Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl with Ham and Pineapple Recipe
Introduction
This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a quick, cozy meal that satisfies pizza cravings without the hassle of dough. Combining creamy cottage cheese, melty mozzarella, savory marinara, and your favorite toppings, it’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup mozzarella, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (add more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 slice ham, diced (about 20g)
- 1 pineapple ring, diced (about 30g)
- 1 tablespoon mozzarella, grated (for topping)
- 1 slice bread (or croutons/pita chips, or skip if preferred)
- Pinch of red chili flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small or medium heat-safe bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 1/4 cup grated mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Step 2: Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the cheese mixture, then sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of mozzarella. Add diced ham and pineapple on top or any other toppings you like.
- Step 3: Cook the bowl in the microwave on high for 2 minutes, or in an air fryer at 180°C (355°F) for 5 minutes, or in a preheated oven at 180°C (355°F) for 10 minutes. The cheese on top should melt and turn slightly golden.
- Step 4: While the pizza bowl cooks, toast a slice of bread and cut it into small squares. If using an air fryer, you can place the bread squares in the basket alongside the bowl to toast simultaneously.
- Step 5: Carefully remove the pizza bowl from heat, top with the toasted bread cubes, and sprinkle with red chili flakes if using. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting pizza bowl!
Tips & Variations
- Swap ham and pineapple for veggies like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms to make it vegetarian.
- Use gluten-free bread or chips to keep this dish gluten-free.
- For extra flavor, add fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
- Adjust the garlic powder and Italian seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. The bread cubes are best toasted fresh to keep crispness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or feta to change the flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
It can be made low-carb by skipping the bread or using low-carb crackers as a side. The main bowl itself is relatively low in carbs thanks to the cottage cheese and toppings.
PrintCottage Cheese Pizza Bowl with Ham and Pineapple Recipe
This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that combines creamy cottage cheese with classic pizza flavors like marinara, mozzarella, ham, and pineapple. Perfect for a simple lunch or dinner, it can be cooked in the microwave, air fryer, or oven and served with crispy toasted bread or croutons for a satisfying bite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Base Mixture
- 3/4 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup mozzarella – grated
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (add more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Toppings
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 slice ham – diced, 20g
- 1 pineapple ring – diced, 30g
- 1 tablespoon mozzarella – grated (for topping)
Accompaniments
- 1 slice bread – or croutons/pita chips, optional
- Pinch of red chili flakes – to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the base mixture: In a small or medium heat-safe bowl, combine the cottage cheese, grated mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Add toppings: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the cheese mixture. Sprinkle additional grated mozzarella on top, then add diced ham and pineapple as your chosen toppings.
- Cook the pizza bowl: Cook the assembled pizza bowl using one of the following methods: Microwave on high for 2 minutes; or Air fry at 180°C (355°F) for 5 minutes; or Bake in the oven at 180°C (355°F) for 10 minutes. Cooking is complete when the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Prepare the bread: While the pizza bowl is cooking, toast a slice of bread until crisp. Cut into small squares. If using an air fryer, you can place the cubed bread (or croutons/pita chips) in the basket alongside the pizza bowl during cooking.
- Assemble and serve: Carefully remove the pizza bowl from the cooking device. Top with the toasted bread cubes and sprinkle with red chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the toppings according to your preference, such as adding vegetables or different meats.
- If you prefer a lower-carb option, you can skip the bread or replace it with croutons or pita chips.
- Adjust garlic powder and chili flakes to taste for more or less spice.
- Use a microwave-safe or ovenproof bowl when cooking.
- Monitor cooking times as ovens and air fryers may vary.
- The bread can be substituted with gluten-free alternatives if necessary.
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl, Quick Pizza Recipe, Healthy Pizza Bowl, Microwave Pizza, Air Fryer Pizza, Italian-Inspired, Easy Dinner

