I love making this Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake when I want all the cheesy, pepperoni-packed satisfaction of pizza without the crust. It’s a protein-rich, low-carb dish that bakes up bubbly and golden—perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even a high-protein snack. With just a few simple ingredients and a 9×9-inch baking dish, I get a filling and flavorful bake that’s easy to whip up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy how this recipe brings the best of pizza night into a healthier, crustless bake. It satisfies my cravings while keeping things light, and I love that it’s naturally gluten-free and low in carbs. The mix of cottage cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan gives it that rich, cheesy interior, while the mini turkey pepperoni adds bold flavor and a little crisp on top. It’s a go-to when I want minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cups cottage cheese (480g)
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3 large eggs
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100g)
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1/2 cup mini turkey pepperoni slices (70g)
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1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (25g)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Pinch of salt and pepper
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, I combine the cottage cheese and eggs, whisking until smooth.
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I mix in the mozzarella, most of the turkey pepperoni (saving some for topping), parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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I pour the mixture into the prepared dish and top it with the remaining pepperoni.
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I bake it for 30–35 minutes until it’s set and golden with bubbly cheese on top.
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I let it cool slightly before slicing, then serve it with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I swap the turkey pepperoni for chopped cooked sausage or use vegetarian toppings like mushrooms, black olives, or diced bell peppers. I also like trying different cheeses—cheddar or provolone adds a fun twist. If I want extra spice, I mix in some red pepper flakes or top with jalapeños before baking.
storage/reheating
Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 60–90 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. It also freezes well—just wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. I reheat from frozen in the oven or let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, I’ve used both and it turns out great. Full-fat gives a richer texture, while low-fat keeps it lighter—both work depending on my goals.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely. I leave out the turkey pepperoni and add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini for a meat-free version.
What’s the texture like?
It’s similar to a crustless quiche or egg bake—soft, creamy from the cottage cheese, and cheesy throughout with a slightly crisp top.
Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely. I often slice it into squares, pack them into containers, and grab a piece for lunch or a quick dinner during the week.
Can I add a crust to the bottom?
If I’m craving something more indulgent, I’ve layered a thin base of almond flour crust or crescent dough at the bottom—but it’s delicious even without it.
Conclusion
This Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake has become one of my go-to easy bakes when I want pizza flavor without the fuss. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and bursting with melty cheese and zesty pepperoni. Whether I enjoy it straight out of the oven or as leftovers, it never disappoints. I always keep the ingredients on hand because once I make it, I know I’ll want it again soon.
Print
Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A crustless, protein-packed pizza-style bake made with cottage cheese, mozzarella, and mini turkey pepperoni—perfect for low-carb dinners, meal prep, or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese (480g)
3 large eggs
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100g)
1/2 cup mini turkey pepperoni slices (70g)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (25g)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cottage cheese and eggs until smooth.
- Mix in mozzarella, most of the turkey pepperoni (reserve some for topping), parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and top with the remaining pepperoni slices.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until set and golden with bubbly cheese on top.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Optional: serve with warm marinara for dipping.
Notes
Swap turkey pepperoni for cooked sausage or plant-based toppings like mushrooms and peppers.
Try different cheeses such as cheddar or provolone for flavor variation.
Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Freezes well—wrap individual slices for quick grab-and-go meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
