Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls are a quick and satisfying way to enjoy pizza flavors without the crust. Packed with creamy cottage cheese, marinara, and melted mozzarella, these bowls make a perfect snack or light meal. Customize with your favorite pizza toppings for a personalized touch.

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 tsp 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 more tablespoon of marinara sauce and extra mozzarella. Microwave for another minute until the cheese melts.
5. Step 5: Finish by sprinkling chili flakes, fresh basil, and your favorite optional toppings like olives or cherry tomatoes.
6. Step 6: If you prefer baking or air frying, follow the same layering steps, then cook at 350°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes until hot and bubbly with golden cheese. Ensure your bowl is oven or air fryer safe.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding Italian seasoning or oregano for extra herb flavor.
• Use low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter option or full-fat for creaminess.
• Swap marinara for spicy arrabbiata sauce if you like heat.
• Add cooked veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture.

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, taking care not to overcook and dry out the cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free mozzarella to make this recipe dairy-free, though texture and flavor may vary.

Is it necessary to use microwave-safe bowls?

Yes, using microwave-safe bowls ensures safety and even heating when preparing this dish in the microwave. For baking or air frying, use oven-safe or air fryer-safe bowls accordingly.

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 318 reviews

These Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls offer a quick and delicious twist on classic pizza, combining creamy cottage cheese, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese in an easy microwave-friendly recipe. Perfect for a light meal or snack, this dish is customizable with your favorite pizza toppings and can be made in minutes using a microwave, or alternatively baked or air fried for a crispier finish.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Total Time: 9 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: Italian American
• 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
• Any 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 teaspoon dried thyme, a pinch of garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each bowl. Stir gently to combine without overmixing.
3. First heat-up: Microwave each bowl for 1 minute to start warming the ingredients through.
4. Top it off: Add another tablespoon of marinara sauce and a little extra shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each bowl. Microwave for another minute until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Finish & garnish: Sprinkle chili flakes and fresh basil leaves over the top, and add any additional toppings like Kalamata olives or cherry tomatoes to your liking.
6. Alternative cooking method: If you prefer a crispier texture, follow the same layering steps, then bake or air fry the bowls at 350°F (160°C) for 5 to 7 minutes until hot and bubbly with golden cheese on top. Make sure to use oven or air fryer safe bowls.

Notes

• For best results, use microwave-safe bowls when microwaving.
• Adjust garlic powder and chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Feel free to experiment with toppings like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or pepperoni.
• To make it vegetarian, avoid adding any meat toppings.
• The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled depending on serving size needs.

Keywords: cottage cheese pizza, quick pizza bowl, microwave pizza, easy snack, low fat recipe, Italian inspired, healthy pizza