Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake

$- 2 cups cottage cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red, green, and yellow) - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1/2 cup sliced black olives - 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 package (8 oz) whole wheat pizza crust or flatbread - 1/2 cup marinara sauce The main star here is cottage cheese. It gives a creamy texture and adds protein. The mozzarella adds that melty goodness we all love. The bell peppers and tomatoes bring color and freshness. Black olives add a salty touch, while basil and oregano give it an Italian flair. - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes. This little kick can elevate your pizza bake. You can also toss in other veggies, like mushrooms or spinach, if you want. - Large mixing bowl - Spoon or spatula - Baking dish - Oven You will need a mixing bowl to mix everything well. A spoon helps combine the ingredients. Use a baking dish to hold your pizza bake in the oven. Finally, make sure your oven is ready to cook this delicious meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets your oven ready. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of cottage cheese with half of the mozzarella cheese. Add 1 cup of diced bell peppers. I like to use a mix of red, green, and yellow for color. Then, add 1 cup of diced tomatoes and 1/2 cup of sliced black olives. Next, toss in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well until it looks colorful and tasty. Take your pizza crust or flatbread. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on top, covering it well. Spoon the cottage cheese mixture over the sauce evenly. Make sure it reaches the edges. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. Place the pizza in your preheated oven. Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes. You want it golden and bubbly on top. When it's done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice your Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake into squares or wedges. Serve it warm. This dish pairs well with a crisp salad or some fresh fruit. You can also add more fresh basil on top for extra flavor. Enjoy! To make the best Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake, start with quality ingredients. Good cottage cheese makes a big difference. I recommend using whole milk cottage cheese. It gives a creamy texture. Mix your veggies well for even flavor. Choose fresh bell peppers and ripe tomatoes. This dish needs color and taste. Spread the marinara sauce evenly. It should cover all the crust. Don’t skimp on the mozzarella cheese. It melts and adds great flavor. Bake until the top is golden and bubbly. This usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Let it cool a bit before slicing. This helps with serving. One common mistake is using low-quality cheese. This can make your bake watery. Also, don’t skip the seasoning. Salt and pepper enhance flavors. Another mistake is overcrowding the toppings. Too many veggies can make it soggy. Keep a good balance between the cottage cheese and toppings. Make sure the oven is fully preheated. This ensures even baking. Lastly, avoid cutting it too soon. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the layers set. There are many ways to change up this recipe. Try adding cooked sausage or pepperoni for a meatier version. You can also use different cheeses, like cheddar or feta. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes. If you want a fresh taste, add spinach or arugula on top after baking. You could even swap the marinara sauce for pesto. This adds a unique twist to the dish. Each variation gives a new flavor experience. Enjoy experimenting! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor of your pizza bake, making it more vibrant and delicious. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or protein, such as cooked chicken or turkey pepperoni, to make it your own. Let It Rest: Allow the pizza bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing, as this will help the layers set and make serving easier. Experiment with Cheeses: Try mixing in different cheeses like feta or provolone for a unique flavor profile that complements the cottage cheese. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just focus on your favorite veggies. Try using spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can add more colorful bell peppers for extra flavor. This dish is very flexible. You can mix and match to suit your taste. If you need a gluten-free option, switch out the pizza crust. Use gluten-free flatbread or a cauliflower crust. Check labels to ensure they're truly gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty bake. Feel free to get creative with toppings. Explore options like pepperoni, cooked sausage, or even fresh herbs. You can also try different sauces. Barbecue sauce can give it a fun twist. A pesto base adds a fresh flavor too. The choice is yours! After enjoying your Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool first. Cover it tightly to keep it fresh. It will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza bake on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it's warm all the way through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option. Heat it in 30-second bursts until hot. You can freeze your Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake for longer storage. Cut it into squares or wedges first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use different cheeses in this recipe. Try using ricotta or feta cheese for a new twist. You can also mix in some cheddar or gouda for a richer flavor. Make sure to keep the cheese amount similar to maintain the texture. To make this recipe vegan, swap out the cottage cheese and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives. Use vegan cream cheese or tofu blended with nutritional yeast. For the crust, choose a vegan pizza dough or flatbread. Check the marinara sauce for added sugars or animal products. Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake goes great with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. You can serve it with garlic bread for a delicious touch. Pair it with a light soup, like tomato or minestrone, for a filling meal. Try adding fruit on the side for a sweet contrast. In this blog post, we explored cottage cheese pizza bake. We covered key ingredients, essential tools, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and suggested variations for different diets. Storing leftovers and reheating are also easy. You can even switch up the cheese or make it vegan. I hope you feel ready to try this recipe. Enjoy a delicious meal that your family will love!$

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake

A delicious and healthy pizza bake featuring cottage cheese and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup diced bell peppers
1 cup diced tomatoes
0.5 cup sliced black olives
0.25 cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste salt
to taste pepper
1 package (8 oz) whole wheat pizza crust or flatbread
0.5 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped basil, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the pizza crust or flatbread, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
Spoon the cottage cheese mixture over the sauce, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the cottage cheese layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes.
Slice into squares or wedges and serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference.

Keyword bake, cottage cheese, healthy, pizza