Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe
Introduction
This cottage cheese pizza bowl is a quick and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the crust. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with classic pizza seasonings, making it a perfect snack or light meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (low-fat, fat-free, or full-fat)
- 2 tablespoons marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 tablespoons light mozzarella cheese or your favorite pizza cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, and dried basil. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Step 2: Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe ramekin or small baking dish (about 6 oz size).
- Step 3: Sprinkle the mozzarella or your preferred pizza cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Add a light sprinkle of oregano on top of the cheese.
- Step 4: Place the ramekin on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until heated through.
- Step 5: Optional: Broil for 1 to 2 minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden-brown cheese finish. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Step 6: Carefully remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, or basil for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer flavor or low-fat for a lighter option.
- Try adding chopped pepperoni, olives, or diced bell peppers into the mixture before baking for more pizza toppings.
- Substitute marinara with spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick of heat.
- Serve with a side of fresh greens or crusty bread to make it more filling.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the cheese.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cheese instead of cottage cheese?
This recipe relies on the creamy texture of cottage cheese for a casserole-like base, so simply substituting with regular shredded cheese will change the dish’s consistency. For best results, keep the cottage cheese as the base and add your favorite shredded cheese on top.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, the cottage cheese pizza bowl is low in carbohydrates since it avoids traditional pizza crust. It’s a great option for those watching their carb intake while still craving pizza flavors.
PrintCottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe
A quick and easy Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl that combines creamy cottage cheese with flavorful pizza spices and gooey melted mozzarella. This single-serving dish is perfect for a light lunch or snack, baked to bubbly perfection in just minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (low-fat, fat-free, or full-fat)
- 2 tablespoons marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon dried basil
Topping
- 3 tablespoons light mozzarella cheese or your favorite pizza cheese
- Additional oregano for sprinkling (optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)
- Extra dried basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, thoroughly combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, and dried basil until well mixed.
- Prepare Ramekin: Transfer the mixture into a small oven-safe ramekin or baking dish, approximately 6 ounces in size.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the light mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the cottage cheese mixture. Optionally, sprinkle additional oregano on top for enhanced flavor.
- Bake: Place the ramekin on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until heated through.
- Optional Broil: For a bubbly, golden cheese crust, broil the dish for 1 to 2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the ramekin from the oven carefully and allow it to cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with crushed red pepper flakes, extra oregano, and dried basil for added flavor.
Notes
- Use any type of cottage cheese you prefer: low-fat, fat-free, or full-fat.
- Marinara or pizza sauce can be swapped with your favorite tomato sauce variant.
- The ramekin size should be about 6 ounces to allow proper cooking and portion.
- Broiling is optional but gives a lovely texture and color to the cheese topping.
- This recipe is perfect for a quick snack or light meal and is easily customizable with additional toppings.
Keywords: cottage cheese pizza bowl, easy pizza bowl, baked cottage cheese, quick snack, low-fat pizza bowl, gluten free pizza bowl
