Introduction
If you’re craving pizza but want a healthier, protein-packed alternative, these High Protein Pizza Bowls are the perfect solution! With all the cheesy, saucy goodness of a traditional pizza, this dish swaps the crust for a creamy, high-protein cottage cheese base, topped with turkey sausage, turkey pepperoni, and plenty of melty mozzarella. These bowls are quick, customizable, and ideal for meal prep or a satisfying snack. Let’s dive into this guilt-free pizza indulgence!
Ingredients
- 1 cup blended cottage cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup turkey sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup turkey pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Blend Cottage Cheese:
- Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. This will create a rich and creamy base for your pizza bowls.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well blended and evenly seasoned.
Step 2: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the Base:
- Evenly distribute the cottage cheese mixture into two oven-safe bowls. This will serve as the foundation for your pizza bowls.
- Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the base in each bowl.
- Layer with crumbled turkey sausage and turkey pepperoni slices.
- For an added kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the toppings.
Step 3: Bake
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Bowls:
- Place the assembled bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
Step 4: Serve
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the bowls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- Serve warm as a satisfying meal or hearty snack.
Cooking Notes
- Cottage Cheese Alternative: If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for the base.
- Protein Boost: Add diced grilled chicken or extra turkey sausage for even more protein.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace turkey sausage and pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these pizza bowls with a crisp side salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Serve alongside garlic breadsticks or roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor.
- These bowls can also be enjoyed as a standalone snack or post-workout meal.
Tips
- Meal Prep: Make multiple bowls ahead of time, cover them with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake as instructed.
- Customizable Toppings: Use your favorite pizza toppings such as black olives, jalapeños, or pineapple.
- Portion Control: Use smaller ramekins to create snack-sized portions for on-the-go meals.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 870mg
Conclusion
High Protein Pizza Bowls offer a mouthwatering way to satisfy your pizza cravings while sticking to your health goals. Packed with protein, these bowls are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. Whether you enjoy them as a main course or a protein-rich snack, these pizza bowls are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
PrintHigh Protein Pizza Bowls
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup blended cottage cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup turkey sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup turkey pepperoni slices
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Blend Cottage Cheese:
- Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. This will create a rich and creamy base for your pizza bowls.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well blended and evenly seasoned.
Step 2: Assemble the Bowls
- Divide the Base:
- Evenly distribute the cottage cheese mixture into two oven-safe bowls. This will serve as the foundation for your pizza bowls.
- Add Toppings:
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the base in each bowl.
- Layer with crumbled turkey sausage and turkey pepperoni slices.
- For an added kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the toppings.
Step 3: Bake
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Bowls:
- Place the assembled bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
Step 4: Serve
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Remove the bowls from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- Serve warm as a satisfying meal or hearty snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 310
- Sodium: 870mg
- Protein: 35g