Name: Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or 2 percent); 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup turkey pepperoni slices (or any favorite pizza meat); ¼ cup sliced black olives; ¼ cup diced green bell pepper; 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Red pepper flakes, optional, for serving; Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Craving pizza but avoiding the carbs? This Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is absolutely irresistible-creamy, melty, loaded with all your favorite pizza toppings, and ready in a snap! With bold Italian flavors, gooey cheese, and savory herbs nestled in a protein-packed base, each bite delivers pure satisfaction without any guilt.

You'll love how quick and easy this dish is-there's no dough to roll, no waiting for ovens to preheat, and no fuss. It's the ultimate one-bowl wonder for busy weeknights or anytime you need a cozy, comfort food fix in a hurry.

Perfect as a solo lunch, a fun dinner for the whole family, or even a game-day snack, this pizza bowl is endlessly customizable. Inspired by my own weeknight craving for rich pizza flavor with none of the carb crash, I promise this is about to become your new obsession!

A cheesy, decadent Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl loaded with toppings

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Packed with bold, familiar pizza flavors in a fraction of the time
Low in carbs but high in protein, perfect for keto and low-carb diets
Easily customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
Quick one-bowl meal-minimal clean-up, maximum flavor

Key Ingredients for Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cottage Cheese

The creamy, protein-rich base of this recipe, cottage cheese gives each bowl luscious texture and subtle tanginess. Use full-fat or 2 percent for extra creaminess-just stir well before using. If you're not a cottage cheese fan, you can substitute part-skim ricotta for a milder base, though it will be less tangy and slightly higher in carbs.

Marinara Sauce

This brings the classic, tomatoey pizza flavor to the bowl. Opt for a sugar-free or low-carb marinara sauce to keep the carb count down. Homemade or store-bought works great-just check the ingredients for added sugars. You can also use pizza sauce or even tomato paste thinned with a splash of water.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella is the ultimate melt-worthy cheese, creating gooey, stringy perfection on top. Whole milk mozzarella is extra rich, but part-skim will also work. If you love cheese, feel free to add a sprinkle of parmesan or provolone for more flavor.

Turkey Pepperoni

Adds a savory, spicy kick while keeping everything lean. You can swap in regular pepperoni, cooked sausage, or keep it vegetarian with sliced black olives or sautéed mushrooms. For a little extra flavor, try crispy prosciutto or diced Canadian bacon.

Italian Seasoning

A dash of Italian seasoning ties everything together, infusing the bowl with herby, aromatic notes. If you don't have a blend, use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Feel free to add red pepper flakes if you like some heat!

Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl cooking process

Instructions for Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Oven and Bowls

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using a broiler-safe dish, set it on a baking sheet for easier handling-this step helps get the cheese bubbly and golden!

Layer the Cottage Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, half the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Stir it together until creamy. Divide the mixture evenly among 4 oven-safe bowls or large ramekins.

Add the Marinara and Toppings

Spoon about ¼ cup marinara sauce over each cottage cheese base, spreading it gently. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, then arrange your pepperoni, olives, and bell peppers on top. Finish with parmesan and the remaining Italian seasoning.

Bake Until Melty and Bubbly

Place the bowls on your baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling. For an extra golden top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes-watch closely to avoid burning!

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top with fresh basil or parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired. Dig in while it's hot and cheesy!

Recipe Variations

Veggie-Loaded Pizza Bowl

Skip the meat and pile on sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, onions, or roasted zucchini. This adds fiber, nutrients, and even more color-totally delicious and vegetarian!

Make It Spicy

Craving heat? Add sliced pickled jalapeños to the topping layer or mix a pinch of chili flakes into the sauce for a zesty kick that pairs perfectly with creamy cheese.

Dairy-Free Version

Swap cottage cheese and mozzarella for your favorite dairy-free alternatives. Almond- or soy-based ricotta and vegan mozzarella melt beautifully, making this bowl totally plant-based!

Gluten-Free and Paleo Options

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your marinara and pepperoni for hidden gluten. For a paleo twist, use compliant marinara and top with diced grilled chicken or prosciutto.

Breakfast Pizza Bowl

Substitute pepperoni for cooked crumbled breakfast sausage or a cracked egg on top. Bake until the egg is just set-the result is pure breakfast magic!

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl with a simple side salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing balance. Add roasted veggies, cauliflower rice, or a few crunchy keto breadsticks for a complete, satisfying meal. Garnish with extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for extra zing!

Storage and Reheating

To store leftovers, cover cooled pizza bowls tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through, or bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Freezing is not recommended, as the dairy can become watery, but freshly assembled bowls can be stored in the fridge and baked later for easy meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl (FAQ)

Q: Can I prep these pizza bowls ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Assemble the bowls up to 24 hours in advance and store, covered, in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, just bake as directed.

Q: How do I make this vegetarian?

A: Simply leave out the pepperoni or replace it with your favorite vegetables-sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes taste fantastic!

Q: Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

A: Yes! Ricotta works well as a substitute, creating a slightly smoother, milder flavor. Just note the final texture and carb count will be a little different.

Thinking healthy eating means giving up pizza? Think again! This Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl brings all the melty, bold pizza flavor you love-without crashing your carb budget. Give it a try, customize it with your favorite toppings, and let me know what you think by rating and commenting below. Enjoy every cheesy bite!