Description
This Easy Pizza Cottage Cheese Bake is a delicious and creamy casserole that combines the rich flavors of cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni, topped with a savory swirl of pizza sauce. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this baked dish is simple to prepare and yields 6 hearty servings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- â…“ cup pizza sauce
- 15–20 slices pepperoni
Optional Ingredients
- ¼ cup ricotta or cream cheese (in dollops)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and half (½ cup) of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir well until thoroughly mixed.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour the cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly for an even bake.
- Add Pizza Sauce: Spoon the pizza sauce over the top of the cheese mixture and lightly swirl it with a spoon to distribute the sauce evenly without mixing it completely into the base.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish for a rich, cheesy crust.
- Top with Pepperoni and Optional Cheese: Arrange the pepperoni slices over the top. If desired, add dollops of ricotta or cream cheese for an extra creamy texture.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Slice into portions and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the pepperoni with your preferred pizza toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for a veggie-friendly version.
- Ricotta or cream cheese dollops are optional but add a lovely creaminess and richness to the bake.
- Use low-sodium pizza sauce and cheese options if you are watching your sodium intake.
- Make sure to lightly grease your baking dish to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
- This dish can be refrigerated and reheated, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.
