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These Mini Cottage Cheese Pizza Bites are gluten free, high protein, and low carb. They taste just like the pizza bites you used to eat growing up but made with simple, nutrient dense ingredients. With a light, fluffy crust, melted browned cheese, and crisp pepperoni, they might even be better! They’re surprisingly easy to whip up and are the best way to enjoy your classic pizza flavor in bite-size perfection.
I’m a big fan of pizza and a big fan of cottage cheese, and surprisingly these two together make the perfection combination that nobody saw coming. I’ve shared a lot of pizza alternatives like my High Protein Breakfast Pizza, Mini Broccoli Pizza Bites, and Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl because there are only so many times in a row you can enjoy a classic pizza slice but for times when you’re craving the flavor but want to switch things up, these are ideal! I make these more than I’d like to admit 🙈 And for days I’m looking to get some extra protein in, I’ve been loving my Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust and thought it would be so good as mini bites. So, I got to work in the kitchen and VOILA these high protein bites were created!
They remind me so much of the pizza bagel bites I used to have as a kid and while the flavor and texture are very similar, there are a lot of (great) differences. First, these are actually good for you because they have only six simple ingredients, no added sugars, oils, preservatives, fillers, etc. Proof that the laundry list of ingredients on those packaged foods aren’t necessary! Second, these are packed with protein and healthy fats from the cottage cheese, eggs, shredded cheese and any other proteins you choose to add. Being focused on healthy fats and protein means these bites will keep you full and satisfied longer without a huge blood sugar spike or lingering sugar cravings even when you’re full. Last but not least, they’re nutrient dense from a whole-food source, not synthetic added in – calcium, choline, B vitamins, vitamin D, Selenium, and antioxidants. That’s pretty good for such an easy recipe!
I love making these for an appetizer when I have people over, bringing to someone’s house, prepping for the week, or just when my inner child is craving a little something nostalgic. Whether you’re an adult or making these for kids, these are a huge crowd pleaser!
Why You’ll Love These
- Meal prep friendly– Make these ahead and pop in the air fryer, oven, or microwave for a melty, satisfying bite in minutes. Or enjoy them cold if you have a thing for cold pizza too. They’re perfect for a quick snack or addition to a meal!
- Customizable – Whether you have a picky eater or are just in the mood to switch things up, you can add different toppings each time you make these. If you have multiple people that want different types of pizza, you could easily make different types all in one pan. Forget ordering multiple pizzas out, this is way cheaper and more delicious!
- Dietary friendly – These are gluten free, high protein, low carb, and keto friendly.
What You’ll Need
- Cottage cheese – I use full-fat cottage cheese because it creates a firm base since it’s less watery than lesser fat cottage cheese but any will work! My favorites are Good Culture and Kalona Supernatural.
- Eggs
- Italian seasoning – Use a premade mix or add whatever spices you have on hand.
- Marinara sauce – I like to switch it up between a regular marinara and a spicy version.
- Shredded mozzarella – You could use any type of shredded cheese you prefer!
- Toppings of choice – turkey pepperoni, red pepper flakes, veggies, etc.
Pizza Topping Ideas
- BBQ chicken – shredded chicken, bbq sauce, red onion, basil
- Deluxe Veggie – chopped bell peppers, red onion, sliced black olives, mozzarella cheese
- Pesto – pesto, mushrooms, arugula, tomatoes, balsamic drizzle
- Buffalo chicken – shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, red onion, mozzarella cheese
How To Make
- Preheat oven to 350F and lightly grease the cups of a muffin pan with oil. (Tip: You could skip adding oil and use a silicone muffin pan instead.)
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, eggs, and mix until everything is fully combined. Then add the seasoning and mix again. (Tip: If you want a smoother texture, blend this instead of mixing by hand.)
- Scoop the mixture into each cup of the muffin pan, about 3/4 full, making sure to leave enough space at the top for them to rise without spilling over.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until firm and slightly golden.
- Add one to two tablespoons of marinara sauce on top of each cup. Sprinkle each with shredded mozzarella and any other toppings you want.
- Broil in the oven until the cheese melts (Tip: For me this took about three minutes!)
- Let the pizzas cool for a few minutes to firm up and enjoy!
Recommended Tools
- Oil spray bottle – I love this bottle for turning any oil into a spray oil, saves money and is super easy to use!
- Muffin pan – Or use a silicone muffin pan for easier removal.
- Glass mixing bowls
- Silicone spatula
- Food processor or blender – If you want a smoother texture, you can blend everything for the base instead of just mixing in a bowl.
Try These Other Favorite Pizza Recipes
Healthy Greek Yogurt Pizza Crust (Gluten Free, High Protein)
Viral Cloud Pizza (Gluten Free, High Protein)
High Protein Pizza Toast (Gluten Free)
Mini High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizzas (Gluten Free, Low Carb)
Ingredients
- 1 – 16oz container cottage cheese
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Optional pizza toppings: turkey pepperoni, veggies, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and lightly grease cups of a muffin pan with oil.
- In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese and eggs. Mix together until everything is fully combined.
- Add seasoning and mix again.
- Fill each cup of the pan about 3/4 full, leaving space at the top for them to rise.
- Bake for 35 min until firm and slightly golden yellow.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons marinara, shredded cheese, and other toppings of choice to each pizza cup.
- Broil in the oven until the cheese is melted (about 3 min).
- Let them cool for a bit, scoop out of the pan, and enjoy!
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