Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe (+ 8 Variations)

This cottage cheese pizza bowl is your new go-to for a protein-packed meal that tastes like pizza—minus the dough and the hassle. It’s warm, melty, and ready in minutes. The best part? You can customize it with your favorite toppings, from classic pepperoni to veggie-loaded combos or even pineapple (no judgment here). It feels a little indulgent but comes with solid nutrition and big flavor.

A cottage cheese pizza bowl featuring shredded cheese, ham, pineapple, and croutons in a bowl reminiscent of a classic pizza, all beautifully arranged in a glass container on a wooden surface with a pink cloth.

Protein: 42 grams per bowl

The protein in this recipe comes mainly from the cottage cheese and mozzarella, with an extra boost if you add toppings like ham, chicken, or turkey pepperoni. When I first made it, I was surprised by how well the cottage cheese melted into the dish—it gives that creamy texture without overpowering the pizza flavors. It’s become one of my go-to high protein snacks when I want something warm and filling without a lot of effort.

Contents hide

1 Why you will love this recipe

2 Key ingredients and substitutions

3 How to make a cottage cheese pizza bowl

4 Recipe notes and tips

5 Storage instructions

6 8 Variations

7 What to serve with this recipe

8 Frequently asked questions

9 More cottage cheese bowls you will love

10 Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Why you will love this recipe

High Protein: Keeps you full and fueled, thanks to cottage cheese and mozzarella
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes, no complicated steps
Low Carb: All the pizza flavor, none of the crust. Skip the bread to make it even lower carb
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings—veggies, meats, or both
Cheesy Comfort: Melty, savory, and totally satisfying
Flexible Cooking: Make it in the microwave, oven, or air fryer

Key ingredients and substitutions

Overhead view of bowls containing cottage cheese, ham, Italian seasoning, pineapple, garlic powder, croutons, marinara sauce, and mozzarella on a wooden surface.

Cottage Cheese: The star of the show—creamy, high in protein, and surprisingly satisfying when warm. Small curd works best, but any type is fine. Blend it if you want a smoother texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Classic pizza melt factor. Use shredded mozzarella or sub with cheddar, provolone, or even a dairy-free option if needed.
Garlic Powder: Quick flavor without the fuss. Fresh minced garlic works too, or leave it out if you prefer.
Italian Seasoning: Adds that signature pizza flavor. No blend on hand? Use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
Marinara Sauce: Brings in the tomatoey goodness. You can use pizza sauce, tomato sauce, or whatever red sauce you have in the fridge.
Ham and Pineapple: Sweet and salty toppings that work well together. Not into it? Go for chicken, turkey pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers—whatever you love.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but great for a little kick. Swap in black pepper or smoked paprika for a milder edge.
Bread Slice: Toasted and cubed to make your own mini dippers. Croutons, pita chips, tortilla chips, or even no bread at all are also good options.

How to make a cottage cheese pizza bowl

Mix the base: In a heat-safe bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, ¼ cup mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined.

A glass bowl brimming with shredded cheese, cottage cheese, and seasonings rests on a floral-patterned tablecloth.

A clear glass bowl brimming with a cottage cheese base for a pizza bowl sits on a colorful, patterned tablecloth.

Add sauce and toppings: Spoon the marinara sauce over the cheese mixture, then sprinkle on 1 tablespoon of mozzarella. Add your toppings—this version uses diced ham and pineapple, but go wild with whatever you love.

A bowl of pizza ingredients, featuring diced ham, shredded cheese, pineapple, and tomato sauce, rests on a floral tablecloth. A dollop of cottage cheese adds a creamy twist to this classic mix.

A glass dish brimming with ham, cheese, and pineapple transforms into a delectable Pizza Bowl in the air fryer, surrounded by small pieces of bread.

Choose your cooking method:
– Microwave: Cook on high for 2 minutes
– Air fryer: 180°C / 355°F for 5 minutes
– Oven: 180°C / 355°F for 10 minutes
The cheese on top should be melted and slightly golden.
Toast your dippers: While the bowl cooks, toast a slice of bread and cut it into small squares. You can also use croutons or air fry the bread beside the bowl if there’s room.
Garnish and serve: Carefully remove your pizza bowl and top it with the cubed toast or dippers. Add a pinch of red chili flakes if you want some heat.
Dig in: Grab a spoon or scoop with your dippers—it’s warm, melty, and hits that pizza craving fast.

