Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
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My air fryer cottage cheese pizza bowls are cheesy, bubbling, and ready in 15 minutes with 27 grams of protein per bowl. Includes oven instructions too.
My air fryer cottage cheese pizza bowls are a protein-packed savior
I initially developed these cottage cheese pizza bowls for my air fryer cookbook. But after testing it with my partner and a few friends, I was told it’s too good not to share with the world- so here it is!
I drew inspiration from my classic pizza bowls, but swapped the ground meat mixture for creamy cottage cheese, and the way everything melds together is genuinely impressive for how simple this is. Here’s why my partner and I make them so often:
- Ready in 15 minutes. While you can whip these up in the oven, I love how much quicker they are in the air fryer. There’s less mess, no extensive preheating, and the hot air makes everything perfectly hot and gooey.
- High protein and low carb. Using cottage cheese as the base, along with extra shredded cheese, packs in 27 grams of protein per bowl. You can even add more protein through your toppings- think pepperoni, sausage, ham, or shrimp.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what goes into my cottage cheese pizza bowls, along with kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Cottage cheese. I recommend using full-fat cottage cheese, as it blends seamlessly with the marinara sauce once cooked, making it creamy rather than clumpy. If you only have a lower-fat variety, whip the cottage cheese first.
- Seasonings. I’m using a mix of dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you want a spicy kick, add about 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Shredded cheese. I’m boring and keep things simple with shredded mozzarella cheese (always hand-shredded for the best melt and stretch), but my partner loves his with shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Marinara sauce. I use my homemade pomodoro sauce when I have it, but any jarred sauce works fine. Avoid anything too watery- it makes the cottage cheese base loose and difficult to set.
- Pizza toppings. The toppings are when you can get creative. I keep it classic with sliced black olives, pepperoni, and fresh basil, and my partner adds jalapenos.
How to make cottage cheese pizza bowls in the air fryer
Step 1- Mix. Start by mixing the cottage cheese with seasonings in a bowl. If you want a spicy kick, add the red pepper flakes here.
Step 2- Assemble. Distribute the cottage cheese mixture amongst two oven-safe ramekins or bowls. I recommend 16-ounce bowls/ramekins work perfectly.
Step 3- Layer. Add a layer of sauce, then cheese, and finally the pizza toppings of choice. Top with more shredded cheese.
Step 4- Air fry for about 10 minutes, checking to see if the top is golden and melted. If not, air fry for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 5- Set. Let the cottage cheese bowls sit for about five minutes before serving.
How to make cottage cheese bowls in the oven
The air fryer gives a better crust in less time- the oven version works but takes slightly longer, and the edges don’t get quite as crispy.
To bake the cottage cheese pizza bowls, preheat the oven to 350°F for 10 minutes. Place the bowls in the middle rack of the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
Recipe variations
These cottage cheese bowls work well beyond the pizza theme- here are a few variations I’ve tested:
- Mexican style. Swap out the marinara sauce for mild salsa, and top with jalapenos. It’s also great with leftover taco meat. Serve with sour cream.
- Breakfast bowls. This is my favorite weekend breakfast trick. Omit the marinara sauce and add either 2 poached eggs or 2 scrambled eggs, then add the cheese.
- Higher protein. Add some diced chicken breast, shredded deli meat (nitrate-free), or crumbled Italian sausage. I like leftover chicken breast because it absorbs the marinara flavor well and adds an extra 20 grams of protein.
- Add veggies. Chopped bell peppers, onions, or even some broccoli. My partner loves diced zucchini.
How to store leftovers
My recipe makes two individual pizza bowls. If you scale it up or make it as part of a meal prep, store leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I actually prefer the microwave because it softens everything, including the melty cheese topping. Stick to around 1 1/2 minutes. You can also reheat it in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese full fat
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce or unsweetened tomato sauce/passata
- 1 cup shredded cheese mozzarella, hand-shredded
- 8 slices mini pepperoni
- 2 tablespoons sliced black olives
Instructions
- Lightly spray or brush two 16-ounce ramekins or oven-safe bowls with cooking spray.
- In a bowl, add the cottage cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes and mix well.
- Divide the cottage cheese mixture between the two greased ramekins, spreading it in an even layer. Add 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce to each bowl, then 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. Add the pepperoni and sliced olives, and top with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese in each.
- Place the ramekins in an air fryer basket, and air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until fully melted, bubbling, and crisp around the edges.
- Remove from the air fryer, let them sit for 5 minutes, top with fresh basil, and serve.
Oven instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prep the bowls as instructed. Place them in the middle rack of the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
More savory cottage cheese recipes
- Cottage Cheese Alfredo– Creamy, high protein, and my partner couldn’t tell it wasn’t the real thing.
- Lasagna with cottage cheese– I swapped the ricotta for cottage cheese, and nobody noticed
- Cottage cheese pizza crust– The crispiest crust that tastes like any good crust out there.
- Cottage cheese quiche– Creamy, custard-like, and sneaking in extra protein.
