High Protein Pizza Bowls

Introduction

I absolutely love this High Protein Pizza Bowl recipe! It’s one of my favorite go-to meals for busy days when I want something delicious and easy to prepare without compromising on flavor or nutrition. These pizza bowls are perfect for meal prepping since they’re quick to make, customizable, and packed with protein to keep me feeling satisfied throughout the day. The combination of cottage cheese for extra protein and the classic pizza toppings makes each bite rich and full of flavor. My family has also become a huge fan, especially since they can be adjusted to suit anyone’s preferences—whether it’s extra cheese, more pepperoni, or even some veggies. If you’re a pizza lover who’s looking for a healthier, protein-packed alternative, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Pizza Bowls

This High Protein Pizza Bowl is everything you love about pizza, minus the carbs and calories from a traditional pizza crust. It’s loaded with protein-packed ingredients like turkey sausage, turkey pepperoni, and cottage cheese, giving it a satisfying, filling quality that’ll keep you full for hours. Plus, it’s super versatile, so you can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, cheesy, or a bit of both, these pizza bowls deliver! They’re also incredibly easy to make and bake, and with just a few ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. The added bonus is that it’s also a great meal prep option, so you can make a batch of these bowls ahead of time and have them ready for the week.

Ingredients

For 1 pizza bowl, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp Rao’s pizza sauce (or any pizza sauce of your choice)
• 1/4 cup low fat cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 slices of turkey pepperoni
• 2 Tbsp turkey sausage crumbles
• Dried oregano (to taste)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Bowl:
   Grease an oven-safe bowl with a light layer of cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. Choose a bowl that’s small to medium-sized, as this will help the pizza bowl cook evenly and maintain its shape.
3. Layer the Pizza Sauce and Cottage Cheese:
   Add 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce to the bottom of the bowl. Then, add 2 tablespoons of low-fat cottage cheese. Stir to combine the sauce and cheese evenly.
4. Add the Toppings:
   Next, sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, 3 slices of turkey pepperoni, and 1 tablespoon of turkey sausage crumbles over the sauce and cottage cheese mixture.
5. Repeat Layers:
   Repeat the layering step with the remaining pizza sauce, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, and sausage.
6. Season the Bowl:
   Sprinkle some dried oregano and crushed red pepper flakes on top for extra flavor and a little heat.
7. Bake:
   Place the pizza bowl in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
8. Serve:
   Once baked, remove the bowl from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your high-protein pizza bowl!

Nutrition Facts (Servings and Calories per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 pizza bowl
• Calories: 182 kcal
• Total Carbohydrates: 3.9g
• Net Carbs: 3.4g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 2.8g
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• WW Points: 6 points (if using Weight Watchers)

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 20 minutes

How to Serve

Here are a few ways to serve this High Protein Pizza Bowl:

• As a Solo Meal:
  Enjoy the pizza bowl on its own as a filling and satisfying lunch or dinner.
• With a Side Salad:
  Pair the pizza bowl with a simple side salad of greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette dressing for a balanced meal.
• Top with Fresh Basil:
  After baking, garnish the pizza bowl with some fresh basil or arugula for an added burst of freshness.
• For Extra Protein:
  If you want to boost the protein even further, consider adding grilled chicken, a boiled egg, or even some extra turkey sausage.
• As a Snack:
  This can also be served as a hearty snack, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or pre-workout meal.

Additional Tips

1. Add Veggies:
   You can easily add some veggies to the bowl, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions, for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them before adding to the layers.
2. Use Different Cheeses:
   If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, you can substitute with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
3. Make it Spicy:
   For a spicier version, add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top before baking.
4. Make it Gluten-Free:
   Ensure the turkey pepperoni and sausage are gluten-free if you follow a gluten-free diet. You can also skip the crust and enjoy a pizza-style bowl instead!
5. Customize the Protein:
   Feel free to swap the turkey sausage and pepperoni for lean ground beef, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage if you prefer.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these pizza bowls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the layers of the pizza bowls ahead of time, cover them, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before baking.

2. Can I freeze these pizza bowls?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizza bowls. Just cover them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

3. Can I use regular cheese instead of low-fat cheese?
Yes, you can substitute regular mozzarella cheese if you prefer, but keep in mind that this will increase the calorie and fat content of the dish.

4. How can I make these pizza bowls spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chilies to the toppings for an extra kick. You can also add spicy sausage or hot sauce to the layers.

5. What can I serve with these pizza bowls?
These pizza bowls are great on their own, but you can serve them with a light salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

6. Can I use a different kind of sauce?
Yes, feel free to use any pizza or pasta sauce you prefer. You could even use pesto or Alfredo sauce for a different flavor.

7. Can I use regular pepperoni instead of turkey pepperoni?
Yes, regular pepperoni can be used, but keep in mind that turkey pepperoni is a leaner option with fewer calories.

8. How can I make this vegetarian?
Skip the meat toppings (pepperoni and sausage) and add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You can also add plant-based protein for a more filling meal.

9. Can I bake this in a regular baking dish instead of a bowl?
Yes, you can use a small baking dish or a casserole dish to bake these pizza bowls if you prefer.

10. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Conclusion

These High Protein Pizza Bowls are the perfect solution when you’re craving pizza but want a healthier, more satisfying option. With a combination of delicious, protein-packed ingredients like turkey sausage, turkey pepperoni, and cottage cheese, these pizza bowls deliver on flavor without the extra calories and carbs of traditional pizza. Whether you make them for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, they’re quick, easy, and customizable. Plus, they’re a great way to enjoy pizza in a healthier way while still getting all the comforting flavors you love. Try these pizza bowls today and enjoy a delicious, protein-packed twist on your favorite pizza!

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