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Cottage Cheese Pizza Muffins

High protein, savory muffins great for lunch boxes and snacks.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time27 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cottage cheese, healthy muffins, lunch box
Servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour or another cup of all-purpose, See note for flour subs
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano, optional
  • 1 cup cottage cheese, preferably small-curd style I use low-fat
  • 1 large egg or 3T extra milk
  • 1/4 cup avocado or vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup jarred marinara sauce
  • 1 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup baby spinach, finely chopped, optional
  • 1/2 cup mini pepperoni or large pepperoni, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Place paper liners in a muffin tin or grease with oil spray.
  • To a medium bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and dried herbs, if using. Whisk to combine.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, egg, oil, marinara sauce, and milk.
  • Add the flour mixture to the bowl and use a large spoon or rubber spatula to mix. Before the the flour is fully mixed in, add the 3/4 cup mozzarella, spinach, and 1/2 of the pepperoni, if using. Continue to mix until everything is just incorporated.
  • Divide the batter between the muffin cups, filling mostly to the top. Sprinkle a pinch of cheese over each muffin then add a few pieces of pepperoni, if using.
  • Bake until golden brown on top and cooked through, 12 to 14 minutes.
  • Once muffins are cool, store in an airtight container at room temp for 1 day or in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. The muffins can also be well wrapped and frozen for 1 month.

Notes

To use all whole wheat flour in this recipe, use 1 3/4 cups total. 
To use gluten-free flour, use 2 cups total.