Cheese Bake – Easy Protein-Packed Dinner Recipe
This Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake is an easy and protein-packed dinner option that combines creamy cottage cheese with savory turkey pepperoni and melted cheeses. Perfect for a low-carb, satisfying meal with all the flavors of a classic pizza in a healthy baked dish.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini turkey pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cottage Cheese and Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Cheeses and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, most of the mini turkey pepperoni slices (reserve some for the top), grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top the surface with the remaining pepperoni slices for a decorative, flavorful topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bake is fully set, the cheese is bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the pizza flavor experience.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey pepperoni with plant-based pepperoni or omit entirely.
- You can add chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Ensure the baking dish is well greased to prevent sticking and ease slicing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of bake)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: cottage cheese bake, protein packed dinner, low carb pizza bake, turkey pepperoni casserole, easy baked dinner recipe