Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls recipe offers a quick and satisfying twist on traditional pizza. Combining creamy cottage cheese with classic pizza flavors, it’s perfect for a light meal or snack that comes together in minutes.

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 shredded mozzarella. Microwave for another minute until the cheese melts.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle chili flakes, fresh basil leaves, and any optional toppings you like, such as olives or cherry tomatoes, to finish.
6. Step 6: (Optional) To bake or air fry, follow the same layering steps in an oven- or air fryer-safe bowl. Cook at 350°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.

Tips & Variations

• Use your favorite pizza toppings to customize flavor and texture, like sautéed mushrooms or pepperoni slices.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave until warmed through to preserve texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese provides a creamy base and lighter texture, but you can substitute ricotta if you prefer a similar consistency. Regular cheese alone won’t give the same effect.

Is this recipe suitable for air frying?

Yes, you can air fry the assembled bowls at 350°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes. Just make sure to use an air fryer-safe bowl and monitor cooking to avoid overheating.

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 99 reviews

These Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls are a quick, delicious twist on traditional pizza, combining creamy cottage cheese, savory marinara, and melted mozzarella with flavorful herbs and optional toppings. Perfect for a light, comforting meal ready in minutes using your microwave or oven.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes (microwave) or 5–7 minutes (baking/air frying)
• Total Time: 9–12 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• 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, forming the creamy foundation of your pizza bowl.
2. Mix in the flavor: Add a little shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, a pinch of garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each bowl. Stir gently to combine without overmixing, ensuring a balanced flavor throughout.
3. First heat-up: Microwave each bowl for 1 minute to warm the ingredients and help the flavors meld.
4. Top it off: Add 1 more tablespoon of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top of each bowl. Microwave again for another minute until the cheese melts beautifully.
5. Finish & garnish: Sprinkle with chili flakes, fresh basil leaves, and any optional toppings such as Kalamata olives or cherry tomatoes to elevate the pizza taste.
6. Alternative baking or air frying: For a baked or air-fried version, follow the same layering steps, then cook in an oven or air fryer safe bowl at 350°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is hot, bubbly, and golden.

Notes

• Use microwave-safe bowls to avoid accidents during heating.
• You can customize toppings according to your preference like mushrooms, bell peppers, or pepperoni.
• Adjust chili flakes and garlic powder to suit your spice tolerance.
• If air frying or baking, ensure the bowls are heatproof and handle carefully when hot.
• This recipe serves two; scale ingredients accordingly for more servings.

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls, easy pizza recipe, quick microwave pizza, low fat pizza, healthy pizza bowl