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Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake

Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake
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Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that captures the classic flavors of pizza in a creamy, cheesy bake. Combining protein-rich cottage cheese with tangy marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, and fresh herbs, this dish offers a versatile meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack. With quick prep and simple cleanup, it’s an ideal wholesome option that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Base

  • 1 ½ cups whole-milk cottage cheese, drained
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Other Ingredients

  • ½ cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare your baking dish: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with olive oil to prevent the cheese from sticking and to help achieve a beautiful golden crust.
  2. Mix the cheese base: In a large bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed, creating a creamy and flavorful cheese blend.
  3. Layer tomato sauce and cheese mixture: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Next, dollop and spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the sauce to create the second layer of flavor and texture.
  4. Add tomatoes and remaining cheese: Distribute the halved cherry tomatoes over the cheese mixture. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Drizzle a little olive oil over everything to promote a golden finish while baking.
  5. Bake until bubbly and golden: Place your baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on the edges. Watch closely to avoid over-browning.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before slicing and serving warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

  • Use whole-milk cottage cheese for a creamier texture and enhanced richness.
  • Drain excess liquid from cottage cheese to avoid a watery bake.
  • Prefer fresh herbs over dried basil or parsley for vibrant flavor and color.
  • Spread cheese mixture evenly to ensure consistent melting.
  • Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza casserole, cottage cheese bake, easy bake, gluten free, Italian, cheesy bake, quick meal

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