Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake – Easy Dinner Recipe

Name: Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake – Easy Dinner Recipe: 1 Pan
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cottage cheese; 1 cup pizza sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

I am telling you right now that you need this in your life. If you are like me and have those days where everything is a bit of a mess but you still want a delicious dinner, this recipe is your new best friend. It has been all over the internet lately and I finally gave it a go on a super busy Tuesday night. I was shocked at how much it tastes like a real slice of pizza. The cottage cheese melts down into this incredibly creamy base that holds everything together perfectly. You get all the savory pizza flavors you love without the heavy crust getting in the way.

Why You Will Love This Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake – Easy Dinner Recipe

This dish is a total protein powerhouse. It keeps you feeling full for a long time without that heavy feeling you get from traditional pizza dough. It is also a dream for anyone looking for a low carb option that actually tastes good. The best part is that you only need one bowl and one baking dish. Cleanup is so fast that you will have plenty of extra time to just relax after you eat. It is simple enough for a quick lunch but satisfying enough to serve for a family dinner.

Ingredients for Your Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake – Easy Dinner Recipe

You only need a few simple things to get this started. I always try to use high quality cheese because it really makes a difference in how the final dish feels and tastes.

2 cups of low fat or full fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup of marinara sauce and make sure there is no wine in the ingredients
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup of sliced beef pepperoni
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Fresh basil leaves for a nice garnish
Optional toppings like sliced bell peppers or mushrooms

Step-by-Step Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake – Easy Dinner Recipe

Get your oven ready and follow these easy steps. You will have a bubbly and golden dinner on the table in about 25 minutes total.

Preparing the Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake – Easy Dinner Recipe Base

First you need to preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a medium mixing bowl and toss in your cottage cheese along with the garlic powder and oregano. Stir it all up until the spices are mixed in well. Pour this mixture into a small oven safe baking dish and spread it out so it is nice and even. This is the base of your bake and it acts just like a crust would.

Adding the Toppings

Now you want to spread your marinara sauce gently over the top of the cottage cheese. Try not to stir them together because you want those distinct layers for the best flavor. Sprinkle your shredded mozzarella cheese all over the sauce. Finally you can arrange your beef pepperoni slices and any extra veggies you like on the very top. Putting the toppings on last helps the cheese melt perfectly over the sauce while the beef pepperoni gets a little crispy.

Expert Tips for Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake – Easy Dinner Recipe

I know some people get a bit nervous about the texture of warm cottage cheese. You really do not need to worry. When it bakes it becomes very creamy and mild. If you see a little extra moisture in your cottage cheese container just drain it slightly before you start mixing. If you want a really crispy top you can turn on the broiler for the last two minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye on it so it does not burn. One last thing is to let the dish sit for about three minutes after you take it out of the oven. This helps the layers set so it is easier to scoop out.

Nutritional Information

This information is for a single serving of the recipe so you can keep track of your goals easily.

Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 24g
Total Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions about Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake – Easy Dinner Recipe

Here are some of the things people usually ask me when they make this for the first time.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You definitely can. You can put all the layers together in your baking dish and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready for dinner just pop it in the oven. You might need to give it an extra couple of minutes in the oven since the dish will be cold from the refrigerator.

How do I store leftovers?

If you actually have leftovers just put them in an airtight container. They stay good in the fridge for about three days. You can reheat a portion in the microwave for about a minute or put it back in the oven until the cheese starts bubbling again.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes it is naturally gluten free. Since we are not using any flour or grain products you just need to double check that your marinara sauce and beef pepperoni are certified gluten free. It is a great way to enjoy pizza flavors without any gluten involved.