A cottage cheese pizza bowl, including melted cheese, ham, and pineapple, is placed on a pink cloth. A golden fork and a bowl of bread cubes are beside it.

Recipe notes and tips

Use a heat-safe bowl: Make sure it’s microwave, oven, or air fryer safe—no one wants a bowl disaster.
Smooth it out: Not a fan of the cottage cheese texture? Blend it first for a creamier base.
Layer smart: Sauce goes on top of the cheese mixture so it heats evenly and keeps the base creamy.
Watch the cooking time: All appliances vary—check early to avoid overcooking or burning the cheese or toppings.
Make it meal-prep friendly: Pre-mix the base and store in airtight containers. Just top and heat when you’re ready to eat.
Add extra protein: Toss in some cooked chicken, ground beef, or turkey sausage to bump up those grams.
Tweak the seasoning: Add more garlic powder or a pinch of dried basil or thyme to match your pizza mood.

Storage instructions

Cool first: Let your pizza cottage cheese bowl cool completely before storing to avoid condensation and sogginess.
Use airtight containers: Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently: Microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm in the oven or air fryer at 180°C/355°F until hot and bubbly again.
Avoid freezing: The texture of cottage cheese doesn’t hold up well when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

8 Variations

I really love a good Hawaiian cottage cheese pizza bowl, but like regular pizza, the options are endless! Here are a few more of my favs:

Pepperoni: Add 6–8 slices of turkey or regular pepperoni and a pinch of dried basil or oregano on top of the marinara and cheese layer.
Supreme Pizza Bowl: Add 1 tablespoon each of diced green bell pepper, red onion, and mushrooms. Toss in 4 slices of turkey pepperoni and 1 tablespoon cooked sausage. Top with 1 tablespoon black olives and 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella. For extra flavor, sprinkle with a pinch of dried oregano before cooking.
Burger Pizza: Use ¼ cup cooked ground beef, 1 tablespoon diced pickles, and drizzle 1 teaspoon ketchup or burger sauce over everything. Top with 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar or mozzarella.
Buffalo Chicken: Mix ¼ cup shredded cooked chicken with 1 teaspoon buffalo sauce before adding to the bowl. Top with mozzarella or cheddar if you like it extra cheesy.
Veggie Supreme: Add 1 tablespoon each of diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and black olives. Sauté the veggies first if you prefer them soft.
Meat Lover’s: Use a combo of 1 tablespoon cooked sausage, 4 slices turkey pepperoni, and 2 tablespoons ground beef. Top with mozzarella and a little grated parmesan cheese if you’re feeling extra.
Margherita Style: Top with 3–4 cherry tomatoes (halved), 2-3 slices of fresh mozzarella, 1 tablespoon grated parmesan, and a few fresh basil leaves after baking or microwaving.
Taco Pizza Bowl: Swap half of the marinara for salsa, then add ¼ cup taco-seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken. Top with 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar and a pinch of chili flakes or cumin.

What to serve with this recipe

Crunchy Dippers: Serve this as a cottage cheese pizza dip along with pita chips, tortilla chips, crackers, or croutons
Fresh Sides: Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or roasted veggies
Protein Boosters: Grilled chicken skewers, hard-boiled eggs, turkey meatballs, or mini sausages
Fun Extras: A little bowl of olives or pickles, chili oil for drizzling, or a sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan

Frequently asked questions

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Totally. You can prep the base and toppings in advance, then just heat when you’re ready to eat.

Is this low carb or keto-friendly?

Yes, it can be, especially if you skip the bread and pineapple, and use low carb toppings like pepperoni.

What kind of bowl should I use?

Any heat-safe bowl will work—just double-check it’s oven- or microwave-friendly before you start.

A close-up of a spoonful of bubbly cottage cheese pizza bowl topped with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, nestled in a glass bowl. It's on a wooden surface with a pink cloth nearby.

More cottage cheese bowls you will love

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