Ingredients
Base
- 24 ounces cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Toppings
- 1¼ cups sugar-free marinara sauce
- ⅓ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 20 to 25 pepperoni slices
- 2 tablespoons sliced black olives
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Blend Cottage Cheese and Egg: Place the cottage cheese and egg in a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a pizza bowl base.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in a pinch of salt, approximately ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, mixing well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Transfer and Layer Sauce: Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Then, spread the sugar-free marinara sauce evenly on top to create a flavorful coating.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese followed by shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara layer for a rich, cheesy topping.
- Arrange Toppings: Neatly arrange the pepperoni slices and sliced black olives evenly across the cheese layer to mimic traditional pizza toppings.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt and slightly brown.
- Garnish and Serve: After baking, sprinkle the pizza bowls with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor, then serve warm.
Notes
- Using sugar-free marinara keeps this recipe lower in carbs and suitable for those monitoring blood sugar.
- You can substitute pepperoni with turkey pepperoni or omit for a vegetarian option—just note the diet classification accordingly.
- Ensure the cottage cheese is well blended to get a smooth texture for the pizza bowl.
- Feel free to add other toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for variety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb