Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
Experience all the beloved flavors of pizza reimagined in a healthier, high-protein, and incredibly easy-to-make bowl. This dish combines creamy cottage cheese with robust marinara, an array of fresh vegetables, and melted mozzarella, delivering a satisfying and guilt-free meal. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20-25 minutes
Total Time
30-35 minutes
Servings
2 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- High in protein, making it incredibly satisfying and excellent for muscle support.
- A fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, perfect for various dietary needs.
- Incredibly quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Highly customizable with your favorite pizza toppings and vegetables.
- Packed with fresh flavors and textures, from creamy to crunchy.
Ingredients
- 250 grams (1 cup) cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat, as per preference)
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 75 grams (1/2 cup) chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 40 grams (1/2 cup) sliced fresh mushrooms
- 30 grams (1/2 cup) chopped fresh spinach or kale
- 60 grams (1/2 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Fine sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 30 grams (1/4 cup) sliced black olives (optional)
- 30 grams (1/4 cup) diced red onion (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it's ready for baking and will cook the dish evenly.
- In a medium, oven-safe baking dish, spread the cottage cheese evenly across the bottom. This creates a creamy, high-protein base that mimics the richness of pizza dough without the carbs.
- Generously spoon the marinara sauce over the layer of cottage cheese, ensuring a good, even coverage. The sauce is key for authentic pizza flavor, so don't be shy.
- Evenly scatter the chopped bell peppers, sliced fresh mushrooms, and chopped fresh spinach or kale on top of the sauce. Distribute the vegetables for balanced flavor and texture in every spoonful.
- Top the vegetables with the shredded mozzarella cheese. If using, add any additional optional toppings like sliced black olives or diced red onion now, arranging them for visual appeal and flavor.
- Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the assembled dish. Then, season lightly with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the savory components.
- Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges, indicating it's perfectly cooked.
- Once baked, remove the Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly for 3-5 minutes before serving to prevent burns and let the flavors meld. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
Tools You’ll Need
- Oven-safe baking dish (e.g., 8×8 inch or similar)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Large spoon for spreading
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated to achieve that perfect bubbly, golden cheese crust.
- Use good quality marinara sauce; it significantly impacts the overall flavor of the dish.
- Don't overbake; once the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden hue, it's ready.
- Pat watery vegetables like mushrooms dry before adding them to prevent the bowl from becoming too liquidy.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like a sprinkle of Parmesan or provolone, for added complexity.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor, lightly sauté your bell peppers and mushrooms before adding them to the bowl. This deepens their taste and prevents a raw texture.
- Whisk a tablespoon of pesto into your marinara sauce before spreading it over the cottage cheese for an herbaceous, garlicky kick.
- Finish the dish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes after baking for a subtle warmth and a chef's touch of spice.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
- Variations: Add cooked lean ground turkey or crumbled plant-based sausage for an extra protein boost. Try different vegetable combinations such as zucchini, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Just be sure to thaw them completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding them to the bowl to prevent a watery result.
Is this Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! This dish is fantastic for meal prepping. You can assemble and bake it ahead of time, then divide it into individual portions for quick and healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a kick, incorporate some finely diced jalapeños with your vegetables, or stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce. A drizzle of hot honey or a dash of your favorite hot sauce after baking also works wonders.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: approximately 380, Protein: 35g, Fat: 20g, Carbs: 20g (per serving, estimates will vary based on specific ingredients and quantities).
Allergy Information
Contains dairy. Naturally gluten-free. For a vegetarian option, ensure your marinara sauce does not contain meat products. This recipe is also naturally nut-free.
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