High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

#Jumptorecipecard

If you love pizza but want something healthier, lighter, and packed with protein, you’re going to be obsessed with this High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl.

It’s creamy. It’s cheesy. It’s customizable.
Oh—and it takes just 5 minutes in the microwave.

This cottage cheese pizza bowl hits that magical balance: all the cozy pizza flavor you love, without the carbs, grease, or post-meal slump. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dinner idea, a quick high-protein meal, or a gluten-free pizza alternative, this one’s a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Here’s why this recipe has become a weeknight go-to in my kitchen:

High in protein (28g per bowl!) thanks to cottage cheese + quinoa
Super fast — just 5 minutes in the microwave
Low carb and gluten-free
Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
Budget-friendly with simple ingredients
Perfect for meal prep or solo dinners

Honestly, it tastes like pizza in a bowl — but with zero guilt.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This pizza bowl uses simple, everyday ingredients but packs big flavor:

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese – creamy, tangy, and protein-rich
1/2 cup cooked quinoa – optional, but adds fiber + texture
1/4 cup marinara sauce – use your fave pizza sauce
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that melty magic
1/4 cup diced bell peppers – fresh crunch
1/4 cup chopped spinach – for a boost of greens
1/4 cup sliced black olives – salty, savory balance
1/2 tsp oregano + 1/2 tsp dried basil – classic pizza spices
Salt & pepper to taste
(Optional: red pepper flakes, garlic powder, crushed crackers on top)

How to Make a High-Protein Pizza Bowl (In 5 Minutes!)

Step 1: Mix Your Base
In a microwave-safe bowl, stir together the cottage cheese and cooked quinoa until well combined.

Step 2: Add the Sauce
Spoon the marinara sauce over the cottage cheese base.

Step 3: Pile on the Toppings
Add bell peppers, spinach, olives, and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Microwave It!
Heat on high for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and everything is heated through.

Step 5: Garnish & Enjoy
Top with a dash of chili flakes or crushed whole-grain crackers for crunch. Grab a spoon and dig in!

Serving Suggestions

This easy microwave meal is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways to round it out:

Pair with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Add a slice of garlic bread or gluten-free toast
Serve with roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus
Top with a drizzle of ranch or sour cream for extra indulgence

Tips & Variations

Make it vegetarian – this version already is, but you can skip the cheese or use dairy-free mozzarella for a vegan twist.
Use your favorite toppings – mushrooms, red onion, cherry tomatoes, or turkey pepperoni all work!
Prep ahead – mix everything except the cheese, then store in the fridge for a ready-to-heat lunch or dinner.
Double the recipe – perfect for meal prepping or feeding two.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat in the microwave.
Reheating: Microwave for 1–2 minutes until warm and cheesy again.

FAQs: High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Here are some common questions about making this delicious and healthy pizza bowl:

Q: How much protein is in one serving?

A: This pizza bowl is high in protein, with 28g per bowl, thanks to the combination of cottage cheese and quinoa.

Q: How quickly can I make this?

A: It’s super fast! This recipe is ready in just 5 minutes using the microwave.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for specific diets?

A: Yes, it’s both low-carb and naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary needs.1

Q: Can I change the toppings?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is customizable with all your favorite pizza toppings, so feel free to get creative.

Q: Is this an expensive meal to make?

A: No, it’s very budget-friendly as it uses simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have or can easily find.

Q: Is this good for meal prepping?

A: Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep or quick solo dinners. You can prepare ingredients ahead of time for even faster assembly.

Q: What are the main ingredients?

A: The core ingredients include low-fat cottage cheese, cooked quinoa (optional), marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, diced bell peppers, chopped spinach, sliced black olives, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Q: Can I add extra flavor?

A: Definitely! You can add optional ingredients like red pepper flakes, garlic powder, or crushed crackers on top for extra taste and texture.