Protein-Packed Pizza Style Bake

This pizza-inspired cottage cheese bake delivers all the flavors of your favorite pizza with a protein-packed twist that's perfect for busy weeknights. I created this recipe when looking for ways to increase protein in our family meals without sacrificing the foods my kids love.

The first time I made this dish, my pizza-obsessed teenagers were skeptical about the cottage cheese base, but after one bite, they were completely converted. Now it's in our regular dinner rotation, especially on busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• Cottage cheese: Creates the creamy base while providing excellent protein
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add additional protein
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Delivers that authentic pizza stretch and flavor
• Mini turkey pepperoni slices: Offer the classic pizza taste with less fat than traditional pepperoni
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds depth and savory notes
• Italian seasoning: Brings all the traditional pizza herbs in one convenient blend
• Garlic powder: Infuses the dish with that essential garlic flavor without the prep work
• Salt and pepper: Balance all the flavors perfectly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to exactly 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent any sticking. The square dish gives you perfect portions when cutting.

Create The Base Mixture:

In a large bowl, whisk together cottage cheese and eggs until smooth and well combined. This forms the protein-rich foundation of your dish. Take your time with this step to break down any large cottage cheese curds.

Incorporate The Flavors:

Add the shredded mozzarella, most of the mini turkey pepperoni, all of the parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.

Assemble And Decorate:

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly to all corners. Top with your reserved pepperoni slices, arranging them in a pattern that will allow each serving to have some visible pepperoni.

Bake To Perfection:

Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You will know it's done when the edges are set, the top is golden brown, and the center is no longer jiggly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be amazing.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the dish set up properly so your slices will hold together better. Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side for the ultimate pizza experience.

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The cottage cheese is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. While many people turn their nose up at cottage cheese, when baked this way it transforms into a creamy, delicious base that even picky eaters enjoy. I discovered this by accident when trying to use up extra cottage cheese from my fridge, and now I keep it stocked specifically for this dish.

Storage And Meal Prep

This dish is excellent for meal prep. After cooling completely, cut into individual portions and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave from refrigerated for about 1 minute or from frozen for 2-3 minutes until heated through. I often make a double batch on Sundays to have quick protein-packed lunches throughout the week.

Veggie Variations

While the basic recipe is delicious, adding vegetables takes it to another level nutritionally. Try adding 1 cup of chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even artichoke hearts. Just be sure to sauté any watery vegetables like mushrooms beforehand to remove excess moisture. My family particularly loves the spinach and mushroom version, which reminds them of a supreme pizza.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish works beautifully as a main course served with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side. It also makes an excellent brunch option alongside fresh fruit. For a more substantial meal, consider serving with a side of roasted Italian vegetables or garlic bread for those who aren't watching their carbs. My teenage athletes particularly enjoy this after sports practice with a side of garlic bread for extra carbohydrates.

The History Behind The Dish

This recipe is a modern take on Italian-American cuisine, combining the beloved flavors of pizza with the protein-focused approach of contemporary healthy eating. Traditional Italian cuisine often features egg-based dishes like frittatas, but this version leans into American fusion cooking with its pizza flavors and emphasis on protein content. I developed it during the height of the high-protein diet trend but kept it in our rotation because it simply tastes fantastic.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the cottage cheese with something else?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese as mentioned in the notes for a creamier texture. Greek yogurt can also work, though it may alter the flavor profile slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers of this dish?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish also freezes well - cut into individual portions, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

The dish as written includes turkey pepperoni, which is not vegetarian. However, you can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the turkey pepperoni with vegetarian pepperoni alternatives, or adding vegetables like bell peppers and olives for a similar flavor profile.

→ What can I serve with this cottage cheese bake?

This bake pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for those wanting additional carbs. The recipe suggests serving with marinara sauce for dipping, which complements the pizza flavors perfectly.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! As mentioned in the notes, spinach and mushrooms work well in this dish. You could also add diced bell peppers, olives, onions, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté vegetables with high water content before adding to remove excess moisture.

→ How can I tell when the bake is fully cooked?

The bake is done when it's set in the center (not jiggly), and the top is bubbly with golden-brown cheese. You can also insert a knife into the center - it should come out clean with no uncooked egg mixture.