This Cheesy Low-Carb Pizza Bowl delivers all the delicious flavors of pizza without the carbs! Made with creamy cottage cheese, gooey melted mozzarella, and your favorite toppings, this easy, protein-packed meal is perfect for a quick dinner or satisfying snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Enjoy pizza flavors without the guilt.
- High-Protein – Packed with cottage cheese and lean protein options.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make ahead and reheat for a fast meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for creaminess, low-fat for a lighter option)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sugar-free marinara or low-carb pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup diced mushrooms or spinach
- ½ cup cooked turkey sausage or grilled chicken (or skip for a vegetarian version)
- Fresh basil or oregano for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the Base – In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
- Layer It Up – Spread the mixture evenly into an oven-safe bowl or ramekin.
- Add the Sauce – Pour the marinara sauce over the cheese mixture.
- Top with Toppings – Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, then layer with bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, and turkey sausage or chicken.
- Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve – Let cool for a few minutes before topping with fresh basil or oregano. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Baking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add jalapeño slices or extra red pepper flakes for heat.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free cottage cheese and mozzarella substitutes.
- Vegetarian Version – Skip the meat and add extra veggies like zucchini or artichokes.
- Meat Lovers’ Option – Add crumbled bacon or pepperoni for extra protein.
- Extra Cheesy – Top with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or a slice of provolone.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as cottage cheese may change texture when thawed.
FAQs
Is this pizza bowl keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it great for keto and low-carb diets.
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta will work, but it has a milder flavor and slightly different texture.
What other protein options can I use?
Ground beef, shredded pork, or tofu work well as substitutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and store in the fridge, then bake when ready.
What’s the best low-carb marinara sauce?
Look for a sugar-free marinara like Rao’s or make a homemade version.
Can I add a crust to this dish?
For a low-carb crust option, try adding a layer of almond flour dough at the bottom.
How do I make this dish crispier?
Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to get a golden, bubbly top.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes in an oven-safe dish.
Can I serve this cold?
It’s best served warm, but leftovers can be eaten cold like a dip.
What sides pair well with this pizza bowl?
A fresh salad, garlic parmesan zucchini, or roasted vegetables complement this dish well.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Low-Carb Pizza Bowl is a delicious, quick, and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. Whether you’re looking for a keto-friendly dinner or a protein-packed snack, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Try it today and customize it with your favorite toppings!
Print
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Low-Carb
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving pizza without the carbs? This cheesy low-carb pizza bowl is packed with creamy cottage cheese, gooey mozzarella, and flavorful toppings. A quick and satisfying meal that’s high in protein, keto-friendly, and perfect for busy nights or meal prep!
Ingredients
Cheese Base:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for creaminess, low-fat for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sugar-free marinara or low-carb pizza sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup diced mushrooms or spinach
- 1/2 cup cooked turkey sausage or grilled chicken (or skip for a vegetarian version)
- Fresh basil or oregano, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
3. Assemble the Pizza Bowl:
- Spread the cheese mixture into an oven-safe bowl or ramekin.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the cheese base.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
- Add bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, and turkey sausage or chicken.
4. Bake & Serve:
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or oregano.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeño slices or extra red pepper flakes.
✔ Dairy-Free Option: Swap cottage cheese and mozzarella for dairy-free cheese alternatives.
✔ Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and load up on extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
✔ Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat before serving.
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