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Pizza-style cottage cheese bake topped with melted cheese, pepperoni, and herbs in a casserole dish.

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

This Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake is a crave-worthy, low-carb twist on traditional pizza. Packed with protein-rich cottage cheese, savory marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, olives, and bell peppers, it’s baked to bubbly perfection without the crust. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or satisfying pizza cravings in a healthier way. It’s easy to customize, gluten-free, and irresistibly cheesy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American, Low-Carb Comfort Food
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x9 or 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 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)

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9 or 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Mix base: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half the mozzarella. Blend cottage cheese first for smoother texture if desired.
  • Assemble: Pour mixture into the dish and spread evenly.
  • Add sauce: Spoon pizza sauce over the top and spread gently.
  • Top it off: Add toppings and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
  • Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Bold Tip: Baking uncovered gives crispier edges and a perfectly melted cheese topping.

Notes

  • Flavor Variations:
    • Vegetarian: mushrooms, spinach, onions
    • Meat lovers: sausage, bacon, ground beef
    • Mediterranean: feta, olives, sun-dried tomatoes
    • Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for brightness
  • Make-Ahead & Storage:
    • Bake and refrigerate for up to 4 days
    • Freeze individual portions for meal prep
    • Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture
  • Common Mistakes:
    • Watery cottage cheese = soggy bake
    • Overloading toppings = uneven cooking
    • Skipping seasoning = bland flavor
    • Not letting it rest = messy slices
Keyword Cottage cheese pizza, healthy pizza alternative, high-protein dinner, keto pizza bake, low-carb casserole