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Looking for a fun spin on classic pizza? You’ve landed in the right spot! I’ve been **obsessed** with cottage cheese lately, and I promise this Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake will bump your dinner game up a notch. As someone who juggles work, family, and a bottomless appetite for comfort food, I needed a recipe that’s quick, tasty, and uses that little tub of gold in my fridge. If you’ve scrolled through endless Cottage Cheese Recipes hunting for something more exciting than a smoothie or a parcel of plain toast, consider this your jackpot.
We’ll chat toppings, crust hacks, and even some cheeky variations that riff on Cottage Cheese Casserole vibes or turn it into a sweet treat bordering on Cottage Cheese Desserts. Ever wondered what to make with cottage cheese when you crave breakfast? Or how to jazz up Breakfast With Cottage Cheese beyond the standard bowl? This bake answers those questions, plus it gives you delicious ideas for Cottage Cheese Meals, Cottage Cheese Bowls, and even midday snacks. Ready for a cozy, cheesy adventure? Let’s dive in (but not literally—this isn’t a swimming pool).
Ingredients
- 2 cups **cottage cheese** (full-fat for creaminess)
- 1 cup **shredded mozzarella**
- ½ cup **grated Parmesan**
- 1 large **egg** (lightly beaten)
- 1 teaspoon **Italian seasoning**
- ½ teaspoon **garlic powder**
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup **pizza sauce** (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup **shredded pepperoni** or preferred **Cottage Cheese Toppings**
- Fresh **basil** or **oregano** for garnish
- Olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, beaten egg, **Italian seasoning**, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture evenly in the prepared dish. You’re laying down the creamy foundation—think of it as the ultimate **Cottage Cheese Casserole** crust.
- Pour pizza sauce over the first layer, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Add your pepperoni (or any beloved **Cottage Cheese Toppings** like mushrooms, olives, bell peppers).
- Top with the remaining cottage cheese mixture, then finish with the rest of the cheeses.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell like a pizzeria—no complaints here!
- Let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or oregano, slice, and serve warm.
Variations
Don’t settle for “just pizza”—try one of these twists:
- Veggie Supreme: Swap pepperoni for roasted zucchini, spinach, and artichoke hearts. It still hits that **Things To Eat With Cottage Cheese** spot.
- Spicy Buffalo: Stir hot sauce into the sauce, top with shredded chicken, and finish with blue cheese crumbles. Perfect when you crave a Buffalo chicken **Cottage Cheese Bowl**.
- Sweet Dessert Bake: Replace pizza sauce with a swirl of honey and cinnamon, sprinkle in chopped apples or berries, and top with crushed graham crackers. Yes, this is flirting with **Cottage Cheese Desserts**, and yes, it’s genius.
Serving & Tips
Here’s how to serve, store, and cozy up your Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake:
- Serving ideas: Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced **Cottage Cheese Meal**.
- Storage tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to revive that crusty top.
- Seasonal touch: In fall, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika and swap toppings for roasted butternut squash. In summer, toss on fresh cherry tomatoes and basil for a **Things To Make With Cottage Cheese** twist.
- Pro tip: Use drained, pressed cottage cheese to avoid excess moisture. Trust me, you don’t want a soggy bake.
Final Thoughts
Who knew Cottage Cheese Recipes could taste so indulgent? This Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake hits the sweet spot between comfort and creativity. It makes the best use of what’s in your fridge, and it’s flexible enough for brunch, lunch, or a late-night snack. Personally, I love whipping it up on lazy Sundays when I crave something homey but don’t want to order delivery.
Give it a go, and let me know if you transform this into your new favorite. After all, life’s too short for boring dinners. 🙂
Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and slightly glossy.
- Fold in half of the mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese to the cottage cheese mixture.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the greased baking dish and pat it down to remove air pockets.
- Spoon marinara sauce over the top, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Scatter diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives over the sauce. Add any extra toppings you like.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil leaves and red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Absolutely. Low-fat works, but it yields a slightly less creamy texture. If you go that route, maybe add an extra spoon of olive oil for richness.
How do I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally **gluten-free** as long as your pizza sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can freeze baked slices in freezer-safe bags for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for best results.
What other cheeses pair well?
Try fontina for meltiness, cheddar for sharpness, or goat cheese for tang. Mix and match depending on your mood!
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