I’ve got to say, there’s something magical about turning cottage cheese into a pizza-inspired dinner that’s ready in 45 minutes. I stumbled on this idea during a busy Tuesday when my kids were begging for pizza but I wanted something packed with protein. This cottage cheese bake delivered all the cheesy, savory goodness they craved without the carb overload.
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Ingredients for Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake
I always keep cottage cheese stocked in my fridge because it’s such a versatile protein base for quick dinners. For this recipe, full-fat cottage cheese creates the creamiest texture, though low-fat works perfectly if you’re watching calories. Room temperature or straight from the fridge both work fine.
- 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (I usually save a handful for topping)
- 1/2 cup mini turkey pepperoni slices (reserve some for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts better)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
The secret to a perfectly set cottage cheese bake is making sure your ingredients are well combined before baking. Don’t worry if you see a few small cottage cheese curds in the mixture – that’s completely normal and adds nice texture.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and helps create a slightly crispy edge.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and eggs for about 30 seconds until mostly smooth. Some small curds are fine – you’re just breaking up the larger pieces for even distribution.
Step 3: Stir in the mozzarella cheese, most of the turkey pepperoni (save about 10-12 slices for topping), parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until evenly combined. The mixture will smell amazing at this point.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Arrange the reserved pepperoni slices on top however you like.
Step 5: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. The top should be golden brown and bubbly with those crispy pepperoni edges. Let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing into 6 portions. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
Perfect Pairings for Your Cottage Cheese Bake
This protein-packed bake pairs beautifully with lighter sides that add freshness and crunch to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
Simple Garden Salad: A crisp mix of romaine, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber with Italian dressing complements the savory bake perfectly. The cool, refreshing crunch provides excellent contrast to the warm, melted cheese.
Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with olive oil and garlic, then roast until crispy edges form. The slightly charred vegetables provide nutritious fiber that balances the protein-heavy main dish.
Garlic Bread: For nights when you’re not counting carbs, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce and adds that classic pizza night feel.
Steamed Green Beans: Quick-steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon juice add bright, clean flavors and extra vegetables to round out your meal nutritionally.
Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons echo the comfort food vibe while adding textural variety to your plate.
Keeping Your Bake Fresh
Store leftover cottage cheese bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture holds up remarkably well, making it ideal for meal prep.
For reheating, I recommend using your oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore that crispy, golden top. The microwave works in a pinch (1-2 minutes on medium power), but you’ll lose some of that desirable texture. Pro tip: add a sprinkle of fresh mozzarella before reheating for extra cheesy goodness.
This bake freezes beautifully too. Wrap individual portions in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, and you’ve got a healthy dinner ready with almost no effort on those extra busy nights.
FAQs
Can I make this cottage cheese bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5 extra minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold.
What can I substitute for turkey pepperoni?
Regular pepperoni, cooked Italian sausage crumbles, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or olives all work wonderfully. You can also make it vegetarian by using only vegetables and adding extra cheese.
Why is my cottage cheese bake watery?
Make sure you’re not adding extra liquid ingredients and that your oven temperature is accurate. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven so it can set properly before slicing.
Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk the cottage cheese and eggs together until smooth.
- Stir in the mozzarella cheese, most of the mini turkey pepperoni (save some for the top), parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining pepperoni slices.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bake is set and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
