Introduction

Remember those nights when dinner felt like a mountain to climb? You’re tired, the kids are hungry, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. I get it! That’s why I’m so excited to share this Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake with you. It’s like a warm hug in a dish, bursting with all your favorite pizza flavors without any of the fuss. Seriously, this recipe is so simple, it’s practically magic, and it’ll become your new go-to for those busy evenings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: From start to finish, you’ll be enjoying this comforting bake in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Easy: Minimal prep and simple steps mean even beginners can master this dish.
Giftable: Imagine bringing a fresh, hot bake to a new parent or a friend who’s under the weather. It’s a thoughtful, delicious gift!
Crowd-pleasing: Pizza flavors are universally loved, and this bake delivers all that goodness in a unique and satisfying way.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, right? And for this bake, it’s super straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup Turkey pepperoni, mini slices: These little flavor bombs are a must! They add that classic pizza punch.
1/2 tsp Garlic powder: A little bit of garlic magic to elevate all those savory notes.
3 Eggs, large: Our binding agents, making everything come together beautifully.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: This blend is like a shortcut to authentic Italian flavor. Think oregano, basil, thyme – all the good stuff!
1 Pinch Salt and pepper: Just to make all the other flavors sing.
2 cups Cottage cheese: The star of our bake! It’s creamy, tangy, and makes for an incredibly satisfying base.
1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Because what’s pizza without that glorious, melty cheese pull?
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: For that extra nutty, sharp flavor that just makes everything taste more sophisticated.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s easier than you think.

Preheat Your Oven: First things first, get your oven warmed up to 375°F (190°C). And while it’s heating, lightly grease a baking dish. I like to use a medium-sized one, about 8×8 inches, but anything similar will work perfectly.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and the eggs. Make sure they’re well combined – you want a smooth, creamy mixture.
Add the Flavor Boosters: Now, stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it another good mix. This is where all those delicious pizza aromas start to kick in!
Fold in the Goodies: Gently fold in about half of your shredded mozzarella cheese and all of the turkey pepperoni slices. We’re saving some cheese for the topping, so don’t go all in just yet!
Pour and Top: Pour the cottage cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. This cheesy crust is going to be divine!
Bake to Perfection: Pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set and it smells absolutely amazing.
Let It Rest: This is the hardest part – waiting! Let the bake sit for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it set up nicely.

Substitutions & Additions

Feeling inspired to get a little creative? I love that about you! Here are some ways you can make this bake your own:

Meat Lover’s Delight: While turkey pepperoni is fantastic, feel free to use regular pepperoni, cooked crumbled sausage, or even diced ham. Just make sure any raw meats are cooked before adding them.
Veggie Power: Add in some finely chopped bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or black olives. Sautéing them briefly before adding can help reduce excess moisture.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick if you like things a little spicy.
Cheese Swap: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like cheddar or provolone.
Herbal Infusion: If you have fresh basil or oregano, chop some up and sprinkle it in for an extra burst of freshness.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks can make all the difference between a good bake and a truly great bake. Here are some of my tried-and-true tips:

Drain Your Cottage Cheese: If your cottage cheese seems particularly watery, you can drain off a little of the liquid before mixing. This helps prevent a too-runny bake.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on it in the oven. Overbaking can sometimes lead to a drier texture. You’re looking for that golden-brown bubbly perfection, not a brick!
Prep Ahead: You can totally assemble this bake up to a day in advance. Cover it and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Uniform Slices: For the pepperoni, mini slices are great because they distribute easily. If you have larger slices, you might want to chop them up a bit.

How to Store It

Leftovers? Lucky you! This bake is just as delicious, if not more so, the next day.

Once cooled, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can pop a slice in the microwave or warm it up gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through. I sometimes even enjoy a cold slice straight from the fridge – it’s that good!

FAQs

Can I make this bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I use regular cottage cheese or do I need low-fat?

You can use any kind of cottage cheese you prefer! Regular, low-fat, or even fat-free will work. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

What kind of baking dish is best?

A medium-sized baking dish, around 8×8 inches, is ideal. You can also use a 9-inch pie plate or a similar-sized oven-safe skillet. Just ensure it’s deep enough to hold all the ingredients.

Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake

A quick and easy weeknight dinner that tastes like pizza but is made with cottage cheese and is naturally gluten-free.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

Oven Preheated to 375°F (190°C)
Baking dish Medium-sized, about 8x8 inches or similar
Medium bowl
Whisk
Spatula

Ingredients

Main ingredients

0.5 cup Turkey pepperoni, mini slices
0.5 tsp Garlic powder
3 large Eggs
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 pinch Salt and pepper
2 cups Cottage cheese Can be any kind: regular, low-fat, or fat-free.
1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded Reserve half for topping.
0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish (about 8x8 inches).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and eggs until well combined and creamy.
Stir in the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Gently fold in about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all of the turkey pepperoni slices.
Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly and the edges are set.
Let the bake rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

This bake is naturally gluten-free and can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.