Name: Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cottage cheese (low-fat or whole milk); 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups pizza or tomato sauce, divided; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Pizza toppings of choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, spinach, etc.); Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

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Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake is a wholesome, protein-packed twist on classic pizza flavors. With creamy cottage cheese, melty mozzarella, tomato sauce, and all my favorite pizza toppings, this casserole-style dish brings comfort and nutrition together in one pan. I love making it when I’m craving pizza but want something lighter and more filling.

Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers all the flavors of pizza—savory sauce, gooey cheese, and customizable toppings—without the heaviness of traditional dough. The cottage cheese adds creaminess and a boost of protein, while the baked layers make it satisfying enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s also easy to prep ahead and reheat, making it a perfect family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cottage cheese (low-fat or whole milk)
Tomato or pizza sauce
Eggs
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Pizza toppings of choice (pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, spinach, etc.)
Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a bowl, I whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
I spread a thin layer of pizza sauce in the bottom of the dish.
I pour the cottage cheese mixture over the sauce and smooth it out evenly.
I top with more pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
I scatter my favorite pizza toppings across the top.
I bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
I let it cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and slice to serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings and takes about 45 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 30–35 minutes to bake.

Variations

Sometimes I mix cooked ground turkey, sausage, or chicken into the cottage cheese layer for extra protein. For a vegetarian version, I load it with vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms. If I’m in the mood for spice, I add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. It also freezes well if I wrap slices individually and thaw them overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, ricotta works well if I prefer a smoother texture, though cottage cheese gives more protein and a slightly tangy flavor.

Do I need to blend the cottage cheese?

It’s optional—I sometimes blend it for a smoother consistency, but leaving it as-is adds a nice texture.

What’s the best baking dish size?

An 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe, though I can double it for a larger casserole dish.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, I add 5 extra minutes of cook time.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, it’s naturally low-carb, especially if I skip carb-heavy toppings like breaded meats. It’s great for a high-protein, low-carb meal.

Conclusion

Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake is one of my favorite ways to enjoy pizza flavors in a healthier, more satisfying form. Creamy, cheesy, and customizable, it’s an easy meal that works for weeknights, meal prep, or when I just want comfort food without the guilt. Once I made it, it quickly became a regular in my dinner rotation.