The Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a nutritious and delicious twist on traditional pizza. This recipe combines the creamy texture of cottage cheese with classic pizza toppings, making it a high-protein, low-carb meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
• 1 cup bell peppers (diced, any color)
• 1/2 cup red onion (diced)
• 1/2 cup mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup pepperoni slices (or turkey pepperoni)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making the Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Base

1. Combine Cottage Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Bowl

1. Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly across the bottom.
2. Add Sauce: Pour marinara or pizza sauce over the cottage cheese layer.
3. Add Toppings: Top with diced bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, pepperoni slices, and finally sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	280
Protein	28g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Add More Toppings: Include your favorite pizza toppings like olives, spinach, or cooked sausage for added flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different taste.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion

The Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a fun and healthy alternative to traditional pizza, offering a satisfying meal that’s packed with protein and flavor. This recipe is quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile dish for any pizza lover!