Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe | High-Protein, Crust-Free Pizza-Inspired Casserole

Pizza Cravings, Reimagined

Inspired by Sanaa Recipes, Daily Recipe Haven, and Tasty Pleasure, this Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake is a cozy, cheesy solution for anyone craving pizza without the carb overload. It’s everything you love about pizza—savory sauce, gooey cheese, and flavorful toppings—reimagined in a protein-packed, low-carb casserole that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or guilt-free indulgence.

This bake skips the traditional crust and instead uses cottage cheese and eggs as a creamy, satisfying base. It’s simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy schedules or batch cooking. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for a lighter comfort food option, this dish delivers all the pizza vibes with none of the guilt. Add your favorite toppings, bake until bubbly, and enjoy a slice of cheesy goodness that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Why Cottage Cheese Works So Well

Cottage cheese is the unsung hero of this pizza-inspired bake. It’s high in protein and low in fat, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to lighten up their meals without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Its creamy texture mimics ricotta or melted mozzarella, giving the casserole a rich, indulgent feel.

What makes cottage cheese especially versatile is its neutral flavor—it absorbs Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pizza sauce beautifully, acting as a blank canvas for all your favorite toppings. Whether you go classic with pepperoni or veggie-forward with mushrooms and bell peppers, the base holds everything together while adding a subtle tang.

Bold Tip: If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese before mixing it into the base. This creates a more uniform consistency and makes the bake feel even more like traditional pizza. It’s a small tweak that can make a big difference in mouthfeel.

Ingredient List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this low-carb pizza bake:

• 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup pizza sauce or marinara
• Toppings: sliced pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms, diced bell peppers

Optional Add-ins:

• 2 tablespoons almond flour or breadcrumbs (for added structure and texture)

Bold Tip: Use sugar-free pizza sauce to keep carbs low and flavor bold.

This recipe is highly customizable. You can swap in turkey pepperoni, add spinach or onions, or go meatless with extra veggies. The base is forgiving, so feel free to experiment with flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this bake adapts to your needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 or 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.

Step 2: Mix the base In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half the shredded mozzarella. Stir until well blended. For a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese before mixing.

Step 3: Assemble the bake Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom.

Step 4: Add the sauce Spoon the pizza sauce or marinara over the top of the cottage cheese mixture. Spread gently to cover the surface without mixing it in.

Step 5: Add toppings and cheese Layer your chosen toppings—pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, bell peppers—over the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly across the top.

Step 6: Bake Place the dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges, melted cheese, and a golden top.

Step 7: Cool and serve Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the bake set and makes serving easier.

Bold Tip: Baking uncovered gives you crispier edges and a perfectly melted cheese topping. For a softer texture, cover loosely with foil during baking.