I’ll admit it—pizza is my weakness. No matter how focused I am on my goals, that cheesy, savory craving always sneaks in, especially after a long day. And I used to think resisting was the only way. That is, until I stumbled upon cottage cheese pizza bowls.

It happened during one of those endless late-night scrolls through food hacks and trending recipes. Suddenly, there it was—this bubbling bowl of cheese, sauce, and toppings, all nestled in what looked like creamy clouds. I blinked. “Wait… is that pizza made with cottage cheese?” I tried it the next day. That was the beginning of a beautiful obsession. If you’re craving something that feels indulgent but won’t derail your health goals, this one’s for you.

Stick around, because I’m breaking down everything you need to know to make the best cottage cheese pizza bowl, plus tips, variations, and how to prep them ahead for the week.

What Exactly is a Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl?

A cottage cheese pizza bowl is essentially your favorite pizza toppings layered over a creamy base of seasoned cottage cheese—baked until bubbly and irresistible. It ditches the crust but keeps all the flavor. And thanks to cottage cheese’s naturally high protein content and low carb profile, it fits right into a healthy lifestyle.

These bowls are also a dream for busy people (like me), low-carb eaters, and anyone who loves easy, cheesy meals. The best part? They come together in minutes and can be endlessly customized.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High Protein – Packs in the fuel you need without a heavy carb load.
Low Carb / Keto-Friendly – No crust, no problem.
Quick & Easy – Prepped and baked in under 20 minutes.
Customizable – Endless topping and flavor combos.
Satisfies Pizza Cravings – Comfort food without the compromise.
Budget-Friendly – No fancy ingredients, just good food.
Minimal Cleanup – One bowl, one spoon—done and dusted.

Ingredients List

For the Base:

1 cup (225g) full-fat cottage cheese (Good Culture is my personal favorite)
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp Italian seasoning
Pinch of salt and black pepper

For the Toppings:

3 tbsp low-sugar pizza sauce
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6–8 slices turkey pepperoni (blotted dry for best results)
Optional: mushrooms, black olives, diced bell peppers, red pepper flakes, fresh basil

Substitutions & Notes:

For a dairy-free option, almond-based ricotta can work, though the flavor and texture will differ.
If you’re watching sodium, go for low-sodium sauce and nitrate-free meats.

Equipment You’ll Need

1–2 oven-safe ramekins or bowls (around 8 oz each)
Measuring spoons
Mixing spoon or small spatula
Oven or toaster oven

How to Make the Best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix the cottage cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined.

Spoon the mixture into an oven-safe ramekin, smoothing out the top.
Add a layer of pizza sauce over the cottage cheese base.
Top with shredded mozzarella and place your toppings evenly.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and slightly golden around the edges.
Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to get those crispy, browned cheese edges (optional but recommended).
Cool slightly before serving—it will be hot!

Pro Tips From My Kitchen

After making these dozens of times (seriously, I have this recipe on repeat), here are a few things I’ve learned:

Go Full-Fat: Low-fat cottage cheese often releases more liquid. Full-fat is creamier and richer.
Blend for Smoothness: If you’re texture-sensitive, blend the cottage cheese before baking.
Thicker Sauce Wins: Avoid watery marinara—go for a thick, robust pizza sauce.
Dry Those Meats: Turkey pepperoni and cooked sausage can get greasy. Blot before adding.
Don’t Overload: Too many toppings weigh it down. Less is more here.
Broil It: That one minute under the broiler transforms it—edges get crisp, cheese gets golden.

Customize Your Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Here’s where the fun begins. Make it yours:

Protein Add-Ons:

Cooked chicken breast
Italian sausage (crumbled)
Ground beef
Plant-based meat alternatives

Veggie Favorites:

Spinach
Mushrooms (sauté first for best texture)
Bell peppers
Zucchini
Caramelized onions

Sauce Swaps:

Pesto
BBQ sauce
Alfredo (if you’re feeling decadent)

Cheese Combos:

Provolone + mozzarella
Parmesan for a salty kick
Vegan mozzarella for dairy-free

Want more crust-like options? You’ll love these:

Serving Ideas

Serve with a simple mixed greens salad.
Pair with low-carb garlic bread or roasted veggies.
Great as a standalone dinner or meal prep lunch.

Storage & Reheating

To Store: Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Use the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for best texture. The microwave works in a pinch, but it won’t be as crisp.
Freezing? I don’t recommend it. The texture of cottage cheese can become grainy when thawed.

Meal Prep Tips

Pre-mix the base and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Dice your veggies and portion out toppings in advance.
Great for pre-portioned lunches: just assemble and bake when hungry.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~280
Protein: 28g
Fat: 16g
Carbs: 7g
Fiber: 1g

Serving size: 1 bowl. Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredients used.

Learn more about the benefits of cottage cheese from Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cottage cheese pizza bowls in an air fryer?
Yes! Use an oven-safe dish and air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. Broil or increase heat at the end to brown the top.

Is a cottage cheese pizza bowl actually healthy?
Yes. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and can be adapted to fit most diets.

What’s the best cottage cheese to use?
Go for full-fat, small curd brands. Good Culture and Daisy are solid choices.

Why is my pizza bowl watery?
Likely due to low-fat cottage cheese or too much sauce. Use thick sauce and full-fat cheese for best results.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
You can, but it’s usually less creamy and more watery. Blending helps.

How do I get a crispier top?
Broil it at the end, and avoid overloading the surface with sauce or toppings.

Can kids eat cottage cheese pizza bowls?
Yes, and most actually enjoy them! Let them choose their own toppings for fun.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just double-check that your toppings and sauces are gluten-free.

Ingredients

For the Base:

1 cup 225g full-fat cottage cheese
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp Italian seasoning
Pinch of salt and black pepper

For the Toppings:

3 tbsp low-sugar pizza sauce
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6 –8 slices turkey pepperoni
Optional toppings: mushrooms olives, bell peppers, red pepper flakes, fresh basil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix cottage cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Spoon mixture into an oven-safe ramekin or small baking dish and smooth the top.
Spread pizza sauce over the cottage cheese base.
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and layer with pepperoni and other toppings as desired.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil for 1–2 minutes for crispy edges.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

For smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese before assembling.
Use full-fat cottage cheese for best flavor and consistency.
Pat pepperoni dry to avoid excess grease.
Customize with cooked sausage, veggies, or different cheeses.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in oven for best texture.

Let’s Wrap It Up

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a healthy cottage cheese pizza bowl that hits every craving without wrecking your routine. It’s fast, it’s flexible, and it’s full of flavor. I’ve made dozens of versions of this over the past year, and it never gets old.

Did you try it? I’d love to hear what toppings you used—drop them in the comments! And if you’re on a pizza streak like me, check out these other crusty creations like the chicken pizza crust or the amazing sourdough version.