Description
A delicious and satisfying low-carb alternative to traditional pizza that combines creamy cottage cheese with classic pizza toppings for a protein-packed meal without the carbs.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat for richer flavor, or low-fat for fewer calories)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup low-carb pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of heat)
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color you fancy)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup minced onion
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage or pepperoni slices (omit for a vegetarian option)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F. Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven to allow for even heat distribution throughout the cooking process.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, all of the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated to create a creamy, flavorful base.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the cottage cheese mixture into an oven-safe bowl or individual-sized casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom to create a solid base for your pizza bowl.
- Add Sauce Layer: Carefully pour the pizza sauce or marinara sauce over the cottage cheese mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. This creates the classic pizza flavor foundation.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce layer. This will melt into a delicious, gooey topping just like a traditional pizza.
- Add Toppings: Distribute your toppings – bell peppers, olives, onion, and meat (if using) – evenly across the cheese layer. Arrange them in a visually appealing way for a beautiful presentation.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the bowl in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The pizza bowl is ready when the cheese is completely melted and slightly golden on top, and the edges are bubbling.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 3-5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the layers set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- This dish is extremely versatile – feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts.
- For an even lower carb option, look for sugar-free pizza sauce or make your own with crushed tomatoes and seasonings.
- Cottage cheese provides an excellent protein boost while keeping the dish low in carbohydrates.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 95mg