High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowls

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
• 1/3 cup low-sugar marinara sauce, divided
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, plus more for topping
• 1/4 cup chopped black olives, divided
• 1/4 cup diced bell pepper, divided
• 1/4 cup diced onion, divided
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F or approximately 220°C.
2. Combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan, 1/4 cup of the marinara sauce, garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
3. Stir half of the black olives, bell pepper and onion into the cottage-cheese mixture.
4. Divide the mixture evenly between two oven-safe bowls.
5. Top each bowl with the remaining marinara, mozzarella, olives, bell pepper and onion. Add another sprinkle of Italian seasoning and the optional red pepper flakes.
6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until hot and bubbling. For additional browning, place the bowls under the broiler for approximately 1 minute.
7. Alternatively, microwave each assembled bowl for 1 1/2–2 minutes, until piping hot and the cheese has melted.
8. Let the bowls cool briefly before serving with a spoon or optional vegetables, crackers or pita chips for dipping.