A creamy, protein-packed, low-carb casserole that delivers all the flavors of pepperoni pizza in a cozy baked dish. I love that it gives me the comfort of pizza without the heavy crust, making it perfect for a lighter dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it feels indulgent but still fits into a low-carb lifestyle. The cottage cheese makes it rich and creamy, while the eggs and mozzarella hold everything together into a satisfying bake. I like topping it with turkey pepperoni for a pizza-like flavor, but I can easily change it up with vegetables or different cheeses. It’s quick to prep, bakes in under 40 minutes, and reheats beautifully for meal prep.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cups cottage cheese
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3 large eggs
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup mini turkey pepperoni slices
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Pinch of salt and pepper
directions
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I preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, I whisk together the cottage cheese and eggs until smooth.
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I stir in the mozzarella cheese, most of the mini turkey pepperoni (saving a little for topping), Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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I pour the mixture into the baking dish and smooth the top.
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I arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top.
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I bake it for 30–35 minutes, until the casserole is set and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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After letting it cool for a few minutes, I slice and serve it—often with marinara sauce for dipping.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings. Prep takes about 10 minutes, and baking takes around 35 minutes, so the total time is 45 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
I sometimes add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. For a creamier texture, I swap cottage cheese with ricotta. When I want a vegetarian version, I replace pepperoni with roasted vegetables. I can also use plant-based pepperoni for a lighter twist.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, I wrap individual slices in foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat from frozen, I bake them in the oven for about 20–25 minutes. If reheating from the fridge, a quick warm-up in the microwave or oven works well.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, I like preparing the mixture the night before and refrigerating it. When I’m ready, I just bake it as directed.
Can I use regular pepperoni instead of turkey pepperoni?
Absolutely, I can use regular pepperoni, plant-based pepperoni, or even just veggies if I prefer.
What can I serve with this dish?
I usually pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It also goes great with marinara sauce on the side.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta cheese works perfectly if I want a smoother, creamier texture.
How do I know when it’s fully baked?
I check that the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly. If the middle jiggles, I give it a few more minutes.
Conclusion
I love how this cottage cheese pepperoni pizza bake brings together the flavors of pizza in a healthier, high-protein form. It’s easy to customize, makes great leftovers, and feels comforting while still being light. Whether I’m meal prepping or craving something cozy, this dish always delivers.
Print
Cottage Cheese Pepperoni Pizza Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, protein-packed, low‑carb casserole that delivers all the flavors of pepperoni pizza in a cozy baked dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini turkey pepperoni slices
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and grease a 9×9‑inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and eggs until smooth.
- Stir in the mozzarella cheese, most of the mini turkey pepperoni (reserve some for topping), Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the bake is set and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve—ideally with a side of marinara sauce for dipping!
Notes
- Try adding chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- You can replace cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Use regular or plant‑based pepperoni, or substitute with vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in foil for easy meal prep; reheat from frozen in oven (~20–25 min).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg