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Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake – Easy High Protein Family Dinner Recipe

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This Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake is a cozy, protein-packed casserole that delivers all the classic pizza flavors in a lighter, crustless form. It’s quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (16 oz) cottage cheese (small-curd, full-fat recommended)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups (6 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup (8 oz) pizza sauce
  • 1/4 cup (1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup (about 2 oz) pepperoni slices (regular or turkey)
  • 1/2 cup (about 2.5 oz) diced bell pepper (red, green, or yellow)
  • 1/4 cup (about 1 oz) sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (about 1 oz) sliced red onion
  • Chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
  • Nonstick spray or olive oil, for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
  2. Add cottage cheese to a food processor or blender and blend for 30-45 seconds until completely smooth. (Alternatively, mash well with a fork for a chunkier texture.)
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, eggs, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, and 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined.
  4. Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly.
  5. Spoon the pizza sauce over the cottage cheese base and gently spread it with the back of a spoon or spatula.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce.
  7. Add your toppings: pepperoni slices, diced bell pepper, black olives, and red onion.
  8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan and the remaining Italian seasoning over the top.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the edges are golden brown. For a more browned top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  10. Let the bake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to help it set.
  11. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Blend the cottage cheese for a creamy base. Sauté or drain watery veggies before adding to prevent a runny bake. Let the bake rest 10 minutes before slicing for best texture. Customize toppings to your family’s preferences. Can be made ahead and reheated; leftovers taste great.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza bake, cottage cheese, high protein, family dinner, low carb, gluten free, easy casserole, meal prep, crustless pizza, healthy pizza

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/pizza-cottage-cheese-bake-easy-high-protein-family-dinner-recipe/