Your New Protein-Packed Obsession: Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls
These Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls are a high-protein, low-effort twist on classic pizza—perfect for when you’re craving pizza flavors without the fuss of dough. With just a few ingredients and under 10 minutes, you’ll have a warm, cheesy, customizable dish that works as a quick lunch, light dinner, or even a late-night snack.
Ingredients
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1 cup cottage cheese
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½ cup marinara sauce
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¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 tsp dried thyme
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Garlic powder, to taste
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Chili flakes, to taste
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Fresh basil leaves, for topping
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Optional add-ins: Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or your favorite pizza toppings
Instructions
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Build the base: Spoon ½ cup cottage cheese into each of two small, microwave-safe bowls.
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Mix in flavor: Add a sprinkle of mozzarella, ½ tsp thyme, a pinch of garlic powder, and 2 tbsp marinara sauce to each bowl. Stir lightly to combine.
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First heat-up: Microwave each bowl for 1 minute to start warming the base.
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Top it off: Add 1 more tbsp marinara sauce and a little extra mozzarella on top of each. Microwave for another minute, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Finish & garnish: Sprinkle with chili flakes, fresh basil, and your favorite toppings. Serve hot and enjoy!
Bake or Air Fry Option: Instead of microwaving, assemble the bowls and bake/air fry at 350°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Use oven-safe bowls for this method.
Notes
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Protein boost: Add cooked chicken, turkey pepperoni, or lean ground beef for extra protein.
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Make it vegetarian: Keep it veggie-heavy with mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
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Meal prep: Assemble bowls ahead of time and heat just before serving for an easy grab-and-go meal.
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Low-carb option: Skip high-carb toppings like croutons or bread sides—enjoy as is for a satisfying low-carb meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: 270kcal per serving
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g