High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls
If you loved my cottage cheese sweet potato bowls with hot honey then you absolutely need to try my new cottage cheese pizza bowls! They’re cheesy, satisfying, and come together in minutes using the microwave (or the air fryer or oven if that’s more your thing).
Each bowl clocks in at around 270 calories with a solid 23g of protein, making them perfect for a quick lunch, weeknight dinner, or even a meal prep option. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—top them however you like and make them your own. Keep them veggie by adding in extras like olives and fresh cherry tomatoes, or add even more protein with sliced deli meats or some shredded chicken. These have been a huge viral hit on TikTok recently, and they’re definitely a must-try if you love healthy, high protein lunches that don’t scrimp on flavor.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Dried thyme
- Garlic powder
- Chili flakes
- Fresh basil leaves (for topping)
- Optional toppings, such as Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, etc.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls
You’ll find a full, printable recipe card at the bottom of this post—but here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through it first.
- Build the base: Spoon ½ cup of cottage cheese into each of two small bowls.
- Mix in the flavor: Add a little shredded mozzarella, ½ tsp thyme, a pinch of garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each bowl. Give everything a quick stir to combine—don’t overmix.
- First heat-up: Microwave each bowl for 1 minute to start warming things through.
- Top it off: Add 1 more tablespoon of marinara sauce and a little extra mozzarella on top of each. Microwave for another minute until the cheese is melty.
- Finish & garnish: Sprinkle with chili flakes, fresh basil, and any toppings you like—think olives, cherry tomatoes, whatever pizza vibes you’re into.
Want to Bake or Air Fry Instead?
Follow the same layering steps, then bake or air fry at 350°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until everything’s hot and bubbly with golden cheese on top.
Recipe Notes
-
Prefer it smoother? You can lightly blend or beat the cottage cheese before assembling if you’re after a creamier, more uniform texture.
-
Use microwave- or oven-safe bowls: Ceramic or glass containers work best to ensure everything heats evenly and safely, whether you’re using the microwave, oven, or air fryer.
-
Prep ahead: These bowls are perfect for prepping in advance. Just layer everything up, cover, and refrigerate—then heat when you’re ready to eat.
Topping Ideas & Variations
-
Add extra protein: Want to make it more filling? Stir in some cooked shredded chicken, pepperoni slices, ground beef, or even tofu. It turns this into a seriously satisfying meal.
-
Sautéed veggies: Toss in some cooked peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra flavor, texture, and a boost of color.
-
Mix up the cheese: Mozzarella is great, but don’t stop there—try a sprinkle of Parmesan, provolone, or even a little cheddar if that’s what you’ve got.
-
Spice it your way: Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Add a pinch of dried oregano, basil, black pepper, or even a little paprika or red pepper flakes for a kick.
Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Garlic powder to taste
- Chili flakes to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for topping
- Optional toppings of your choice like Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, etc.
Instructions
- Build the base: Spoon ½ cup of cottage cheese into each of two small, microwave-safe bowls.
- Mix in the flavor: Add a little shredded mozzarella, ½ tsp thyme, a pinch of garlic powder, and 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each bowl. Give everything a quick stir to combine—don’t overmix!
- First heat-up: Microwave each bowl for 1 minute to start warming things through.
- Top it off: Add 1 more tablespoon of marinara sauce and a little extra mozzarella on top of each. Microwave for another minute until the cheese is melty.
- Finish & garnish: Sprinkle with chili flakes, fresh basil, and any toppings you like—think olives, cherry tomatoes, whatever pizza vibes you’re into.
- Want to Bake or Air Fry Instead? Follow the same layering steps, then bake or air fry at 350°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until everything’s hot and bubbly with golden cheese on top. Just make sure you're using an oven or air fryer safe bowl!
Nutrition
If you’re after a quick, protein-packed way to satisfy those pizza cravings—this is it. These cottage cheese pizza bowls are simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making lunch for one or prepping ahead for the week, they’re a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Let me know what you think in the comments section below – I’d love to hear about the topping ideas you choose for yours!
