Bite-size pizza-inspired snacks made with creamy cottage cheese, melty mozzarella, mini pepperoni (or your favorite toppings), and a crisp base—perfect for parties, snacks, or lunchbox fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy twist on pizza: Cottage cheese adds protein and creaminess without weighing you down.

• Fun, no-fuss appetizer: Easy to prepare in muffin tins—ideal for gatherings or snacks.

• Customizable: Swap toppings to your liking—veggies, meats, herbs—you name it.

• Quick to make: Just 5 minutes prep and under 15 minutes bake time.

• Kid-approved: Fun size and great flavor make them a hit with kids.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd or creamy)

• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 12 mini whole-wheat pita rounds or English muffin halves (about 3 inches each)

• 12 mini pepperoni slices (or use diced bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, cooked sausage)

• ½ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)

• Optional garnish: fresh basil or parsley, red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Preheat oven and prep pan
   Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a mini muffin tin with liners if desired to catch any filling overflow.

2. Blend the cheese base
   In a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.

3. Assemble bases
   Place pita rounds or English muffin halves into each muffin cup, creating little crust bowls.

4. Fill with sauce and cheese mixture
   Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into each crust. Top with roughly 1 tablespoon of the cottage-cheese blend.

5. Top with pepperoni
   Place mini pepperoni slice (or chosen topping) onto each bite to finish.

6. Bake
   Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges of crust are lightly crisp.

7. Garnish and serve
   Let cool for 2 minutes, then garnish with basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 12 mini bites

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 12–15 minutes

• Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

• Veggie version: Top with diced tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, or olives.

• Cheese upgrade: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan, provolone, or cheddar to the mix.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pita or English muffin.

• Herb twist: Add 1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano into the cheese mix.

• Spicy kick: Top with a tiny dab of sriracha or crushed red pepper before baking.

Storage/reheating

• Refrigerator: Store cooled bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooled bites on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag; keep frozen for up to 1 month.

• Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave a single bite for about 20 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use plain cream cheese instead of cottage cheese?

Yes—cream cheese makes them richer and creamier; you may want to thin it slightly with a splash of milk.

2. Do I have to use mini muffin tins?

Mini muffin tins help them hold shape, but you can also place them directly on a baking sheet.

3. Can I make them vegetarian?

Absolutely—load them up with veggies or use plant-based pepperoni.

4. How do I prevent soggy bottoms?

Bake until edges are crisp, and let cool briefly in tin before removing.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—simply double ingredients and use two muffin tins or bake in batches.

6. Are whole-wheat pita bites necessary?

No—use regular pita, English muffins, flatbread rounds, or mini tortillas.

7. Can I use lactose-free dairy?

Yes—lactose-free cottage cheese and mozzarella work well.

8. Can I assemble ahead of time?

Yes—build and cover them in the muffin tin, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.

9. How do I make them crispier?

Brush crusts with a little olive oil before baking and extend bake time by 2–3 minutes.

10. Can I add fresh garlic or onion?

Yes—mince garlic or onion finely and stir into the cheese mixture for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Mini Cottage Cheese Pizza Bites are the ultimate easy snack—protein-rich, customizable, and fun to eat. Whether for a crowd or a quick solo treat, these bite-sized pizzas bring cheesy warmth and wholesome flavor in every bite. Enjoy!