Description
This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a quick and healthy homemade pizza alternative, combining protein-rich cottage cheese with vibrant vegetables, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a nutritious and flavorful dish perfect for a light dinner or satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cottage Cheese (Protein-packed star ingredient)
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce (Store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup Chopped Bell Peppers (Any color)
- 1 cup Sliced Mushrooms (Earthy flavor)
- 1 cup Chopped Spinach or Kale (Nutrient-dense greens)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Classic pizza cheese)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Enhances flavor)
- to taste Salt & Pepper (Essential seasonings)
- 1/2 cup Sliced Olives (For a briny touch)
- 1/2 cup Diced Onions (Adds sharpness)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (For freshness, optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the pizza bowl.
- Prepare Cottage Cheese Base: Evenly spread the 2 cups of cottage cheese on the bottom of a medium baking dish, creating a creamy base layer for the pizza bowl.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Spoon 1 cup of marinara sauce generously over the cottage cheese layer to add rich tomato flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Scatter chopped bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and chopped spinach or kale evenly over the marinara sauce. These veggies add freshness and nutrients.
- Top with Cheese and Olives: Cover the vegetables with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and sprinkle 1/2 cup sliced olives and 1/2 cup diced onions for added texture and taste.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the top to enhance flavor and moisture, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Garnish with 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves for a fragrant and fresh finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy your healthy, protein-packed pizza bowl!
Notes
- Use fresh vegetables of your choice for added flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes or jalapeños before baking.
- Substitute kale with spinach or vice versa depending on availability and preference.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the marinara sauce and cheese do not contain animal rennet.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
