Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake

I like to think of this Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake as the perfect mix of comfort food and healthy eating. It has all the rich, cheesy flavor of pizza, but it’s baked into a creamy, low-carb, high-protein casserole that fits into just about any weeknight dinner plan. No crust, no fuss—just wholesome ingredients that deliver on taste.

Why I Love This Recipe

I made this for the first time when I had a nearly empty fridge, and it’s been a regular on my meal plan ever since. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but actually supports my goals—high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with flavor. I love that I can prep it in just 10 minutes, toss it in the oven, and end up with a golden, bubbly dinner that everyone in the house will eat without complaint.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
– I use 2 cups of cottage cheese
– I add 3 large eggs
– I mix in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– I toss in ½ cup of mini turkey pepperoni slices (saving a few for the top)
– I sprinkle ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese
– I season it with 1 tsp of Italian seasoning
– I add ½ tsp of garlic powder
– I finish with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, I whisk the cottage cheese and eggs until the mixture is smooth.

3. I stir in the mozzarella, most of the turkey pepperoni, parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. I pour everything into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.

5. I add the remaining pepperoni slices on top for that classic pizza look.

6. I bake it for 30–35 minutes, until it’s set in the center and golden around the edges.

7. I let it cool slightly before slicing, and I always serve it with a little marinara on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 hearty servings. It takes 10 minutes to prep and about 35 minutes to bake, so I’ve got dinner on the table in under 45 minutes.

Variations

– When I want extra veggies, I add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the mix.
– I sometimes swap the cottage cheese for ricotta to make it even creamier.
– If I’m craving a spicier version, I use spicy turkey pepperoni or a handful of chili flakes.
– For a vegetarian option, I leave out the pepperoni and toss in olives, sautéed onions, and zucchini.
– I’ve even tried mixing in Italian sausage or beef crumbles for a meatier take.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When it’s time to reheat, I microwave a slice for 1–2 minutes or pop it into a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes until it’s warm and bubbly again. I’ve also frozen individual slices—just wrap them in foil and reheat in the oven straight from the freezer for about 20–25 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use regular pepperoni instead of turkey pepperoni?

Yes, I’ve used regular pepperoni many times when that’s what I had. It adds more fat and flavor, but the recipe still works perfectly.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

I haven’t tried it fully dairy-free, but I think using dairy-free cheese shreds and plant-based cottage cheese alternatives could work. The texture might change a bit, but it should still taste great.

Can I meal prep this bake?

Absolutely—I’ve made it ahead, sliced it up, and stored it in the fridge or freezer. It reheats beautifully and holds together well, so it’s a great grab-and-go lunch.

What’s a good dip or sauce to serve with it?

I always serve this with warm marinara or pizza sauce on the side. It adds a fresh, tangy balance to the cheesy richness.

How do I know when it’s fully baked?

I look for a golden, bubbly top and check that the center is set and no longer jiggly. I usually let it sit for a few minutes before slicing—it holds its shape better that way.

Conclusion

This Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake has become one of my favorite weeknight dinners. It’s comforting without being heavy, simple to throw together, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m eating low-carb or just looking for a way to stretch what’s in the fridge, this dish always delivers.