Name: High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pepperoni Bake (Low-Carb & Delicious!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cottage cheese; 3 large eggs; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup mini turkey pepperoni slices; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp garlic powder; Pinch of salt and pepper

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Looking for a cozy, cheesy dinner that satisfies your pizza cravings without the carbs? This Cottage Cheese Pepperoni Bake has your back. It’s packed with protein, layered with gooey cheese, studded with mini turkey pepperoni, and seasoned with Italian spices—perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a quick snack with marinara dipping sauce.

This recipe is unbelievably simple, but don’t let that fool you. It’s comfort food magic in a baking dish.

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pepperoni Bake (Low-Carb & Delicious!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in protein: Cottage cheese, eggs, and mozzarella make this a powerhouse meal.
Low-carb and keto-friendly: All the flavor of pizza without the crust.
Great for meal prep: Slice it and store for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Customizable: Add veggies or switch up the meat to your liking.
Kid-approved: That cheesy, pepperoni goodness is hard for anyone to resist.

Ingredients

Tip: you can find the full ingredients and measurements list in the recipe card below

2 cups cottage cheese
3 large eggs
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup mini turkey pepperoni slices (save some for the top)
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little oil.

2. Mix the Base

In a large bowl, whisk the cottage cheese and eggs until smooth and well blended.

3. Add the Good Stuff

Stir in:

Shredded mozzarella
Most of the mini turkey pepperoni (reserve a handful for the topping)
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
A pinch of salt and pepper

Mix until everything is well combined.

4. Assemble and Bake

Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and top with the remaining pepperoni slices.

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly.

5. Rest and Serve

Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping if you’d like.

Variations

Add veggies: Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers work great.
Make it spicy: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
Swap proteins: Use cooked sausage, ground turkey, or even plant-based crumbles.
Change the cheese: Try cheddar, provolone, or an Italian blend instead of mozzarella.

Storage & Reheating

Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Cool completely, slice, and freeze individually for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating:
Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

FAQ

What type of cottage cheese works best?

Use full-fat or low-fat small curd cottage cheese for the creamiest texture.

Can I use regular pepperoni?

Yes! Just cut it into quarters if you want similar bite-sized pieces.

Is this recipe keto?

Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs and perfect for a keto or low-carb diet.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 35–40 minutes.

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, ricotta will work, though it’s a bit richer and less tangy.

How do I know when it’s done?

The center should be firm and not jiggle. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.

What goes well with this dish?

A green salad, roasted veggies, or a warm bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

Is this good for kids?

Definitely! It’s cheesy, mild, and easy to eat.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the night before, cover, refrigerate, and bake the next day.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Try using dairy-free cheese alternatives and a vegan egg substitute, though results may vary.

Conclusion

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or meal-prepping for the week, this Cottage Cheese Pepperoni Bake brings everything to the table—cheesy comfort, protein power, and pizza-inspired flavor. It’s one of those back-pocket recipes you’ll come back to again and again.