Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

The first time I made this, my roommate walked into the kitchen looking completely bewildered by the cottage cheese container sitting next to a jar of marinara. She watched me layer everything into a baking dish with raised eyebrows, but twenty minutes later she was hovering over the oven door asking when we could eat. Now its become our go-to when pizza cravings hit but we want something that wont leave us feeling heavy.

Last Tuesday I was feeling completely wiped after work and staring at a container of cottage cheese that needed to be used. I threw this together on autopilot, barely measuring anything, and ended up eating it straight from the baking dish while standing at the counter. Sometimes the most impulsive kitchen experiments turn into the things you make three times a week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese: I prefer small curd for texture but large curd works just fine and creates these satisfying little pockets of creaminess
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Fresh mozzarella torn into pieces creates those gorgeous cheese pulls but shredded melts more evenly
• 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers: Any color works but I love the sweetness of red peppers against the tangy cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms: They release moisture as they bake and become wonderfully tender and earthy
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach or kale: Spinach wilts into delicate ribbons while kale holds up with a slight chew
• 1 cup marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade if you have some stashed away
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper: Finish with a generous drizzle and seasoning to bring everything together
• Optional toppings: Sliced olives, diced onions, or fresh basil make excellent additions

Instructions

Preheat and prep:

Set your oven to 375F and grab a medium baking dish while the oven comes up to temperature

Create the base:

Spread the cottage cheese in an even layer across the bottom of your baking dish

Add the sauce:

Spoon the marinara sauce over the cottage cheese layer

Layer the vegetables:

Distribute your chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach evenly across the sauce

Top with cheese:

Sprinkle the mozzarella over everything and add any optional toppings you are using

Season and bake:

Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling

Finish and serve:

Let it cool for a few minutes then garnish with fresh basil before digging in

Save to Pinterest

My mom originally raised an eyebrow at the concept but after taking one bite she asked for the recipe. Something about that warm, creamy cottage cheese with the tangy marinara just works in ways that surprise people. It has become one of those recipes I make when I want to feed people something comforting that feels a little unexpected.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this dish is how forgiving it is to substitutions and additions. I have made it with ricotta when I was out of cottage cheese and with pepperoni slices for a more traditional pizza vibe. The technique stays the same no matter what you throw in the bowl.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Garlic bread on the side feels almost mandatory, even though you are already getting your pizza fix. For a complete meal, roasted asparagus or broccoli would round things out nicely.

Storage and Reheating

This keeps beautifully for up to three days in the refrigerator and somehow tastes even better as leftovers. The flavors meld together overnight and the cottage cheese becomes even creamier. Reheat gently in the microwave or pop it back in a 350F oven until hot and bubbly.

• Store individual portions in separate containers for easy work lunches
• Add a splash of water when reheating if it seems dried out
• The texture changes slightly but honestly it is just as delicious

Save to Pinterest

Hope this becomes your new favorite way to satisfy those pizza cravings without ordering delivery. Happy cooking.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free cottage cheese and vegan mozzarella alternatives. Many plant-based cheese options melt well and maintain the creamy texture you're looking for.

→ What vegetables work best in this bowl?

Bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach are excellent choices as they hold up well during baking. You can also try zucchini, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, or diced eggplant depending on what's in season.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and cheese is bubbly again.

→ Can I add meat for extra protein?

Absolutely. Cooked chicken, turkey sausage, pepperoni, or ground beef make excellent additions. Cook the meat beforehand and layer it between the sauce and vegetables for even heating.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this bowl meal preps beautifully. Assemble individual portions in oven-safe containers, then bake when ready to eat. The flavors actually meld together even better after sitting overnight.

→ What can I use instead of marinara sauce?

Pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a simple olive oil and garlic base work wonderfully. Pesto adds a fresh basil punch while Alfredo makes it extra creamy and indulgent.