Description
This Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake is a high-protein, easy dinner that delivers classic pizza flavor with a nutritious twist. Creamy cottage cheese, gooey mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings come together in a bubbly, golden casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese (small-curd, full-fat preferred)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or turkey pepperoni/veggie slices)
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch casserole dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cottage cheese and eggs until mostly smooth. Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder; mix until combined.
- Pour cottage cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Spoon pizza sauce over the cottage cheese base, spreading gently to cover.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the sauce.
- Arrange pepperoni slices, bell peppers, and olives on top. Press gently so toppings stick to the cheese layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and golden brown. For extra crispy edges, broil on high for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Let bake rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Cut into squares and serve hot.
Notes
Drain cottage cheese if watery for best texture. Layer ingredients without mixing for a true pizza effect. Use ceramic or glass dish for best results. Customize toppings as desired—veggies, turkey pepperoni, or even cooked chicken work well. Bake can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. For dairy-free or vegan, use plant-based cottage cheese and cheese shreds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of bake (about 1 square)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 21
Keywords: pizza bake, cottage cheese, high protein, easy dinner, gluten-free, meal prep, casserole, healthy pizza, family dinner