Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls are a quick, delicious way to enjoy pizza flavors without the crust. These individual bowls combine creamy cottage cheese, marinara, and melted mozzarella for a comforting meal that’s ready in minutes.

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 teaspoon dried thyme, a pinch of garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each bowl. Stir gently to combine without overmixing.
3. Step 3: Microwave each bowl for 1 minute to start warming the mixture through.
4. Step 4: Top each bowl with 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce and extra mozzarella cheese. Microwave again for 1 minute until the cheese melts.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle chili flakes, fresh basil, and any optional toppings you like over the bowls before serving.
6. Step 6: To bake or air fry instead, follow the same layering steps, then cook at 350°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes until hot and bubbly with golden cheese. Use oven- or air fryer-safe bowls.

Tips & Variations

• Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter option or add pepperoni slices for a classic pizza twist.
• Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley can enhance the flavor if you don’t have thyme.
• Adjust the amount of garlic powder and chili flakes to suit your spice preference.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave until warmed through, avoiding overcooking to keep the cheese creamy.

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, protein-rich base that’s key to this recipe’s texture. Using regular shredded cheese alone won’t give the same creamy consistency but you can experiment with ricotta as a substitute.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, swap cottage cheese and mozzarella for plant-based alternatives like vegan ricotta and shredded vegan cheese. Use a marinara sauce without added cheese or animal products to keep it fully vegan.

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 95 reviews

These Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls are a quick, easy, and customizable meal that combines the creamy texture of cottage cheese with classic pizza flavors. Perfect for a light lunch or snack, this recipe layers cottage cheese, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, topped with herbs and optional pizza-inspired toppings. Ready in just minutes using a microwave, oven, or air fryer, they provide a comforting pizza experience in a bowl.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Total Time: 9 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

• Kalamata olives
• Cherry tomatoes
• Other pizza toppings of your choice

Instructions

1. Build the base: Spoon ½ cup of cottage cheese into each of two small, microwave-safe bowls.
2. Mix in the flavor: Add a little shredded mozzarella, ½ tsp dried thyme, a pinch of garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each bowl. Stir gently to combine, but do not overmix to maintain texture.
3. First heat-up: Microwave each bowl for 1 minute to start warming the ingredients and begin melting the cheese.
4. Top it off: Add 1 more tablespoon of marinara sauce and a little extra shredded mozzarella on top of each bowl. Microwave for another minute until the cheese is fully melted and the bowl is hot throughout.
5. Finish & garnish: Sprinkle chili flakes, fresh basil leaves, and any optional toppings like olives or cherry tomatoes on top to enhance the pizza flavors.
6. Alternative cooking methods: If you prefer, follow the same layering steps and then bake or air fry the bowls at 350°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. Use oven- or air fryer-safe bowls for this method.

Notes

• Make sure to use microwave-safe bowls if heating in the microwave.
• The recipe is flexible; add your favorite pizza toppings for personalization.
• Adjust garlic powder and chili flakes amounts based on your taste preferences.
• Using oven- or air fryer-safe bowls is essential if choosing to bake or air fry instead of microwaving.
• For a creamier texture, use full-fat cottage cheese.
• This recipe yields two individual bowls, perfect for a small meal or snack.

Keywords: cottage cheese pizza bowls, quick pizza snack, microwave pizza bowl, low fat snack, easy pizza recipe