High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
This Pizza Cottage Cheese Bowl takes inspiration from the viral TikTok trend, delivering a quick, low-carb, high-protein alternative to traditional pizza that’s ready in 10 minutes. Loaded with marinara sauce, melted Italian cheeses, and your favorite pizza toppings, what’s not to love? Makes one serving.
Cottage cheese is one of those love-it-or-hate-it foods. I, for one, am a lover –however, I get that it’s not for everyone. For that reason, I’ve been on a mission to use cottage cheese in dishes that will have even the haters doing a double-take: from pancakes, waffles, and crepes to buffalo chicken dip, hummus, and today’s Supreme Pizza Cottage Cheese Bowls!
When the original cottage cheese pizza bowls on TikTok went viral, I couldn’t resist! By swapping the classic crust for a cottage cheese base, you get all the mouthwatering pizza flavors without the extra carbs.
Loaded with Italian-style chicken sausage, green peppers, onions, olives, and a gooey layer of mozzarella, this version tastes like a slice of supreme pizza but in creamy cottage cheese bowl form.
This recipe is quick and easy to make in the microwave. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable because, with cottage cheese as the canvas, there are no rules. Pepperoni, extra veggies, pineapple –add whatever you love, and get ready to become a cottage cheese lover with this delicious dish!
Recipe features
- High-protein option. Combining high-protein cottage cheese, fresh veggies, and lean meat creates a well-rounded meal, perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Quick and easy. Enjoy a delicious, homemade pizza-inspired bowl whenever the craving hits you, thanks to minimal prep and simple microwave convenience. Ready in minutes!
- Customizable. You can easily customize your bowl with your favorite pizza toppings!
Ingredients needed
- Cottage cheese. Our creamy, protein-rich base that holds the bowl ingredients together. I love using Good Culture. It’s rich, creamy, and made with simple ingredients, but any full-fat small curd cottage cheese works well.
- Parmesan cheese. Adds a nutty, salty flavor and melts beautifully, adding a lovely golden top. Finely shred your own Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavor.
- Seasonings. Garlic powder + Italian seasoning infuse the cottage cheese with classic pizza flavor. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary blend.
- Marinara sauce. Opt for a thick, tangy marinara or pizza sauce with no added sugar for a healthier, low-carb option.
- Cooking spray. I always use extra virgin olive oil spray, but any non-stick cooking spray works.
- Italian-style chicken sausage. I used Bilinski’s precooked Italian chicken sausage for the savory, meaty component. It’s low in fat, high in protein, and free of added sugars. However, any pre-cooked low-fat Italian chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage will work.
- Green pepper and onion. Our classic supreme pizza veggie toppings!
- Mozzarella. The gooey, stretchy crowning glory of your pizza cottage cheese bowl! Shred your own low-moisture mozzarella for the best results.
How to make a cottage cheese pizza bowl
Step 1: Mix the cheeses. In a small bowl, stir the cottage cheese, parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until combined.
Step 2: Prepare the base. Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a microwave-safe dish. Pour marinara or pizza sauce over the top, and set the dish aside.
Step 3: Prepare the toppings. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray with non-stick spray. Add the sausage and sauté until it starts to brown, then add the peppers and onions and cook for another minute or two until tender.
Step 4: Assemble the bowl. Sprinkle the sausage and veggies on top of the marinara sauce. Top with a layer of shredded mozzarella.
Step 5: Microwave and serve. Pop the dish in the microwave and heat for 1 to 1½ minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Recipe tips and FAQs
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese in a food processor until it’s creamy. This will give your bowl a more uniform consistency and a velvety mouthfeel.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings. Play up the savory pizza flavor by adding dried oregano and a bit more garlic powder. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Use a thick marinara or pizza sauce to prevent your bowl from turning watery. If your sauce is thinner, simmer it on the stove for a few minutes to thicken it.
- Sauté your peppers and onions until they are just tender but still have a bit of crunch. This step helps release the veggie’s excess moisture, preventing mushy, watery results. Microwave ovens can vary in power, so keep an eye on your cottage cheese bowl while it’s heating. Start with 1 minute, adding 15-second increments until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Variations
- Instead of supreme pizza-inspired toppings, have your pizza cottage cheese bowl your way. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Pepperoni – Substitute or add pepperoni. Simply layer it on top of the sauce before adding the other toppings and cheese. Use turkey pepperoni as a leaner option, just like the viral TikTok trend!
- Hawaiian – Layer diced ham, crispy chopped bacon, red onion, and pineapple on top of the marinara sauce before adding the cheese.
- Veggie – Load up with all your favorites, such as mushrooms, black olives, zucchini, spinach, artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, or jalapeños. Sauté these veggies with the peppers and onions.
- Meat lovers – Layer a variety of cooked meats like bacon, sausage, pepperoni, and ground beef on top of the sauce and cheese blend for an extra protein-packed version.
It’s best to use a glass or ceramic microwave-safe dish that is shallow and wide enough to distribute the ingredients evenly. If possible, avoid plastic containers. They may not withstand the heat and can affect the taste of your food.
On average, one bowl contains approximately 10-15 carbs. However, the carbohydrate content can vary based on the type of marinara or pizza sauce you use and any additional toppings. To get a more accurate count, calculate the carbs based on your specific ingredients.
On average, one bowl contains 300-350 calories. It’s best to calculate the calories based on the specific ingredients and brands you use for a more precise count. The nutrition info included here is based on the ingredients that I used.
Storing and freezing
Storing: If you have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Note that the texture of the cottage cheese may change slightly upon reheating, but it will still be delicious.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cottage cheese will not hold up well once frozen and thawed.
More recipes for pizza lovers
If you love this pizza cottage cheese protein bowl recipe, I would be so grateful if you could leave a 5-star 🌟 rating in the recipe card below. I love reading your comments and feedback!
Stay posted on my latest cooking adventures through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Also, don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
High Protein Pizza Cottage Cheese Bowl
Equipment
- Small oven-proof dish
Ingredients
- ½ cup Good Culture cottage cheese
- 1 tbsp finely shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- olive oil cooking spray
- 1 link precooked Italian-style chicken sausage I used Bilinski's
- ¼ cup chopped green pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped onion
- 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread the cheese blend onto the bottom of a microwaveable dish, top with the marinara (or pizza sauce) and set aside.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray with the EVOO spray. Saute the sausage for 1-2 minutes, then add the peppers and onions and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
- Pour the sausage, peppers, and onions over the marinara in the dish then top with the shredded mozzarella.
- Microwave for 1 ½-2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese in a food processor until it’s creamy. This will give your bowl a more uniform consistency and a velvety mouthfeel.
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings. Play up the savory pizza flavor by adding dried oregano and a bit more garlic powder. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Use a thick marinara or pizza sauce to prevent your bowl from turning watery. If your sauce is thinner, simmer it on the stove for a few minutes to thicken it.
- Sauté your peppers and onions until they are just tender but still have a bit of crunch. This step helps release the veggie’s excess moisture, preventing mushy, watery results. Microwave ovens can vary in power, so keep an eye on your cottage cheese bowl while it’s heating. Start with 1 minute, adding 15-second increments until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- See post for more delicious variations!
Nutrition
- High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl - October 23, 2024
- Italian Ground Beef Skillet - October 21, 2024
- Easy Slow Cooker Italian Chicken - October 16, 2024
