Pizza-Style Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

Introduction

This pizza-style cottage cheese bake is a comforting and cheesy dish that combines creamy cottage cheese with classic Italian flavors. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family meal or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cottage cheese (full fat or low-fat, depending on preference)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 jar (about 2 cups) tomato pasta sauce (or marinara sauce)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil, chopped, for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, stir together cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan until well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering the cheeses are salty.
4. Step 4: Spread half of the tomato pasta sauce evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon the cheese-cottage mixture over the sauce, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5. Step 5: Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cheese layer, spreading gently so some cheese shows through. Sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes, if using, over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is bubbly and the edges turn slightly golden. For a browned top, broil for 1–2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter, herbaceous flavor.
• Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers sautéed with the onions for extra veggies.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce.
• Try substituting part of the cottage cheese with ricotta for a richer texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese in this recipe?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works fine and will reduce the overall fat content, though the dish may be slightly less creamy.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

You can freeze the baked dish for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven to maintain the best texture.

Pizza-Style Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 85 reviews

This Pizza-Style Cottage Cheese Bake is a deliciously creamy and cheesy baked dish featuring layers of cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and rich tomato pasta sauce. Perfect for a comforting meal, it combines sautéed aromatics with Italian herbs, baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh herbs for a flavorful twist on traditional pizza flavors without the crust.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups cottage cheese (full fat or low-fat, depending on preference)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Tomato Sauce Layer

• 1 jar (about 2 cups) tomato pasta sauce (or marinara sauce)

Aromatics and Seasonings

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil, chopped, for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant.
3. Build the Base Layer: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, stirring until the mixture is thick and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, being cautious as the cheeses already contain salt.
4. Assemble the Bake: Spread half of the tomato pasta sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the cheese-cottage mixture evenly over the sauce and smooth the top with a spatula. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cheese layer, gently spreading it so some of the cheese peeks through. Sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over the top.
5. Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the top is bubbly and the edges turn slightly golden. For a browned top, optionally broil for an additional 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
6. Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bake to rest for 5–10 minutes to set the layers, making it easier to cut and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve warm directly from the dish or portioned onto plates.

Notes

• The recipe allows for full fat or low-fat cottage cheese based on your preference.
• Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste.
• If you prefer fresh basil over dried, add it as a garnish after baking for maximum flavor.
• Broiling is optional and should be monitored closely to prevent burning.
• Can be served as a main dish or a hearty side to a green salad.

Keywords: cottage cheese bake, baked cheese casserole, Italian cheese bake, pizza style casserole, easy baked pasta sauce dish