When a brand sent me an almost comical amount of cottage cheese, I knew I had to get creative. Luckily, cottage cheese is one of my favorite ingredients because it’s incredibly versatile. It works just as well in sweet recipes as it does in savory ones, and it’s an easy way to add extra protein to meals without sacrificing flavor.
This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake might be one of my favorite creations yet. It has all the flavors of a cheesy pepperoni pizza, but in the form of a protein-packed casserole. The cottage cheese creates a creamy, satisfying base, while marinara, mozzarella, pepperoni, and a drizzle of hot honey make every bite taste like your favorite pizza. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, perfect for meal prep, and a great way to use up that container of cottage cheese sitting in your fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake
If you love pizza but want something a little more filling and protein-packed, this recipe checks every box. Blending the cottage cheese creates a creamy, cheesy base that bakes into a sliceable casserole with plenty of flavor. The combination of melty mozzarella, savory pepperoni, tangy marinara, and sweet hot honey gives you everything you love about pizza in an easy baked dish. It’s simple to make, reheats beautifully, and is a great option for lunch, dinner, or meal prep throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list is simple, but each one helps create that classic pizza flavor.
2% or full fat cottage cheese creates a rich, creamy base while adding plenty of protein. I haven’t made it with a nonfat cottage cheese.
Mozzarella and parmesan provide cheesy flavor and help the bake hold together.
Cornstarch gives the mixture structure as it bakes, creating clean slices instead of a runny casserole.
Mini turkey pepperoni adds savory bites throughout the bake, while marinara and extra mozzarella create the classic pizza topping everyone loves. I topped mine with some large pepperoni I had as well, but you can top it with minis.
A drizzle of hot honey at the end ties everything together with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and salty flavors.
How to Make This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake
Start by preheating your oven and lightly greasing an 8×8-inch baking dish. Blend the cottage cheese until mostly smooth, then whisk it together with the eggs until combined. A few small curds are perfectly fine.
Stir in the mozzarella, parmesan, most of the pepperoni, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until everything is evenly mixed. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake until the center is mostly set and the edges begin to turn golden.
Remove the bake from the oven and spread the marinara sauce evenly across the top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and pepperoni before returning it to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’d like a crispier finish, broil for a minute or two until lightly browned.
Let the bake rest for several minutes before slicing, then finish each serving with a generous drizzle of hot honey and fresh basil if desired.
Tips for Success
- Blending the cottage cheese creates the smoothest texture and helps the finished bake resemble a cheesy pizza casserole.
- Allow the bake to rest before slicing so it has time to firm up.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella if possible for the best melt and texture.
- Don’t skip the hot honey. It balances the rich cheese and savory pepperoni with just the right amount of sweetness and heat.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through. This recipe is perfect for meal prep since the flavors are just as delicious the next day.
Variations
- Swap the pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage, grilled chicken, or sautéed vegetables.
- Use spicy marinara for extra heat.
- Add mushrooms, olives, peppers, or onions to make it taste like your favorite pizza combination.
- Make it vegetarian by leaving out the pepperoni and loading it with vegetables instead.
People Also Ask
Can you taste the cottage cheese?
Not really. Once blended and baked with the cheeses and seasonings, the cottage cheese becomes creamy and mild, allowing the pizza flavors to shine.
Why blend the cottage cheese?
Blending creates a smoother texture that resembles a cheesy casserole rather than noticeable cottage cheese curds.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the bake several hours in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Let it cool completely, slice into portions, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
What should I serve with it?
A simple salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread all pair perfectly with this pizza bake.
More Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re looking for more creative ways to use cottage cheese, here are a few of my favorite recipes:
- Creamy Cottage Cheese Parmesan Basil Protein Pasta
- Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Waffles
- Sweet Potato Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Cottage Cheese Pancakes
- High Protein Mac & Cheese
- High Protein Buffalo Chicken Pasta
Whether you’re trying to add more protein to your meals or simply looking for new ways to use cottage cheese, these recipes prove just how versatile this ingredient can be.
Cottage Cheese Pizza Bake with Pepperoni & Hot Honey
Equipment
- 8×8 Pan
- Oven
- Blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese I used 2%, full fat works well here too
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- ⅓ to ½ cup mini turkey pepperoni divided
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- ⅓ cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- Remaining pepperoni
- 4 tsp Hot honey for drizzling
- Fresh basil for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 390°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Blend the cottage cheese until mostly smooth. Transfer it to a large bowl and whisk together with the eggs until combined.
- Stir in the mozzarella, parmesan, most of the pepperoni, cornstarch, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until evenly mixed.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the center is mostly set and the edges are lightly golden.
- Spread the marinara sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and reserved pepperoni. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Broil for 1 to 2 minutes if desired for extra browning. Let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Finish with hot honey and fresh basil before serving.
