Description
Easy Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls are a quick and delicious low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. Made with small curd cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and turkey pepperoni, these individual oven-safe ramekin dishes are perfect for a cozy meal in just 15 minutes. Optional mix-ins like cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, olives, bell peppers, or onions add customization and extra flavor.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of black pepper to taste
Sauce and Toppings
- 1/4 cup low sugar marinara or pizza sauce (recommended brand: Rao’s)
- 1/4 cup heaping freshly grated part skim mozzarella cheese
- 8-12 slices turkey pepperoni
Optional Mix-ins (up to 1/4 cup total)
- Cooked chicken
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Spinach
- Olives
- Bell peppers
- Onion
Equipment
- 2 (10 ounce minimum) oven safe ramekins or cocottes
Instructions
- Prepare the Cottage Cheese: If your cottage cheese is watery, pour it into a fine mesh sieve and stir gently to drain excess liquid. To smooth the texture, briefly blend in a high-speed blender or food processor after draining.
- Preheat the Cooking Appliance: Heat your air fryer to 350°F, or a conventional oven to 400°F, depending on your chosen cooking method.
- Mix Seasonings into Cottage Cheese: Divide the cottage cheese evenly between the two ramekins. Add 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of black pepper to each, then stir gently to combine.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Evenly distribute the low sugar marinara between the ramekins. Top each with half of the grated mozzarella cheese, leaving a small amount to sprinkle over the pepperoni slices.
- Top with Pepperoni: Arrange 8-12 slices of turkey pepperoni over the cheese in each ramekin. You may also add any optional mix-ins at this stage if desired.
- Air Fry (if using air fryer): Loosely tent the ramekins with foil for the first 2 minutes to prevent cheese and pepperoni from blowing off. Remove the foil and cook for another 6-8 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and beginning to brown. Serve immediately.
- Bake (if using conventional oven): Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 16-20 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. Serve immediately.
- Microwave Option: Cook ramekins in the microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds. If not hot and bubbly, continue cooking in 20-second increments until heated through. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Draining excess liquid from the cottage cheese improves texture and prevents watery pizza bowls.
- Blending cottage cheese is optional but recommended for a smoother consistency if you dislike curds.
- Adjust pepperoni quantity according to your preference.
- Optional mix-ins add flavor and variety; keep total amount to 1/4 cup to maintain cooking consistency.
- Cooking times may vary depending on air fryer or oven model.
- Using low sugar marinara helps keep carbs lower for a healthier option.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (air fryer) or 20 minutes (oven) or 2 minutes (microwave)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
