoning by tasting a small spoonful.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe bowl. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then add a few extra pepperoni slices for texture and appearance.
- Step 4: Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until the cheese melts and the mixture is heated through. Then switch to the broiler on high and broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the mozzarella and crisp the pepperoni edges. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Tips & Variations
- Try swapping pepperoni for cooked sausage or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or olives for extra veggies and taste.
- Use part-skim mozzarella to keep it lighter, or a blend of cheeses for added richness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the cottage cheese creamy and the pepperoni crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese provides a creamy, protein-rich base with a unique texture. You can experiment with ricotta or cream cheese, but the flavor and consistency will differ.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a great option for a quick meal. Prepare the mixture ahead, store it in the bowl or container, and bake fresh when ready to eat.
PrintBest Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe
This Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a delicious and easy-to-make pizza-inspired dish that combines creamy cottage cheese with savory pepperoni, bell peppers, and a medley of Italian seasonings. Baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and a crispy pepperoni topping, it offers all the flavors of a traditional pizza in a convenient bowl format, perfect for a quick solo meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients
Seasoning Blend
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- pinch red pepper flakes
Base Mixture
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1.5 oz pepperoni, chopped
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese
- additional pepperoni slices for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning Blend: In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. This dry mixture will distribute evenly throughout the cottage cheese base and ensures consistent flavor without clumpy pockets of seasoning.
- Build the Base Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, diced bell pepper, and chopped pepperoni. Add the seasoning blend prepared previously and stir until everything is evenly distributed. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Taste a small spoonful to adjust seasonings before baking.
- Transfer and Top: Transfer the seasoned mixture into an oven-safe bowl. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and add a few extra pepperoni slices on the surface for texture and visual appeal. The cheese will melt into the mixture while the pepperoni crisps slightly on top.
- Bake and Finish: Bake the bowl at 400°F (204°C) for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through. Then switch the oven to the broiler on high and broil for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the mozzarella and crisp the pepperoni edges. Watch carefully to prevent burning and achieve a bubbly, slightly charred cheese surface reminiscent of a real pizza.
Notes
- Adjust salt gradually by tasting the base mixture before baking, as it’s easier to add than remove.
- Broiling at the end adds a crispy texture and enhances flavor, so keep a close watch to avoid burning.
- You can customize toppings by adding vegetables or different meats according to your preference.
- This recipe serves one but can be easily scaled up for more servings.
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl, easy pizza recipe, baked pizza bowl, single serving pizza, healthy pizza alternative, Italian seasoning pizza
