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cheesy pepperoni pizza cottage cheese bake - featured image

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake: Easy Garlic Bread Crust Recipe

  • Author: Ananya Patel
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A mashup of classic pizza flavors and creamy cottage cheese, baked over a buttery garlic bread crust for a crunchy, cheesy, and protein-packed casserole. Perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 loaf Italian or French bread, sliced (preferably a day old for crispiness)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups cottage cheese (small-curd preferred)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim or whole milk)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular, chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • Optional: 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
  • Optional: Extra parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice bread into 1/2-inch thick pieces and arrange in a single layer, slightly overlapping, in the bottom of a large baking dish.
  3. In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Brush or spoon mixture over bread slices to coat.
  4. Bake bread crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and crisp around the edges.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until evenly combined.
  6. Add pizza sauce, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper (if using). Stir until blended.
  7. Fold in half of the pepperoni slices and any optional veggies (olives, bell peppers).
  8. Pour cheesy mixture evenly over the garlic bread crust. Spread with a spatula.
  9. Scatter remaining pepperoni slices on top, and sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan if desired.
  10. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden, and edges are crisp.
  12. Optional: Broil for last 2-3 minutes for a deeper crust, watching closely.
  13. Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
  14. Cut into squares or rectangles and serve hot, with extra pizza sauce if desired.

Notes

Blend cottage cheese for a smoother filling. Pre-toast bread for a crisp crust. Use gluten-free bread for GF adaptation. Substitute ricotta or Greek yogurt for cottage cheese if needed. Add veggies for extra nutrition. For best results, measure cheese and sauce. Reheat leftovers in the oven for crispiness.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 700
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Carbohydrates: 25
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 19

Keywords: pizza bake, cottage cheese, garlic bread crust, pepperoni casserole, easy dinner, kid-friendly, comfort food, protein, cheesy, weeknight meal

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Find it online: https://tastori.com/cheesy-pepperoni-pizza-cottage-cheese-bake-easy-garlic-bread-crust-recipe/