These mini cottage cheese pizza bites are crispy, cheesy, and so satisfying. They’re super easy to throw together and perfect for snack time, lunch, or whenever you’re craving something pizza-ish but want something lighter and protein-packed.
Why I Love This Recipe
I came up with these during a snack craving gone right. I had some cottage cheese, leftover veggies, and a muffin tin. Fifteen minutes later—magic. It’s now one of my go-to quick bakes.
- Super quick to make
- High in protein
- You can customize with your favorite toppings
- They’re great warm or cold
Makes: 12 mini bites
Total Time: 25 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
- ¼ cup finely diced onion
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Optional: mini pepperoni slices or chopped fresh basil for topping
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese adds moisture and protein without making the bites soggy because the eggs help bind everything. Parmesan brings a salty kick and crisp edges. Mozzarella melts to give it that classic pizza pull, and baking in muffin tins helps the bites hold their shape while getting golden on the edges.
Common Mistakes
- Using large curd cottage cheese – It makes the texture too chunky.
- Not dicing veggies small enough – Big chunks won’t cook through.
- Overfilling muffin tin – They puff up a bit, so leave a little room.
- Skipping the oil spray – These will stick if the pan isn’t greased well.
What to Serve With
- Marinara or pizza sauce for dipping
- A side salad with Italian dressing
- Roasted broccoli or zucchini
- Garlic breadsticks
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Muffin tin (12-count)
- Cooking spray
- Spoon or small scoop
Substitutions and Variations
- Use cheddar instead of mozzarella
- Swap red bell pepper for mushrooms or spinach
- Add mini turkey pepperoni on top before baking
- Use cottage cheese with chives for extra flavor
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix the batter and store in the fridge (covered) for up to 1 day before baking. Reheat baked bites in the toaster oven or air fryer for max crispiness.
Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 12-count muffin tin with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup cottage cheese and 2 large eggs. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Add the Cheese and Veggies
Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan, ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper, and ¼ cup finely diced onion.
Step 4: Season
Sprinkle in ½ tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until everything is mixed evenly.
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin
Spoon the mixture evenly into each muffin cup, filling about ¾ of the way. Add mini pepperoni or a sprinkle of chopped basil on top if you like.
Step 6: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and firm.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then use a spoon to pop them out and serve with marinara.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to get them crispy again. They can also be frozen for up to a month—just thaw and reheat.
Macros (Per 1 Bite, Makes 12)
- Calories: 72
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 4.5g
- Carbs: 2.1g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 0.7g
FAQ
Can I use large curd cottage cheese?
Nope, it doesn’t mix well and makes the texture chunky.
Can I make this without eggs?
The eggs hold it all together. You could try an egg replacer, but I haven’t tested it.
Can I use a mini muffin pan?
Yes! Just bake for about 10–12 minutes instead.
Are they good cold?
Yep, they’re actually really tasty cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
These mini cottage cheese pizza bites are a go-to for when I want something cheesy, savory, and quick without making a whole pizza. Once you make them, you’ll be hooked! If you try them, leave a comment—I’d love to hear what toppings you added or how they turned out.