Hey there!
Okay, let’s talk about a recipe that’s become a total lifesaver in my kitchen—low-carb cottage cheese pizza bowls. These little bowls are packed with gooey cheese, savory pizza toppings, and tons of flavor… but without the crust! They’re a super fun way to enjoy all the pizza goodness while keeping things low-carb and high-protein.
I first made these during a weeknight dinner rush when I needed something quick, easy, and picky-eater friendly. My kids devoured them. I mean, who doesn’t love pizza night, right? And this version is way easier—no dough, no fuss. You just mix, layer, and bake.
You can totally customize them with your favorite toppings, and they’re perfect for meal prep too. I always make a few extra and pop them in the fridge for busy days.
Let’s dive in!
🧀 What You’ll Need
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, your choice)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup low-sugar marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 12 mini pepperoni slices (or 6 regular, chopped)
- Olive oil spray (for greasing ramekins)
💡 Why I Love This Recipe
This is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes for me:
- Quick and easy? ✔️
- Low-carb and high-protein? ✔️
- Kid-friendly and customizable? ✔️
- Only a few ingredients and barely any clean-up? ✔️✔️✔️
The cottage cheese turns creamy and melty, and it blends so well with the marinara and cheese—it doesn’t taste “diet” at all. It’s satisfying and cozy, like pizza in a bowl. If your family loves pizza night, this is a fun twist that sneaks in some extra protein and skips the crust. Win-win!
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- 3 small ramekins or oven-safe bowls
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet (optional, to place ramekins on in oven)
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for extra creaminess—it melts better and tastes richer.
- Don’t skip greasing the ramekins! The cheese gets bubbly and can stick if you forget.
- Customize for picky eaters. Let everyone build their own bowl with their favorite toppings!
- Bake on a baking sheet for easier cleanup and to catch any cheese overflow.
- Add veggies like mushrooms or spinach to sneak in some greens.
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap turkey pepperoni or veggie sausage for a lighter or meatless version.
- Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach before baking.
- Use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Go spicy with jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
🕒 Make Ahead Tips
You can totally prep these ahead! Just assemble the bowls, cover, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bake when ready to eat. So easy!
🍕 How to Make Low-Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly spray your ramekins with olive oil spray.
Step 2: Layer Cottage Cheese
Spoon about 1/3 cup of cottage cheese into the bottom of each ramekin.
Image Prompt: Ultra close-up of three ramekins each filled with a thick, creamy layer of cottage cheese. A spoon with leftover cottage cheese rests nearby. White marble counters with hints of gold. With all-natural lighting, taken with an iPhone 15 Pro, top-down shot used by recipe bloggers.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes evenly over the cottage cheese.
Step 4: Spoon on Marinara
Add about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of marinara sauce over the seasoned cottage cheese.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top of the marinara.
Step 6: Top with Pepperoni
Add 4 mini pepperoni slices on top of each ramekin.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the bowls for 12–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Let leftovers cool, then cover and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or pop back in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
❓ FAQ
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Ricotta gives a smoother texture and works great here.
Can I make this in a big dish instead of individual bowls?
Totally! Just use a small baking dish and layer everything the same way.
What’s the best marinara to use?
Look for one with no added sugar to keep things low-carb. Rao’s or homemade is great!
❤️ Wrap-Up
There you go—low-carb cottage cheese pizza bowls that are crazy easy and full of flavor. These are perfect for busy weeknights, lunch meal prep, or when you just need something cheesy and comforting without the guilt.
Give them a try and let me know what you think! Leave a comment with your favorite toppings or any questions you’ve got—I’d love to hear from you! 🍕