This post may include affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here. Thanks for the support!
Coming from the intricate world of TikTok recipes, I bring you this viral cottage cheese pizza bowl that is low in carbs, gluten-free, and protein-packed. This cheesy dish is going to fix your pizza cravings for the night in just 10 minutes!
I have a long loving relationship with pizzas.
They are dripping with cheese, and you can incorporate a healthy amount of veggies resulting in a filling meal that keeps you full for hours.
And when it can all be squidged into a bowl, taking just one-third of the time?
Now that’s what I call a crazy good quick dinner meal that will surely become one of your kids and your favorite cottage cheese recipes!
This pizza cottage cheese bowl is a savory, tangy, cheesy, and mouth-watering dish that is gluten-free, keto, and high-protein!
What is Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl?
With the rise of incorporating cottage cheese into the culinary world, this pizza bowl became a sensation on the TikTok platform.
The recipe masterfully combines cottage cheese, marinara sauce, and pizza toppings in a bowl, and engulfed with melty golden-brown mozzarella on top, bestowing a texture and flavor similar to that of a pizza.
My version is completely vegetarian with the addition of chopped veggies. I also microwave the mixture rather than baking it as it takes less time.
Moreover, I made this dish in a mug instead of a typical bowl, because I wanted to check if it came out the same way as it does in a bowl (and it did!).
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Cottage Cheese Bowl
- The cottage cheese, marinara sauce, veggies, and toppings give the exact feeling of eating a pizza.
- This recipe can be easily tailored to your preferences.
- It is loaded with protein, containing over 10g of protein in a single mug.
- It can be made in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients in This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe
Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is the star of the dish and lends a creamy base. Go for the low-fat option if you want to keep the calories on the low end. You can also blend it if you don’t like the texture.
Pizza Sauce: Or marinara sauce gives a burst of tangy flavor.
Red Chili Flakes: For some heat, also it makes the color of the marinara sauce pop more.
Oregano: You can use the Italian seasoning in its place also.
Veggies: I like to keep it simple. So, I went for the holy trinity of onions, tomatoes, and capsicum for a blend of crunchy textures and flavors.
Mozzarella: Melted and grilled mozzarella provides an amazing mouthfeel, and it binds all the ingredients together with its richness.
Salt
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
Combine the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, add cottage cheese, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, oregano, red chili flakes, chopped onions, tomatoes, and capsicum. Mix well.
Transfer to Mug or Bowl:
Transfer the mixture to a mug or bowl. Make sure to set the mixture properly.
Add marinara sauce on top and spread it evenly. Then, fill the remaining mug or bowl with shredded mozzarella.
Cook the Pizza Bowl:
There are 3 ways to cook this pizza cottage cheese bowl:
In the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), and cook it for 10-15 minutes till the cheese has properly grilled, and is bubbly.
In the air-fryer: This is a comparatively fast method. Just place the bowl in the air-fryer, set the temperature at 200°C (400°F), and let it cook for 10 mins.
In the microwave: This is by far my go-to way to bring this dish to fruition. Simply microwave the bowl for a minute. Just is how I made this dish.
Your cottage cheese pizza bowl is ready to be served.
Tips & Variations
This pizza bowl with cottage cheese recipe is kind of a base with unlimited potential. There are various substitutions and additions you could make with it, bringing an immense depth of flavors.
Add meat: As I said the recipe I made is a frame to be built upon, so I kept it as simple as possible. But, slices of pepperoni on top, or shredded chicken smattered in between is an excellent way to elevate the flavors and textures.
Load it with veggies: Include mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, olives, and even herbs like parsley for a total pizza bonanza!
Cheese alternatives: You can also use parmesan, cheddar, or any other cheese for a sharper taste. I use mozzarella because of its availability, and taste. But you can change it up as you like.
Larger batches: Why make it just for yourself when you can feed the whole family? You can use a casserole dish to make this recipe in larger batches, it is kid-friendly as well.
Serving Options
Sandwich: Use this cottage cheese pizza as a filling for your sandwich or simply spread it on a slice of bread, and grill it, and enjoy it as a traditional pizza.
Crips and crackers: If you’d like to add more crunch to the mix. Make your favorite crisps as a base, or crush them half hazardly and sprinkle them on top. This will also infuse a spicy and tarty flavor of the crisps.
How to Store
This pizza bowl with cottage cheese is remarkably durable, and you can meal-prep this thing the previous night for an effortless breakfast.
In the fridge: Transfer it to an air-tight container, and you can store it for up to 4 days.
In the freezer: You can certainly freeze it also for at least 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw it thoroughly, and microwave it for a minute.
FAQs
Can I use flavored cottage cheese?
Yes absolutely! Though some flavors might contradict the flavor of the pizza sauce and toppings. So it’s best to stick with the plain and normal cottage cheese as a blank canvas.
Can I make it vegan?
Substitute the cottage cheese and mozzarella with their dairy-free alternatives.
How do I stop it from getting watery?
This happened to me the first time I made it. Make sure that you drain the water from the cottage cheese, and use a thick marinara sauce. Just keeping these two things in mind will improve the dish substantially.
Please rate and comment if you make this Viral Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl so I know how much you like it.
10-Minute Viral Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl (High In Protein!)
Ingredients
- ½ cup Cottage Cheese low-fat
- 4 tbsp Marinara Sauce
- 1 small Onion chopped
- 1 small Tomato chopped
- 1 small Capsicum chopped
- 2 tbsp Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- ½ tsp Oregano
- ½ tsp Red Chili Flakes
- Salt
Toppings:
- 1 tbsp Marinara Sauce
- 3 tbsp Mozzarella Cheese shredded
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add cottage cheese, marinara sauce, oregano, red chili flakes, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped onions, tomatoes, and capsicum. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a mug or bowl. Make sure to set the mixture properly.
- Add marinara sauce on top and spread it evenly. Then, fill the remaining mug or bowl with shredded mozzarella.
- There are 3 ways to cook this pizza cottage cheese bowl:In the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), and cook it for 10-15 minutes till the cheese has properly grilled, and is bubbly.In the air-fryer: This is a comparatively fast method. Just place the bowl in the air-fryer, set the temperature at 200°C (400°F), and let it cook for 10 mins.In the microwave: This is by far my go-to way to bring this dish to fruition. Simply microwave the bowl for a minute. Just is how I made this dish.
- Your cottage cheese pizza bowl is ready to be served.
Notes
- Add meat: As I said the recipe I made is a frame to be built upon, so I kept it as simple as possible. But, slices of pepperoni on top, or shredded chicken smattered in between is an excellent way to elevate the flavors and textures.
- Load it with veggies: Include mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, olives, and even herbs like parsley for a total pizza bonanza!
- Cheese alternatives: You can also use parmesan, cheddar, or any other cheese for a sharper taste. I use mozzarella because of its availability, and taste. But you can change it up as you like.
- Larger batches: Why make it just for yourself when you can feed the whole family? You can use a casserole dish to make this recipe in larger batches, it is kid-friendly as well.