Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl with High Protein
Want to eat pizza but keep it low in carbohydrates and rich in protein? The ideal remedy is our High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl! It combines all of your favorite pizza flavors with melty mozzarella, creamy cottage cheese, and more than 30g of protein to create a quick, simple, and filling dinner.
This pizza bowl has a lot of flavor without adding extra carbohydrates, making it a great option for a guilt-free comfort food fix, a nutritious lunch, or post-workout nourishment. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and is a great way to enjoy pizza night without using any dough.
With its creamy base and plenty of fresh toppings, this cottage cheese pizza dish is a flavorful and filling high-protein take on pizza. It’s a tasty and satisfying substitute for regular pizza that’s also healthful.
Ingredients:
½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup marinara sauce (low-sugar or homemade)
10–12 turkey pepperoni slices (or regular)
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped black olives (optional)
2 tablespoons diced bell peppers (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or use an air fryer at 350°F.
Assemble the bowl: In an oven-safe bowl, mix cottage cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
Add toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, followed by pepperoni, olives, and bell peppers.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. (For air fryer, bake for 5–7 minutes.)
Garnish with fresh basil and crushed red pepper flakes.
Enjoy immediately! Serve with toasted whole-grain pita, crackers, or enjoy it as is.
Variations & Modifications:
Protein Boost Options:
- Add grilled chicken or turkey – Extra lean protein.
- Stir in a scoop of unflavored protein powder – For an even bigger protein kick.
- Top with an egg – Baked or fried for extra protein and healthy fats.
Low-Fat & Lower-Calorie Version:
- Use low-fat cottage cheese and part-skim mozzarella.
- Choose turkey pepperoni or lean turkey sausage.
- Reduce the cheese and add more veggies for volume.
Dairy-Free/Vegan Option:
- Swap cottage cheese for blended tofu or dairy-free cottage cheese.
- Use vegan cheese for the melty topping.
- Replace pepperoni with plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
Keto/Low-Carb Version:
- Ensure the marinara sauce is sugar-free.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese and mozzarella for better keto macros.
- Add more low-carb toppings like spinach, mushrooms, and olives.
Extra Flavor Upgrades:
- Add pesto for an herby twist.
- Sprinkle Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
- Drizzle with hot honey or balsamic glaze for a sweet-savory kick.
Nutrition Facts (Approx.)
Calories: ~250, Protein: ~30g, Carbs: ~10g, Fat: ~10g Fiber: ~2g