Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls

This is a TikTok Sensation that tastes JUST like lasagne but with all the high protein and healthy elements. It satisfies your pizza cravings minus all those nasty carbs.

You can bake it 14 minutes in an oven or just 1 minute in the microwave. YES!!

I’ve always been a pizza lover. There’s something so comforting about a warm slice of cheesy, saucy pizza.

However, when I started my health journey and cut back on carbs, I had to find a way to satisfy my pizza cravings without compromising my diet. 

That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of a cottage cheese pizza bowl. I was intrigued by the concept of using cottage cheese as a pizza base.

It’s a high-protein, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza dough. I decided to give it a try, and I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious it was. 

The cottage cheese provided a creamy base for the pizza toppings, while the marinara sauce and cheese added a burst of flavor.

To make my pizza bowls even more satisfying, I decided to bake them in the oven instead of microwaving them. 

I found that baking them gave the cottage cheese a slightly crispy texture, which I enjoyed. I also added some extra protein to the mix by including cooked ground beef. This cottage cheese pizza bowl recipe has become a staple in my diet. 

It’s a quick and easy meal that’s packed with protein and flavor. I love that I can customize it with my favorite toppings, making it a versatile and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Cottage Cheese

The recipe uses blended cottage cheese, but you can also use small curd cottage cheese. I used small-curd cottage cheese because I prefer the texture. Here’s a tip: If you use small curd cottage cheese, be sure to drain it well so that your pizza bowl isn’t too watery.

Parmesan Cheese

This adds a salty and savory flavor to the cottage cheese mixture. I grated my own Parmesan cheese from a block, but you could also use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese to save time.

Seasonings

The recipe calls for Italian seasoning, but you could also use dried oregano or a combination of your favorite Italian herbs. I used a teaspoon of dried oregano and a half teaspoon of garlic powder.

Marinara Sauce

The recipe uses keto pizza sauce, but you could also use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce. I used a jar of marinara sauce that I had on hand.

Mozzarella Cheese

The recipe calls for full-fat grated mozzarella cheese, but you could also use part-skim mozzarella cheese. I used part-skim mozzarella cheese because I was watching my calorie intake.

Cured Ham

The recipe uses Parma ham, but you could also use pepperoni, chorizo, or any other type of cured ham that you like. I used pepperoni because I like the spicy flavor.

Fresh Basil

Fresh basil adds a fresh and flavorful garnish to the pizza bowl. I chopped up a handful of fresh basil leaves to sprinkle on top of my pizza bowl.

Olive Oil

The olive oil is used for greasing the ramekins. I used a light coating of olive oil to prevent the pizza bowl from sticking.

Here are some variations that you can try:

• Spices: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the creamed cottage cheese for a fiery kick. Or, add garlic powder, onion powder or black pepper.
• Veggies: ¹ Black olives, capers, artichoke hearts, mushrooms or peppers would all be delicious additions to this pizza bowl.  
• More protein: Shredded cooked chicken or chopped meatballs would be a great way to add more protein to this dish.
• Different cheeses: Cheddar, pecorino or even feta cheese for a Greek version would all work well in this recipe. I hope you enjoy this cottage cheese pizza bowl recipe!

Recipe Steps

I started by preheating my oven to 350°F (177°C). Then, I got out my ramekins and lined a baking sheet with parchment paper. I love using parchment paper – it makes clean-up a breeze! 

Next, I mixed the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I remember the first time I tried cottage cheese as a pizza base. I was skeptical, but it turned out to be surprisingly delicious. 

The creamy texture of the cottage cheese was the perfect base for the savory toppings. Once the cottage cheese mixture was ready, I spooned it into the ramekins, spreading it evenly. Then, I topped each bowl with a spoonful of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. 

I love the way the cheese melts and bubbles as the pizza bowls bake. I placed the ramekins on the prepared baking sheet and popped them into the preheated oven. I set a timer for 20-25 minutes and patiently waited for the pizza bowls to bake to perfection. 

When the timer went off, I carefully removed the pizza bowls from the oven. The cheese was bubbly and golden brown, and the aroma was mouthwatering. I let the pizza bowls cool for a few minutes before garnishing them with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil.

The Microwave Method

For a quick and easy meal, you can make a single-serving pizza bowl in the microwave. 

I start by blending the cottage cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, I stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. 

Next, I layer the mixture in a microwave-safe bowl, followed by a dollop of marinara sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, and a few pieces of chopped ham.

I pop the bowl into the microwave and cook it for about a minute, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s a quick and delicious way to satisfy my pizza cravings without heating up the oven. 

Chef’s Tips

Tip # 1: Get Creative with Toppings 

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Try adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You could also add cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier meal.

Tip # 2: Elevate with Herbs

Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can elevate the flavor of your pizza bowls. Sprinkle them on top before serving for a burst of freshness.

Tip # 3: Make it Low-Carb 

If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can use a low-carb marinara sauce and cauliflower crust to make your pizza bowls even healthier.

Frequently Asked Questions