I love the moment the oven door opens and a warm, bubbling bowl welcomes you with the cozy scent of tomato and melted cheese, a perfect single-serving comfort meal that feels like pizza without the carbs. This Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl catches your eye with its creamy cottage cheese base, bright bell pepper, and savory sliced chicken sausage, coming together quickly for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying solo lunch. It’s a dish that delivers the familiar pizza flavors, while staying lighter and ready in minutes, and it’s a lovely way to enjoy cottage cheese beyond the breakfast bowl — for more ideas that use cottage cheese in different ways see my take on cottage cheese bread.
Why This Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl Works
This dish succeeds because it balances creaminess, acidity, and savory crunch in a single bowl. The cottage cheese gives a rich, slightly tangy foundation that browns gently under the broiler, the marinara adds bright tomato flavor, and the melted mozzarella brings that familiar stretchy, golden top we love from pizza. Swapping traditional pepperoni for sliced chicken sausage keeps the flavor profile meaty and satisfying, while cutting down on saturated fat and carbs, so you get the pizza satisfaction without the heaviness.
You will also love this bowl for a few simple reasons
- It is fast, perfect for busy nights when you crave pizza without the prep.
- It is low carb, making it friendly for carb-conscious meals.
- It is customizable, so you can add fresh herbs, extra veggies, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- It is single-serving friendly, so no leftovers you have to reheat unless you want to.
What You’ll Need
These ingredients create a creamy, saucy base and a melty top, and you can tweak them easily. The cottage cheese acts as the base and source of protein, the marinara brings acidity, the bell pepper adds crunch and freshness, and the chicken sausage replaces traditional pepperoni for a leaner, flavorful bite.
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese, low fat
- 1/4 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper, optional
- 1 oz chicken sausage, sliced, a lean substitute for pepperoni
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, reduced fat
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Notes, briefly, you can use any color bell pepper for sweetness, and if you prefer a spicier bite, choose a smoked chicken sausage or add red pepper flakes. If you find mozzarella sometimes behaves oddly on a pizza, you might also enjoy reading about why cheese behaves differently on pizza, here is a quick guide to cheese not sticking to pizza.
How to Cook Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, making sure the rack is near the center so the bowl gets even heat, you will smell the warm oven as it comes up to temperature.
- In a small mixing bowl add the cottage cheese and marinara or pizza sauce, stir until the sauce is fully incorporated and the mixture looks uniformly pink and creamy.
- Fold in the chopped bell pepper, if using, and the sliced chicken sausage, chopping most of the sausage into small pieces so every bite has meat, reserve about five slices to place on top.
- Season the cottage cheese mixture with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper, taste a small spoonful and adjust seasoning, you should notice a pleasant tang and garlicky warmth.
- Transfer the mixture to a small oven-safe bowl or ramekin, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon, the surface should look creamy and slightly domed.
- Sprinkle the shredded reduced-fat mozzarella evenly over the top, then arrange the reserved sausage slices on the cheese, the contrast of white cheese and brown sausage looks inviting.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, the edges should begin to bubble and the cheese will look glossy.
- Turn the broiler to high and broil for another 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully so it does not burn, you want a few golden spots and a lightly crisp top.
- Alternatively, microwave the low carb pizza bowl for 1 and a half minutes on high for a faster finish, the cheese will melt but you will miss the browned, slightly crisp top from broiling.
- Let the bowl rest for a minute or two, then enjoy with a fork, savoring the creamy cottage cheese, the bright tomato notes, the tender bell pepper, and the savory sausage.
Prep ~ 5 minutes, Cook ~ 10 to 13 minutes, Total ~ 15 to 18 minutes, Servings ~ 1, Kcal ~ 320
Make-Ahead and Prep Tips
Plan ahead by prepping a few components, this bowl is simple to speed up without losing its fresh flavor. You can mix the cottage cheese with marinara and seasonings up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Slice the chicken sausage and chop the bell pepper early and store them in separate airtight containers so assembly is effortless when you are ready to bake.
If you like to batch-prep proteins or try different textures, cook a few chicken sausages ahead and freeze them in single-use portions, then thaw in the fridge the night before. Also, if you are curious about other ways to use cottage cheese in quick bakes, this recipe pairs well with ideas for making cottage cheese into a loaf, see my simple guide to cottage cheese bread for inspiration on texture and technique.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, cover it well so the top does not dry out. For longer storage, scoop the mixture (before baking) into single-serving freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months, thaw in the fridge overnight before finishing under the broiler or in the microwave.
