Low-Carb Pizza Bowls

A few months ago, we had one of those “everyone’s starving, but no one wants takeout again” evenings. I looked at the fridge, saw cottage cheese, some leftover marinara, and a half-used bag of shredded mozzarella. Out of habit, I almost reached for pasta—but something clicked.

My kids love pizza, but we’d been dialing down carbs, and honestly, I was too tired for dough. So, I layered the ingredients into little ramekins, tossed them in the oven, and waited, fingers crossed. The result? Pizza joy in under 15 minutes. Everyone had their own bowl. There were no leftovers.

These Low Carb Pizza Bowls became an instant family hit. The flavors are familiar, comforting, and indulgent—but they feel light and energizing. No post-dinner slump, no carb crash.

And the best part? No rolling, no dough sticking to the counter, no mess. Just a warm, cheesy, saucy bowl of everything you love about pizza.

Short Description

A fast, crustless version of pizza in a bowl—low-carb, cheesy, saucy, and perfect when you’re craving pizzazz without carbs.

Ingredients

Main ingredients

• ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
• ½ cup marinara or low-sugar pizza sauce
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 oz pepperoni, chopped, plus slices for topping
• ¼ cup chopped bell pepper (any color)

Seasonings

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Substitutions

• High-fat option: Use full-fat cottage cheese and whole-milk mozzarella
• Vegetarian: Skip pepperoni; stir in mushrooms or olives
• Extra protein: Add cooked Italian sausage or diced chicken

Tools Needed

• Small oven-safe bowls (or ramekins)
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Mix the base
In a bowl, stir together cottage cheese, marinara sauce, chopped bell pepper, chopped pepperoni, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Fill and top
Divide the mixture into oven-safe bowls. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and arrange extra pepperoni slices on top.

Step 3: Bake and broil
Bake at 200 °C (400 °F) for 8–10 minutes until everything is bubbling. Then broil on high for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is golden.

Step 4: Serve immediately
Let cool 2 minutes, then dig in—each bite is warm, saucy, and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 15 minutes—no crust, no fuss
• Low-carb but high in cozy flavors
• Single servings mean no waste and easy portion control
• Fully customizable with different toppings

Helpful Tips and Cooking Notes

• Blending the cottage cheese smooths texture if you prefer it creamy
• Choose low-sugar marinara (under 4 g carbs/serving)
• Use ramekins for cute presentation and easy portioning
• Let bowls rest a minute after broiling—they’ll firm up nicely

Nutritional Benefits & Fun Facts

Cottage cheese delivers protein and calcium, while mozzarella adds more protein and indulgence. The dish stays low-carb by skipping crust and leaning on fresh veggies and lean protein. A stylish, guilt-free meal without compromise.

Final Dish & Serving Suggestions

Each bowl arrives bubbling and aromatic: golden cheese on top, vivid sauce flecked with pepperoni and peppers. It tastes like cozy Friday-night pizza but with that home-kitchen glow. Try it with a crisp side salad or fresh cucumber slices—simple, bright, balanced.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot—oven keeps the edges crisp
• Not ideal for freezing due to cottage cheese texture

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes—you’ll get a slightly tangier, creamier base. Drain thicker yogurt for best texture.

2. What other toppings work well?
Cooked sausage, bacon bits, olives, spinach, mushrooms—all great options.

3. Is this family‑friendly?
Absolutely. My kids love scooping their own bowls—they feel served and special.

4. Can I prep ahead?
Yes. Assemble bowls, cover, refrigerate, then bake when ready. Add a couple minutes to bake time.

5. Can I skip the oven?
You can microwave for 1½–2 minutes until hot and melty—just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

Low Carb Pizza Bowls are a reminder that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few fridge staples and a little creativity, dinner can feel indulgent and effortless at the same time.

If you try it, let me know how it went—or show me what fun toppings you used. I love seeing everyone’s spin on cozy kitchen favorites.