Hey y'all! Are you craving something cheesy, comforting, and easy to whip up for any occasion? This Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake is the ultimate mashup of pizza flavors and the creamy goodness of cottage cheese—making it a must-try for weeknight dinners, parties, or anytime you want a savory, satisfying meal. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake
- All the familiar flavors of pizza with a protein-rich twist.
- Quick and easy to prep—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-friendly and customizable for all tastes.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers taste even better!
- Gluten-free and low-carb option.
Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese (full fat or low fat)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni or turkey pepperoni (optional)
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or a similar-size casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Base
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, half of the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan. Season with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
Step 3: Layer the Bake
Spread the cheese mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the pizza sauce over the top, spreading to cover. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the sauce. Add your toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, olives) evenly across the top. Finish with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you'd like extra kick.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling and the center is set. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Notes for a Perfect Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake
- Drain your cottage cheese slightly for a firmer texture; learn the science behind cottage cheese varieties.
- Try using part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version without losing creaminess.
- Add cooked sausage or mushrooms for extra protein or flavor layers.
Variations: Make It Your Own Pizza Cottage Cheese Casserole
- Veggie Supreme: Swap in your favorite veggies—try spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Meat Lovers: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or diced grilled chicken.
- Classic Margherita: Top with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Equipment Needed for Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake
- 9x9-inch baking dish or casserole dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake Storage & Shelf Life
Allow the bake to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.
- Pair with garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a glass of light red wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Pro Tips for the Best Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melt and flavor—pre-shredded blends may contain anti-caking agents (learn more from Serious Eats).
- Let the bake rest before slicing for cleaner slices and a creamier texture.
- Double the recipe for meal prep; this bake freezes and reheats like a dream!
Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake FAQ
- Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
- Yes! Ricotta will give you a slightly richer, smoother texture, but keep the same measurements.
- How do I make this bake vegetarian?
- Skip the pepperoni and pile on your favorite veggies or plant-based meat substitutes.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes—as written, it's gluten-free. Just confirm your pizza sauce and any additional toppings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
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2In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, eggs, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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3Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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4Pour the pizza sauce over the cottage cheese base and gently spread to cover.
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5Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, sliced pepperoni, and black olives.
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6Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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