Name: Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cottage cheese; 3 large eggs; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup mini turkey pepperoni slices; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Pinch of salt; Pinch of pepper

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving all the hearty, cheesy goodness of a classic pizza but want something a little lighter and packed with protein, then the Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake is going to become your new favorite comfort dish. This bake perfectly captures the beloved flavors of pizza with a luscious cottage cheese base, melty mozzarella, and mini turkey pepperoni slices, all seasoned beautifully with Italian herbs. It’s a warm, inviting dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome, perfect for any meal or even a cozy snack. Once you try this Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary casseroles!

Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is delightfully simple, yet every ingredient plays a vital role in building its rich, layered flavor and delightful texture. These staples come together to create a savory, cheesy bake that hits all the right notes, from gooey and creamy to savory and lightly spiced.

2 cups cottage cheese: The star of the dish, contributing creaminess and a boost of protein without heaviness.
3 large eggs: These binders hold everything together while keeping the bake fluffy and tender.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give that classic stretchy pizza cheese texture.
1/2 cup mini turkey pepperoni slices: Adds just the right amount of smoky, meaty flavor without being overpowering.
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Delivers a sharp, nutty depth that complements the mozzarella’s mildness.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs infusing the bake with authentic Italian pizza vibes.
1/2 tsp garlic powder: Brings a subtle pungency that enhances all the savory ingredients.
Pinch of salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten the flavors throughout.

How to Make Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish generously so your bake comes out easily and retains its perfect shape without sticking. This prep step sets the foundation for smooth baking and effortless slicing later on.

Step 2: Whisk Cottage Cheese and Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and eggs until smooth. This ensures a creamy texture for your bake and helps the eggs incorporate evenly, so the dish bakes up light but firm.

Step 3: Mix in Cheeses, Pepperoni, and Seasonings

Stir in the shredded mozzarella, most of the mini turkey pepperoni slices (save some for a fun topping!), parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Combining these ingredients now means every bite is infused with savory, cheesy, and herby layers of flavor.

Step 4: Pour and Top

Pour the mixture smoothly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining mini pepperoni slices on top. This final touch not only makes the bake visually inviting but also adds a lovely crispy, flavorful bite on the surface as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the dish for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a set interior that’s slightly golden and bubbly on top—signs that all those wonderful cheeses are melted and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Allow your Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake to cool for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps it firm up enough for clean slices, making it easier and more enjoyable to serve.

How to Serve Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake

Garnishes

Top your bake with freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra color and a hint of fresh brightness or heat. A drizzle of marinara or pizza sauce on the side amps up the tomatoey goodness that pizza lovers crave.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, balancing the rich, cheesy texture with fresh, crunchy bites. Garlic bread or warm focaccia can also complement the dish for a true pizza-themed meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake in individual ramekins for a charming, single-serve twist. You can also stir in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms before baking to customize the dish and boost its veggie content. For parties, cut it into bite-sized squares and serve with toothpicks alongside dipping sauces for a fun appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly to maintain moisture and freshness, and enjoy it as a quick, protein-packed snack or meal the next day.

Freezing

This bake freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months and thaw quickly in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat your bake gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to maintain its texture and prevent drying out. Alternatively, a microwave works fine for a speedy option but watch out for overcooking or rubbery spots.

FAQs

Can I use regular pepperoni instead of turkey pepperoni?

Absolutely! Regular pepperoni works wonderfully and brings a slightly different flavor and a bit more fat content, which some may prefer for richness.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, just omit the pepperoni or substitute it with vegetarian toppings like sliced olives, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes to keep the pizza vibe intact without the meat.

Can I prepare the mixture the night before?

Definitely. You can mix the ingredients and store the baking dish covered in the refrigerator overnight, then bake fresh the next day for a convenient and easy meal.

What’s the best way to ensure the bake isn’t watery?

Using well-drained cottage cheese or pressing out excess moisture slightly helps. Also, baking it fully until set and golden ensures a perfect, firm texture without excess liquid.

Can I add more veggies to this bake?

Feel free! Chopped spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be stirred in before baking for extra nutrition and flavor—just be mindful of moisture content.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, combining familiar flavors with fresh, wholesome ingredients that make every bite a joy. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but special enough to impress guests, and I truly hope you fall in love with it just as I have. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting warmth of pizza flavor in a whole new, nourishing way!

Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 12 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake is a delicious, protein-packed casserole that combines creamy cottage cheese, gooey mozzarella, and savory turkey pepperoni, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a quick dinner or a satisfying brunch, it offers the flavors of pizza in a comforting baked dish, served best with a side of marinara for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 cups cottage cheese
3 large eggs
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup mini turkey pepperoni slices
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings

1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
Mix Cottage Cheese and Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring an even texture in the bake.
Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded mozzarella, most of the mini turkey pepperoni (reserve some for topping), grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Prepare for Baking: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining turkey pepperoni slices on top to add texture and flavor.
Bake the Dish: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the casserole is fully set, the surface is bubbly, and the cheese on top has turned golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set properly before slicing. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the pizza flavor experience.

Notes

Use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese depending on your preference for creaminess and calorie content.
Substitute turkey pepperoni with regular pepperoni or other safe meat alternatives if desired.
For a vegetarian option, omit the pepperoni and add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
Make sure to grease the baking dish well to avoid sticking.
Let the bake cool properly before slicing to maintain its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American