# Components:
→ Dairy
01 - 2 cups cottage cheese
02 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Vegetables
04 - 1/2 cup marinara sauce
05 - 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
06 - 1/4 cup sliced black olives
07 - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
→ Spices & Seasoning
08 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Toppings (Optional)
12 - 1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices or vegetarian pepperoni
13 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Heat the oven to 375°F.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
03 - Spread the cheese mixture evenly in a small ovenproof baking dish.
04 - Spoon marinara sauce over the cheese layer, gently spreading it to cover.
05 - Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, bell peppers, red onion, and black olives over the top. Add mini pepperoni slices if using, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
06 - Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
07 - Remove from the oven, let cool for several minutes, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm with toasted bread, pita chips, or vegetable sticks.
