Looking for a cozy, protein-packed dinner that feels like a cheat meal but totally isn’t? This Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake brings all the flavor of a classic pepperoni pizza into a creamy, low-carb, oven-baked dish. With layers of cheesy goodness and a golden, bubbly top, it’s the kind of comfort food you’ll crave on busy weeknights. Whether you’re cutting carbs, meal-prepping, or just want to sneak more protein into your family’s dinner, this casserole is your go-to. In this article, we’ll walk through how to make it, how to customize it, and why it deserves a regular spot on your menu.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why cottage cheese and pepperoni belong together
There’s something magical about finding a recipe that checks every box: easy, comforting, cheesy, and family-approved. That’s exactly how this pizza style cottage cheese bake came to life in my kitchen. I first whipped it up on a chilly Thursday evening when my fridge was almost bare—except for some cottage cheese, a half-used pack of turkey pepperoni, and leftover shredded mozzarella.
My kids were begging for pizza, but we’d already had takeout twice that week. So, I improvised. I mixed the cottage cheese with a few eggs, tossed in those last bits of mozzarella and pepperoni, and crossed my fingers. Thirty minutes later, I pulled out a golden, bubbling dish that had the whole house smelling like a pizzeria.
Now it’s a regular on our dinner rotation. It’s warm, satisfying, and ridiculously simple. The best part? It actually feels indulgent even though it’s loaded with protein and lower in carbs than your average slice. And if you pair it with a quick homemade marinara sauce—like I do on busy nights—you’ve got a meal that’s fast, fun, and totally fuss-free.
Print
Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake – Easy Protein-Packed Dinner
This cheesy, savory pizza-style cottage cheese bake is loaded with protein, low in carbs, and ready in just 45 minutes. A perfect comfort food dinner for busy nights.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
3 large eggs
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup mini turkey pepperoni slices
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the cottage cheese and eggs together until smooth.
3. Stir in the mozzarella cheese, most of the mini turkey pepperoni (save some for the top!), parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining pepperoni slices.
5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bake is set and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!
Notes
Try adding spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Can be frozen in slices for meal prep.
Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a creamier finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
What You Need to Make a Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake
Simple ingredients with bold flavor
The beauty of this pizza style cottage cheese bake is how quickly it comes together with just a few staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cottage cheese – Gives this bake its creamy, protein-rich base.
- 3 large eggs – Helps bind everything together and adds extra richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella – Melts into gooey perfection.
- ½ cup mini turkey pepperoni – Adds classic pizza flavor with less fat.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan – Brings saltiness and depth.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – For that irresistible pizzeria aroma.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – Adds warmth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper – Just a pinch to balance everything out.
This recipe is so flexible too. Don’t have turkey pepperoni? Swap in regular or even chopped veggies. You can even try different cheeses like fontina or cheddar, as mentioned in our popular cottage cheese mousse variations for inspiration.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Bubbly, cheesy, and ready in under an hour
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and eggs until smooth.
- Stir in mozzarella, most of the turkey pepperoni, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish, smoothing the top.
- Layer on the remaining pepperoni for that perfect finish.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve with a side of warm marinara.
It’s one of those recipes that feels comforting but still fits into a low-carb or high-protein plan. And just like our blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake, this one keeps well in the fridge, making leftovers a breeze.
Nutrition Facts & Easy Customizations for Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake
Is This Cottage Cheese Bake Healthy?
Low carb, high protein, and family-friendly
This pizza style cottage cheese bake isn’t just easy and delicious—it’s also a solid nutritional choice. Thanks to cottage cheese and eggs, it’s packed with protein. Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Net Carbs | 4g |
| Fat | 12g |
It’s a great choice for low-carb eaters, busy parents, or anyone trying to add more whole ingredients into their meals. You can also see how it compares with another high-protein favorite—our easy protein mug cake recipes.
Ways to Customize It
This recipe is a blank canvas. You can easily change up the flavors without losing that pizza magic. Here are some fun twists:
- Add chopped spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- Try spicy beef crumbles instead of turkey pepperoni.
- Make it vegetarian with sliced olives and mushrooms.
- Swap in Italian sausage, like we do in the air fryer chicken salad for extra flavor.
No matter how you tweak it, this cottage cheese bake remains a crowd-pleaser. And just like our grilled chicken and zucchini salad, it’s a breeze to meal prep.
Storage, Reheating, and Serving Ideas for Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake
How to Store and Reheat
One of the reasons I love this pizza style cottage cheese bake is how well it keeps. Whether you’re cooking ahead or saving leftovers, it reheats beautifully. Here’s how:
- To refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Warm slices in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or pop in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore the crispy top.
You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in foil. Just reheat from frozen for about 20–25 minutes in the oven. This makes it a great grab-and-go option for busy weeks, just like our popular copycat Wendy’s grilled chicken wrap.
Serving Suggestions & What to Pair It With
This cottage cheese bake is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some easy pairings:
- A bowl of marinara or pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
- A simple side salad or veggie sticks for crunch.
- Garlic bread or roasted broccoli if you’re not counting carbs.
For a summer twist, serve it with our grilled peach salad—the sweet-savory combo is fantastic.
Kids love it as a “pizza slice” they can eat with a fork. Adults love it because it satisfies cravings without the heavy carbs. It’s flexible, freezer-friendly, and fits in perfectly with recipes like the 5-ingredient chicken salad that make family dinners fast and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is cottage cheese good in baked dishes?
Yes! Cottage cheese is excellent in baked dishes because it melts into a creamy, rich texture that adds moisture and protein. It works beautifully in casseroles like this pizza style cottage cheese bake and even in sweet bakes like our blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake.
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese in a bake?
You sure can. Ricotta will give the dish a slightly smoother and milder finish. If you prefer a softer texture and richer mouthfeel, ricotta is a great alternative. We sometimes use it in savory recipes like the grilled chicken and zucchini salad for a creamy dressing base.
How do you make a high-protein pizza-style casserole?
Start with a base of cottage cheese and eggs for protein, then layer in cheese and lean meats like turkey pepperoni. This combination gives you tons of flavor while keeping carbs low—similar to our air fryer chicken salad that’s big on protein too.
Is cottage cheese bake keto-friendly?
Absolutely. With just 4g net carbs per serving and high protein, this bake fits right into most low-carb or keto meal plans. It’s also great paired with keto-friendly sides like our low-carb fruit salads.
Conclusion
If you’re craving pizza flavors without the crust, this pizza style cottage cheese bake is the perfect answer. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with protein—ready in under an hour with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping lunches for the week, this bake offers flexibility and flavor. Plus, it reheats like a dream and freezes even better. Try it once, and it might just become your new weeknight favorite.
For More recipes Follow me on Facebook!
