Name: Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup Cottage Cheese; 1/3 cup Marinara Sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; 2 tablespoons Bell Pepper (diced, divided); 1 tablespoon Black Olives (slices, divided); 2-3 tablespoons Marinara Sauce (divided); 1/2 cup Mozzarella (divided); 8 Pepperoni Slices

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If you adore all things cheesy and crave the comforting flavors of pizza in a fresh, fun way, then you are going to love this Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe. It takes the beloved classic pizza ingredients and transforms them into a warm, satisfying bowl packed with gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara, and savory pepperoni, all blended with creamy cottage cheese for an unexpected, delightful twist. Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy snack, this recipe is incredibly simple yet impressively flavorful, making it a go-to whenever pizza cravings hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a step-by-step view of a small pizza dip in a white bowl with two handles on a white marbled surface. The first layer has three sections visible: red tomato sauce, white cottage cheese, and green dried herbs on top. The second image shows the ingredients mixed into a creamy orange sauce with bits of white cheese. The third layer has shredded white cheese spread evenly over the sauce, and the fourth layer adds six round red pepperoni slices on top of the cheese. After baking, the final layer shows the cheese melted and golden, with pepperoni slices slightly cooked and a small green basil leaf garnish in the middle. The last image shows a woman's hand using a spoon to lift the warm dip, with cheese stretching and a pepperoni slice on top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with this Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients that are easy to find but essential for delivering that authentic pizza taste and texture. Each plays an important role, bringing color, creaminess, zest, and the perfect melt to your bowl.

Cottage Cheese: Acts as a creamy base adding protein and a smooth texture that complements the cheesy mix perfectly.
Marinara Sauce: Brings that signature tangy tomato flavor that’s crucial for any pizza experience.
Garlic Powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Italian Seasoning: Provides the herbal notes that make the flavors unmistakably pizza-like.
Bell Pepper (diced): Adds crunch and a pop of color for freshness and contrast.
Black Olives (sliced): Offer a briny depth that enhances every bite.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star melt that pulls everything together with gooey, cheesy goodness.
Pepperoni Slices: Classic pizza topping that delivers savory bites and a little spice.

How to Make Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ramekins

Start by grabbing two small ramekins or mini casseroles that are safe for air frying, microwaving, or baking. These little bowls will hold your pizza mixture as it bakes into a bubbly, cheesy delight.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese with marinara sauce, diced olives, bell peppers, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. If you prefer a smoother texture without the cottage cheese curds, simply blend the cottage cheese and marinara before adding the other ingredients for a creamy, uniform base.

Step 3: Add Mozzarella

Fold in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese into your mixture. This adds richness and ensures every spoonful is stringy and delicious once cooked.

Step 4: Fill and Top the Bowls

Divide the mixture evenly between your ramekins. Top each one with a tablespoon of extra marinara sauce, the remaining mozzarella, and arrange the pepperoni slices on top for that irresistible pizza finish.

Step 5: Cook Until Melty and Bubbling

Pop your bowls into the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for around 10 minutes, or microwave on high for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is hot and bubbly. Alternatively, bake in a 400°F oven for about 15-16 minutes until the top is perfectly grilled and golden.

Step 6: Serve with Dippers

Your Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe is ready to enjoy—serve it hot with your favorite low-carb chips or almond flour crackers for a satisfyingly crunchy contrast that makes every bite a delight.

How to Serve Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe

The image shows a white round dish with handles, filled with melted light yellow cheese topped with five shiny, round red pepperoni slices arranged evenly across the surface. A small green basil leaf decorates the center. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth nearby and a small glass cup of white sauce beside it. The top edge of another similar dish is partly visible above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Cheese Pizza Bowls, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top right before serving. Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can provide a gentle kick if you like some heat, and a drizzle of olive oil elevates the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These bowls are filling and flavorful on their own, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds freshness and roundness to the meal. For something heartier, garlic breadsticks or a bowl of soup complement perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Cheese Pizza Bowls in colorful ceramic ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. You can even place them on a wooden serving board surrounded by olives, peppers, and herbs for a charming rustic presentation that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Cheese Pizza Bowls, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their creamy texture and flavorful punch even after chilling.

Freezing

This recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the cottage cheese and fresh toppings, which can change texture upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh, or store any extra portions in the fridge instead.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in the microwave or oven until the cheese is melted again and everything is warmed through. Using an oven or air fryer helps keep the top nicely browned and prevents the dish from becoming too watery.

FAQs

Can I use regular ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Absolutely! Ricotta will give you a smoother, creamier consistency. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and perfect for this dish.

Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

Yes, thanks to the cottage cheese, mozzarella, and low-carb veggies, this Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe fits nicely into low-carb and keto diets, especially when paired with suitable dippers like almond flour crackers.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Of course! Simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with plant-based alternatives or extra veggies to keep the dish flavorful and satisfying.

What can I substitute for marinara sauce if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have marinara, you can use pizza sauce or even a simple tomato sauce seasoned with garlic and herbs to keep that fresh tomato flavor at the heart of the dish.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Substituting all the cheeses can be tricky, but you can experiment with dairy-free cottage cheese and mozzarella alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and melty quality might vary.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese Pizza Bowls Recipe is truly a game-changer when you want all the comfort of pizza without the fuss of dough and baking multiple components. It’s quick, cozy, and endlessly customizable, making it a favorite to return to time and time again. Next time you want a warm, cheesy treat, dive into this recipe and enjoy a bowl full of deliciousness that feels like a pizza party in every bite!