Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a low-carb, keto-friendly twist on traditional pizza, packed with delicious cheese, savory marinara sauce, and flavorful spices. This dish features creamy cottage cheese as the base, complemented by melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, a rich low-carb marinara sauce, crispy pepperoni slices, and a blend of garlic powder and Italian seasoning for the perfect pizza flavor. Topped with fresh basil, this pizza bowl is a satisfying, easy-to-make meal that delivers all the comfort of pizza without the carbs.

Ingredients & Benefits:

1. Cottage Cheese

   • Benefit: Cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium, which help support muscle growth, bone health, and overall well-being. It’s low in fat and can provide a creamy texture to the base of this pizza bowl, making it a hearty yet healthy alternative to traditional pizza dough.

2. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

   • Benefit: Mozzarella is a high-protein cheese that is rich in calcium, which supports bone health. It has a mild, creamy flavor and is perfect for melting, giving your pizza bowl that delicious gooey, cheesy texture. It’s also low in carbs, making it ideal for low-carb and keto diets.

3. Shredded Cheddar Cheese

   • Benefit: Cheddar cheese is a good source of protein and healthy fats, offering a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the mozzarella. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which support various bodily functions, from bone health to immune function.

4. Low-Carb Marinara Sauce

   • Benefit: Low-carb marinara sauce is typically made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, offering a rich and tangy base without the added sugar found in many commercial sauces. Tomatoes are high in vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene, which support heart health and skin protection.

5. Slices of Pepperoni

   • Benefit: Pepperoni adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor to the pizza bowl. While it's a high-fat, processed meat, it’s rich in protein and can add a satisfying crunch when baked. Opt for nitrate-free or uncured pepperoni if you want a cleaner option with fewer additives.

6. Garlic Powder

   • Benefit: Garlic powder imparts a savory, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, supporting heart health and acting as an antioxidant.

7. Italian Seasoning

   • Benefit: Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, which provide a burst of flavor and fragrance to the pizza bowl. These herbs are also rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall health.

8. Salt and Pepper

   • Benefit: Salt is essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing the other ingredients. Black pepper adds a mild heat and aids in nutrient absorption, especially for fat-soluble vitamins.

9. Fresh Basil Leaves

   • Benefit: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, slightly peppery flavor to the pizza bowl and is packed with vitamins A, K, and C. It also contains antioxidants that support immunity and reduce inflammation.

Tips:

• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite low-carb toppings, such as olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cooked ground beef.

• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to give the pizza bowl a bit of heat.

• Use a Larger Dish: If you want to make more servings, you can use a larger casserole dish, but adjust the quantities of each ingredient accordingly.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side salad: Pair your pizza bowl with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar for a balanced meal.

• Low-Carb Bread: Serve with a slice of keto bread or garlic bread for a complete pizza experience without the carbs.

This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a delicious, satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of pizza without the carbs. With its creamy base, melted cheeses, tangy marinara sauce, and crispy pepperoni, it’s sure to become your go-to keto-friendly pizza alternative!