Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls recipe is a quick and satisfying way to enjoy pizza flavors without the crust. It combines creamy cottage cheese with marinara, melted mozzarella, and your favorite toppings for a cozy, low-carb meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Garlic powder (to taste)
• Chili flakes (to taste)
• Fresh basil leaves (for topping)
• Optional toppings of your choice (like Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, etc.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spoon ½ cup of cottage cheese into each of two small, microwave-safe bowls to build the base.
2. Step 2: Add a little shredded mozzarella, ½ tsp thyme, a pinch of garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each bowl. Stir gently to combine—avoid overmixing.
3. Step 3: Microwave each bowl for 1 minute to start warming the mixture through.
4. Step 4: Top each bowl with 1 more tablespoon of marinara sauce and a little extra mozzarella. Microwave for another minute until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle with chili flakes, fresh basil leaves, and any additional toppings you prefer, such as olives or cherry tomatoes.
6. Step 6 (Optional): To bake or air fry, follow the same layering steps in an oven-safe or air fryer-safe bowl. Heat at 350°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes until hot and golden on top.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs like oregano or parsley for a brighter flavor twist.
• Swap cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a smoother texture.
• Add cooked veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or omitting chili flakes.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the cheese creamy and melty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese provides a creamy base but you can substitute with ricotta or even cream cheese to change the texture and taste slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, the bowls can be prepared ahead and reheated quickly, making them a convenient option for busy days.

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 119 reviews

These Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls are a quick and delicious twist on traditional pizza, combining creamy cottage cheese with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and flavorful herbs. Perfect for a cozy snack or light meal, they come together fast using a microwave, and can also be baked or air fried for a golden, bubbly finish.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes (microwave) or 7 minutes (baking/air frying)
• Total Time: 9 minutes (microwave) or 12 minutes (baking/air frying)
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Chili flakes, to taste

Garnishes & Optional Toppings

• Fresh basil leaves
• Optional toppings like Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, or your favorite pizza toppings

Instructions

1. Build the base: Spoon ½ cup of cottage cheese into each of two small, microwave-safe bowls, creating the creamy foundation for your pizza bowls.
2. Mix in the flavor: Add a bit of shredded mozzarella, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, a pinch of garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each bowl. Stir gently to combine without overmixing so the textures remain distinct.
3. First heat-up: Microwave each bowl for 1 minute to start warming the ingredients and help the flavors meld together.
4. Top it off: Spoon 1 more tablespoon of marinara sauce and sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese on top of each bowl. Microwave for another minute until the cheese melts beautifully and the mixture is hot.
5. Finish & garnish: Sprinkle chili flakes for a touch of heat, add fresh basil leaves, and any optional toppings you desire — think olives, cherry tomatoes, or anything that gives you those classic pizza vibes.
6. Optional Baking or Air Frying: To achieve a golden, bubbly top, follow the same layering steps, then bake or air fry at 350°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes in an oven- or air fryer-safe bowl.

Notes

• Use microwave-safe bowls to avoid any safety issues during heating.
• Adjust garlic powder and chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
• Optional toppings like olives or cherry tomatoes add extra flavor and texture.
• For a crispy, melty finish, try baking or air frying the bowls instead of microwaving.
• This recipe serves 2, but easily doubles for more servings.

Keywords: Cottage cheese pizza bowls, quick pizza recipe, microwave pizza, vegetarian snack, easy pizza bowls