Cheese Bake – Easy Protein-Packed Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with protein, this Cheese Bake – Easy Protein-Packed Dinner is about to become your new favorite. Combining creamy cottage cheese, melty mozzarella, and those irresistible mini turkey pepperoni slices, every bite delivers a comforting pizza vibe without the fuss of dough. It’s quick to prepare, satisfying to eat, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing that still feels like a treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Each one plays an essential role—from the smooth cottage cheese that adds creaminess, to the zesty Italian seasoning that gives it that classic pizza taste, making this dish both wholesome and delicious.

• 2 cups cottage cheese: The base that keeps the bake creamy and high in protein.
• 3 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together into a perfect, sliceable bake.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
• 1/2 cup mini turkey pepperoni slices: Adds a spicy, meaty kick without overpowering the dish.
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor to deepen the overall taste.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings in that classic flavor profile that screams pizza night.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle yet essential aromatic note.
• Pinch of salt and pepper: To balance and enhance every flavor layer.

How to Make Cheese Bake – Easy Protein-Packed Dinner

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish lightly with oil or nonstick spray to ensure your cheese bake doesn’t stick and to help the edges brown perfectly as it bakes.

Step 2: Mix the Cottage Cheese and Eggs

In a large bowl, whisk the cottage cheese and eggs together until the mixture is smooth and combined. This creates a creamy base that will hold all the other flavors together beautifully in the bake.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Stir in the shredded mozzarella, most of the mini turkey pepperoni (save a few for topping later!), grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mixing these ingredients now ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Top

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and gently spread it evenly. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top for a visually appealing finish and an extra pop of flavor that crisps up in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for the bake to be set in the center with the cheese melted, bubbly, and golden on top. The aroma during baking is an instant preview of the deliciousness to come.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once baked, allow your Cheese Bake – Easy Protein-Packed Dinner to cool for a few minutes so it sets properly. This step makes slicing easier and keeps all those layers intact. Serve warm, ideally with some marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Cheese Bake – Easy Protein-Packed Dinner

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley add a burst of green and a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the rich cheese and pepperoni beautifully. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes provides an extra kick for those who like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

Since this bake is protein-packed and filling, light sides work best. A crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables adds freshness and balances the richness. Marinara sauce for dipping amps up the pizza vibe and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this bake in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized presentation. Layer the mixture a bit with vegetables like roasted bell peppers or spinach to sneak in extra nutrition and color. You can even top each portion with a sunny-side-up egg to elevate it into a gourmet breakfast-style dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheese bake keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors will meld even more, making it just as tasty the next day for a quick lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this bake for up to 2 months. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or pop into freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring or flipping halfway, to keep it evenly heated and prevent rubberiness.

FAQs

Can I use regular pepperoni instead of turkey pepperoni?

Absolutely! Regular pepperoni works just as well and will bring a slightly richer flavor. Feel free to choose your favorite type based on your preference or dietary needs.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This cheese bake contains no gluten ingredients, making it suitable for gluten-free diets. Just double-check your seasonings to be safe.

Can I substitute cottage cheese with ricotta?

Ricotta can be used as a substitute, though cottage cheese gives a nice texture and protein boost. If using ricotta, consider blending it slightly for a smoother consistency.

How spicy is this dish?

The dish has mild heat primarily from the pepperoni, which you can adjust by choosing spicy varieties or adding red pepper flakes if you like more kick.

Can I add vegetables to the bake?

Yes! Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers mix well into this bake for added nutrition and flavor. Be sure to sauté any veggies first to avoid excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheese Bake – Easy Protein-Packed Dinner has everything you want in a meal—comfort, convenience, and nourishing ingredients that satisfy your hunger and taste buds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a simple dinner to look forward to, this recipe is a winner every time. Give it a try soon and discover how effortlessly delicious and filling a protein-packed cheese bake can be!

Cheese Bake – Easy Protein-Packed Dinner Recipe

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★★★★★

5.2 from 27 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Carb

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Description

This Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake is an easy, protein-packed dinner option that combines creamy cottage cheese with flavorful mozzarella, turkey pepperoni, and Italian seasonings. Baked to a golden finish, it offers a healthier twist on classic pizza flavors in a comforting casserole form.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese & Eggs

• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Meat & Toppings

• 1/2 cup mini turkey pepperoni slices

Seasonings

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Cottage Cheese and Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk the cottage cheese and eggs together until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
3. Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded mozzarella, most of the mini turkey pepperoni slices (save some for topping), parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly for even distribution of flavors.
4. Pour and Top: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Arrange the reserved pepperoni slices on top for a decorative finish and extra flavor.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bake is set, the cheese is bubbly, and the top turns golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing to help it set. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the pizza-style flavors.

Notes

• This bake is great for a high-protein, low-carb meal.
• Use turkey pepperoni or substitute with your favorite pepperoni or cooked sausage.
• For extra veggies, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms before baking.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: cottage cheese bake, protein-packed dinner, turkey pepperoni casserole, low carb pizza bake, easy baked casserole