When reheating from the fridge, use a low and gentle approach to preserve texture, warm for a couple of minutes in the microwave and then a quick broil to revive the top, or reheat in a small oven-safe dish at 350 degrees until warmed through. A freshness cue to watch for is separation of the cottage cheese or a sour smell, which indicates it is past its prime, toss if anything smells off.
Perfect Pairings
- A crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette, the bright acidity cuts through the creaminess.
- Steamed or roasted asparagus, lightly seasoned, for a green, slightly bitter contrast.
- A small side of marinated olives, to echo the Mediterranean notes.
- Sliced roasted tomatoes or a light tomato cucumber salad, for extra freshness.
- Warm, thinly sliced cucumber rounds or zucchini chips, for a crunchy low carb bite.
Variations and Swaps
- Vegetarian option, omit the chicken sausage and add sliced mushrooms and Kalamata olives for a salty, earthy profile.
- Spicy version, swap the chicken sausage for a spicy chicken sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cottage cheese mix.
- Extra greens, stir in a handful of baby spinach into the warm bowl before serving so it wilts slightly into the hot mixture.
- Herb-forward, fold in chopped fresh basil and oregano after baking for a garden-fresh finish.
- Cheesy twist, switch half the mozzarella for a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to add a nutty, savory toastiness.
- Breakfast spin, crack an egg on top just before baking and cook until the white sets for a pizza-style breakfast bowl.
- Lower sodium, choose a low-sodium marinara and unsalted chicken sausage to control salt without losing flavor.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Use an oven-safe ramekin or small ceramic bowl that is evenly thick, this helps the heat distribute without hot spots.
- Space the bowl in the center of the oven so the top gets even browning, avoid placing it too close to the broiler until the final stage.
- Watch the broiler with the oven door ajar if possible, broiling can go from perfect to burned in seconds, look for golden flecks.
- Let the bowl rest for a minute after broiling, the flavors settle and the cottage cheese firms slightly, making it easier to eat.
- If using the microwave, cover loosely to retain steam but avoid soggy condensation, then finish briefly under the broiler for color.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of chicken sausage if I want another lean protein?
You can use sliced turkey pepperoni if you find it, or small pieces of cooked ground turkey or ground chicken. These maintain a meaty texture and pair well with marinara without adding heavy fat.
Is cottage cheese a good base for savory dishes like this?
Yes, cottage cheese is creamy, high in protein, and takes seasoning well, making it a great low-carb base for savory bakes and bowls, especially when blended with sauce and spices.
Can I make this vegan or dairy free?
To make it dairy free you could try a thick tofu ricotta or a plant-based cottage cheese alternative and a dairy-free shredded mozzarella. Keep in mind textures will differ, but the method remains the same.
How can I prevent the top from burning while broiling?
Broil on high only for a brief period, 2 to 3 minutes, and keep the oven door slightly open while watching. If the top browns too quickly, reduce broiling time or move the rack down one notch.
Can I double the recipe for two servings?
Yes, double the ingredients and divide between two oven-safe bowls, or bake in a slightly larger dish, increasing bake time by a few minutes if needed. If using one larger dish, keep an eye on even heating.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a cozy, weeknight-friendly way to capture pizza flavors in a lighter, faster format. The creamy cottage cheese base, bright marinara, tender bell pepper, and savory chicken sausage combine into a bowl that feels indulgent but stays simple. Give it a try the next time you want pizza without the fuss, and feel free to make it your own with herbs, heat, or extra vegetables. You might find this becomes your go-to single-serving comfort food, ready in minutes and always satisfying.
Print
Low Carb Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A creamy, low carb pizza bowl featuring cottage cheese, marinara sauce, bell pepper, and chicken sausage, perfect for a quick, single-serving meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese, low fat
- 1/4 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper, optional
- 1 oz chicken sausage, sliced
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, reduced fat
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese and marinara sauce until pink and creamy.
- Fold in bell pepper and sliced chicken sausage, reserving some sausage slices for topping.
- Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe bowl or ramekin, smoothing the top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and add reserved sausage slices.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until bubbling and cheese is glossy.
- Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until golden, watching carefully.
- Let the bowl cool for a minute before enjoying with a fork.
Notes
You can use any color bell pepper for sweetness. For a spicy kick, consider smoked chicken sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: low carb, pizza bowl, cottage cheese, quick meal, single serving
