This high-protein cottage cheese pizza bowl is creamy, tangy, and has lots of herbs and spices, just like pepperoni pizza. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and with 43 grams of protein per serving.

I often find myself wanting something comforting, especially in the evening when curled up in front of the TV. And sometimes I just want make something comforting for the ones I love that’s a little healthier.

This pizza bowl is exactly that. If you have your kiddos asking for a pizza, I highly recommend to make this recipe instead.

It has all the flavors of pizza without all the carbs, with all the comfort but fewer calories and a lot more protein.

And as you can see, it’s easy to meal prep. I’d prep it, keep it in the fridge and bake just before serving.

Or even freeze it! So, the next time your husband or babies want something deliciously comforting, you just have something you can pop into the oven, and it’s ready.

Most importantly, it’s super nutritious and packed with protein!

Ingredients and Substitutes

Low-fat cottage cheese, smooth or blended (1 cup) – If you are not a fan of cottage cheese, you can try using ricotta for a creamier texture or Greek yogurt for a tangier kick.

Marinara sauce (1/4 cup) – If you are looking for a twist, you can try using alfredo sauce or pesto.

Almond flour (1 tbsp) – You can swap with coconut flour or oat flour (this one is higher in carbs).

Red bell pepper, chopped (1/2) – Replace with yellow or green pepper for a sweeter or tangier flavor or you can consider adding a mix of all of them.

Red onion, sliced (1/4) – Sweet onions or shallots make great alternatives.

Black olives, chopped (1/8 cup) – You can also use green olives or Kalamata olives. If you don’t like olives, you can replace them with mushrooms or any other veggie.

Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – You can mix your own blend with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

Light mozzarella cheese, grated (1/4 cup) – Feel free to use dairy-free mozzarella for a vegan version.

Pepperoni slices (4-5) – Swap these with turkey pepperoni, chicken sausage, or skip them entirely for a vegetarian-friendly bowl.

Salt & black pepper, to taste

Parmesan, grated – You can also use Asiago cheese or Pecorino Romano. For a plant-based version, you can use nutritional yeast.

Fresh basil, chopped – If you don’t have (or like) basil, you can use fresh parsley or arugula.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a small bowl and combine the almond flour, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2. Give the spices a good mix.

Step 3. In an oven-safe bowl, combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, and red bell peppers.

Step 4. Combine everything and level it out using a spatula.

Step 5. Sprinkle the spice blend on top of the cottage cheese mix.

Step 6. Give it another stir.

Step 7. Add the black olives and the red onion.

Step 8. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 9. Top it up with pepperoni slices.

Step 10. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 5-8 minutes or until the cheese melts, the sides of the container start bubbling, and the pepperoni crisps up.

Step 11. Garnish with parmesan cheese and basil before you serve.

Step 12. Now, it’s time to enjoy!

How I Modify This Recipe

• Vegetarian: Leave out the pepperoni and load up on mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Vegan: Choose a plant-based cheese alternative and replace the cottage cheese with a blend of silken tofu and nutritional yeast.
• Spice It Up: If you like some heat on your recipes, add crushed pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Add Extra Flavors: Try adding a splash of balsamic glaze or sprinkling a pinch of truffle salt to elevate the flavor.

My Tips and Tricks

• Smooth Cottage Cheese: If you don’t like the grainy texture of cottage cheese, blend your cottage cheese before mixing it.
• Caramelize Your Veggies: Sauté the onions and peppers in olive oil before adding them to the bowl for a smoky, caramelized flavor.
• Crispy Top Layer: Switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping.

What I Serve with This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

• Side Salad: A crisp green salad with arugula, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness from the bowl.
• Roasted Veggies: Roasted zucchini, asparagus, or cauliflower.
• Garlic Breadsticks: Choose keto-friendly if you want a low-carb option.
• Quinoa Salad: Can be a good option if you want to balance the dish by adding healthy carbs.

My Other Comforting Meal Preps

• Cheeseburger Bowls
• Burger in a Bowl
• Chicken Burrito Bowls