By If you're in need of a quick and easy lunch (or dip), this microwave cottage cheese pizza bowl recipe will do the trick. Unlike similar recipes that load up on the cheese with no other nutrients, this one uses white beans, so it not only packs in 30 grams of protein but also 6g of fiber.
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I've been a long-time skeptic of cottage cheese. Especially when it's not blended. But there's no denying that it makes one of the best (and quickest) high-protein meal-prep lunches. So, after avoiding it for years, I finally tried my version of the viral pizza bowl.
I felt like the original version was lacking because it's literally just cheese and dried spices. My version adds white beans for more oomph and fiber, and fresh basil and hot honey for that wow factor that most microwave recipes lack.
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lunch or dip
This snack always hits as a lunch with some crispy bread, crackers, or veggies. But it really shines because you can easily double or triple the recipe and pop it in a cast-iron to broil it. This result is a fan favorite dip for game day or even meal prep lunch!
key ingredients & swaps
All substitutions are a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted. See the recipe card for quantities.
- Cannelini beans: I prefer to use a soft bean. Great white northern or cannellini work best. But texture-wise, pinto or kidney beans will work too. Looking for more ways to use up your can? Use them in this bone broth mac and cheese or healthier hamburger helper.
- Cheese: It wouldn't be pizza without cheese! We're using cottage cheese (small curd works best) and mozzarella. For more uses, check out our list of cottage cheese dinner ideas!
- Pepperoni: Turkey sausage keeps it lighter. Dice this up with a knife or with kitchen scissors.
- Spices: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper will do the trick. No salt is needed because cottage cheese is already pretty salty.
- Pizza sauce: In testing, this worked best because it has less moisture than marinara sauce. But, marinara will work in a pinch.
- Toppings: Don't forget the fresh basil, honey, and red pepper flakes! They truly make the bowl.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
pizza dippers
For your individual cottage cheese pizza bowl, it's honestly so good that you can just eat it as is. Or, you can enjoy it with crispy bread, gluten-free crackers, or carrots (these are so good with it!).
here's how to nail this recipe every time
- Dice the pepperoni into small pieces so you get some in every bite. To make it look pretty, you can save a few whole pieces for the top.
- So many ways to cook it! You can make it in the microwave for yourself or up the recipe and make it in the oven, or make a cottage cheese pizza bowl in the air fryer.
- If you want the top crispy, either broil it in the air fryer or use a torch (like I do in the video).
quick recipe video
fun mix-ins
You can add whatever you love to this pizza bowl. Ground beef, turkey, chicken, bell peppers, mushrooms. If you like it on a pizza, you can add it to the bowl! Also, if you're a pizza lover then be sure to try our Italian pizza wrap!
let's mix it up
If you love this bowl but are tired of pizza vibes (I get it, it happens), there are so many other ways you can go with it! These all use a similar formula but swap the main ingredients. You'll get it once you see it!
- Mexican: Salsa + cheddar + cottage cheese + black beans
- Greek: Hummus + cottage cheese + feta + olives (top with fresh cucumber and lemon zest)
- Hawaiian: Candain bacon + cottage cheese + mozerella + pineapple + pizza sauce
how to store & meal prep it
To meal prep this, prep everything and just wait to microwave it until you want it. Keep the basil, honey, and red pepper flakes separate for topping. If you've already cooked it, it will last for up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
what to serve with this cottage cheese bowl
If you want a little something more to go with this single-serve pizza bowl, we've got you. Keep the Italian vibes going with my Italian dense bean salad, or add in some more greens from this kale lemon bean salad.
Recipe
microwave cottage cheese pizza bowl recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ c Cannelini beans (drained)
- ⅓ c Cottage cheese (low fat, small curd)
- ¼ c Pizza sauce (or marinara)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 oz Turkey pepperoni (chopped up)
- ¼ c Shredded mozzrella
- ½ teaspoon honey (drizzle of it!)
- Sprinkle of Basil and red pepper flakes for topping
Before you start!
If you make this recipe, please take a moment to leave us a review. We love to hear from you!
Instructions
- Add the ⅓ c Cannelini beans, ⅓ c Cottage cheese, ¼ c Pizza sauce, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and 1 oz Turkey pepperoni to a microwave safe bowl. Mix it all up! Top with ¼ c Shredded mozzrella and a few other pieces of whole pepperoni (really just for looks).
- Microwave for 2-4 minutes or until all the cheese is melted. Top with the ½ teaspoon honey, basil, and red pepper flakes.
Video
Notes
Looking for more information?
Additional substitution information can be found above in the substitution section of this post.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
Ok - this was fabulous! I dipped carrots and thinly sliced baguette with arugula on the side. Also added mushrooms and cherry tomatoes on top instead of the pepperoni just because that is what I love on my pizza! So fun, versatile and yummy! 😋
Ya!! So happy you loved it!
this bowl was really delicious. The nutrition numbers were off for me cause I used my own sauce and chicken sausage instead of pepperoni however the recipe is really good and I will be making this on repeat. 🙂
So happy you loved it!
we love this! its in our dinner recipe rotation. I just tweak a couple things to make it lower sodium to fit our dietary needs!
Fantastic!!
game changer!!!!! my new favorite lunch/dinner/snack its just like eating pizza without all the junk! 10/10!
Amazing! So happy to hear that!
Is there something I can use instead of Cottage cheese, I'm not a fan of cottage cheese?
Ricotta will work!
So yummy!