High-protein Pizza Bowl in ~15 minutes, crispy-melty top, low-carb sauce, and bariatric-friendly portions.
Scoopable, cheese-pull “pizza” you can eat with a spoon, light, fast, and packed with protein.

Why You’ll Love It
- Cottage Cheese Recipes Healthy: 25–30g protein per bowl with minimal carbs.
- Keto Recipes Dinner / Keto Recipes Easy: one air-fryer basket, no dough, 15 minutes.
- Bariatric Friendly Recipes: portionable ramekins; optional extra egg white for a firmer set.
- Custom toppings: pepperoni/turkey pepperoni, mushrooms, peppers—keep it Recette Santé / Low Carb Rezepte friendly.
- Budget-smart pantry meal you’ll make on repeat.
Try these next: protein-packed High-Protein Lasagna Soup, sweet-tooth fix Cottage Cheese Ice Cream, and party-perfect Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Ingredients — notes only
Base (per 2 bowls):
- Low-fat cottage cheese (1 cup) — blend or drain for less whey.
- Sugar-free/low-sugar marinara (½ cup) — keep carbs down.
- Part-skim mozzarella (½ cup) — melts without greasiness.
- Parmesan (2 Tbsp) — salty punch + browning.
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, salt/pepper.
- Optional set: 1 egg white mixed into cottage cheese (more protein + firmer texture).
Toppings (choose 2–3):
- Turkey pepperoni or regular; diced bell pepper; sliced mushrooms; olives; red onion; fresh basil.
Equipment:
- Two 8-oz oven-safe ramekins (or mini cast-iron), oil spray, foil sling for easy lift.
Step-by-Step (6–8 steps)
- Preheat air fryer 3 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Spray two ramekins.
- Season base: Stir cottage cheese with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and egg white (optional).
- Layer: Spoon 2 Tbsp marinara into each ramekin → half the cottage cheese → a little mozzarella → remaining cottage cheese → remaining marinara.
- Top: Add mozzarella + Parmesan; arrange toppings (don’t overpack).
- Air fry: 375°F for 8–10 min until bubbling and browned at edges.
- Finish: Rest 2–3 min (firms up), scatter basil.
- Serve: Spoon straight from the ramekin.
- Extra crisp: Air-fryer “broil” or 400°F for 1–2 min to caramelize cheese.
Doneness cues: cheese deeply melted with browned spots; sauce bubbles at edges; center hot (160–170°F if checked).
Pro Tips
- Less watery: drain cottage cheese 10 min or pulse 10–15 sec in a blender.
- Stack smart: sauce on both bottom and top keeps “pizza” flavor in every bite.
- Toppings dry = crisp: pat mushrooms/peppers; moisture delays browning.
- Portion control: 8-oz ramekins keep it Bariatric Recipes friendly.
- Meal prep: mix base in a bowl and portion when ready to air-fry.
Variations
- Meat-lovers (Keto): add cooked Italian turkey sausage + pepperoni.
- Veggie supreme: mushrooms, peppers, olives, onions; finish with arugula.
- BBQ chicken bowl: swap marinara for sugar-free BBQ + cooked chicken, red onion, cilantro.
- White “pizza”: skip marinara; add a spoon of ricotta + spinach + extra garlic.
- Spicy: Calabrian chili paste or hot honey (if not strict keto).
How to Serve
Add a green salad, roasted broccoli, or zucchini ribbons. Great with sparkling water + lemon for the full Feta-forward, cottage-cheese healthy-eating vibe.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Fridge (unbaked): cover and chill up to 24 hrs; air-fry +1–2 min.
- Fridge (baked): 3–4 days; reheat 350°F (175°C) 4–5 min or microwave 45–60 sec.
- Freeze: not ideal (dairy texture changes).
FAQs
Why is there liquid on top?
Drain or blend cottage cheese; let bowls rest 2–3 min after cooking.
Can I use whole-milk cottage cheese?
Yes—richer mouthfeel; macros change slightly.
What bowls are safe in an air fryer?
Oven-safe ceramic/metal/enameled cast-iron that fits your basket with airflow.
Is this keto?
Use sugar-free marinara, low-carb toppings, and watch veggie portions; each bowl is low-carb by design.
Simple Nutrition (estimate per bowl, serves 2)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~250 | ~27g | ~8g | ~11g | 2g | 720mg |
| Estimates only; toppings and brands vary. |

Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (drained or blended)
- ½ cup low-sugar marinara sauce
- ½ cup part-skim mozzarella, shredded
- 2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste
- 1 egg white optional (for firmer set, extra protein)
- Toppings (choose 2–3): ¼ cup turkey pepperoni, mushrooms, bell pepper, olives, red onion, basil
Equipment
- air fryer for cooking the bowls
- two 8-oz ramekins
- mixing bowl
- spoon or spatula for layering ingredients
- nonstick spray
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray two 8-ounce ramekins with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, stir cottage cheese with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pepper, and optional egg white until combined.
- Layer in each ramekin: 2 Tbsp marinara → half the cottage cheese → pinch mozzarella → remaining cottage cheese → remaining marinara.
- Top each with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and chosen toppings.
- Air-fry 8–10 minutes until bubbling and golden. Let rest 2–3 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve warm.