53g Protein Mediterranean Crustless Pizza Pie

53g Protein Mediterranean Crustless Pizza Pie

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Some nights I want pizza, but I don’t necessarily want a traditional dough-heavy pizza. I want the bubbling cheese, savory toppings, herbs, garlic, and that wonderful pizza-shop smell coming from the oven without having to make dough first. That’s exactly why I started making this 53g Protein Mediterranean Crustless Pizza Pie. It has the cozy, cheesy satisfaction of pizza, but the base is made with protein-rich ingredients instead of a traditional flour crust.

What makes this recipe especially useful is that it doesn’t rely on a tiny serving of protein hidden underneath lots of cheese and toppings. The base combines cottage cheese, eggs, and cooked chicken breast, while mozzarella and feta add even more protein and plenty of that stretchy, salty, cheesy texture we expect from a good pizza. Fresh tomatoes, spinach, red onion, olives, garlic, oregano, and parsley bring everything together with bright Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

The finished pie is soft and creamy in the center, golden and bubbling around the top, and packed with savory little pockets of chicken, vegetables, melted cheese, and herbs. It isn’t meant to imitate a traditional pizza crust exactly. Instead, think of it as a high-protein Mediterranean pizza bake that gives you the flavors you love in a different format.

At approximately 53 grams of protein per serving, it’s also substantial enough to work as an actual meal rather than simply being a small snack. Whether you’re trying to build more protein into your meals, planning your food around workouts, looking for satisfying meal-prep options, or simply want a different way to enjoy pizza night, this recipe is worth keeping in your rotation.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 🍕 All the comfort of pizza – You still get bubbling mozzarella, savory toppings, herbs, tomato, and that irresistible golden cheese.
  • 💪 Approximately 53g protein per serving – Chicken, cottage cheese, eggs, mozzarella, and feta make this a genuinely protein-focused meal.
  • 🌿 Fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavor – Oregano, parsley, garlic, vegetables, olive oil, feta, and olives create a bright savory profile.
  • 🧀 Creamy and cheesy – Cottage cheese creates a tender base while mozzarella melts beautifully over the top.
  • 🍅 Loaded with vegetables – Spinach, tomatoes, red onion, and garlic add color, texture, and freshness.
  • ⏱️ No dough required – There’s no yeast, kneading, rising, or rolling.
  • 🍱 Meal-prep friendly – The slices can be refrigerated and reheated throughout the week.
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly – It looks and tastes like a cheesy pizza casserole, so it’s easy to serve to the whole family.
  • 🔥 Simple oven cooking – Everything comes together in one baking dish with minimal stovetop work.
  • Easy to customize – Change the vegetables, herbs, cheese, or protein while keeping the same basic method.

My Personal Experience

The funny thing about this recipe is that it started with a very ordinary craving.

I wanted pizza.

Not a salad that tasted vaguely like pizza. Not a cauliflower crust that required an hour of squeezing moisture out of vegetables. I wanted something warm, cheesy, savory, and comforting.

But I also wanted my meal to contain a meaningful amount of protein.

That’s when I started thinking about what would happen if I treated the pizza more like a savory baked pie.

Cottage cheese immediately came to mind because it gives you a creamy texture while adding protein. Eggs could help everything set. Chicken could provide the main protein component. Then mozzarella and feta could take care of the part that makes pizza feel like pizza.

The first attempt was tasty, but I made one mistake: I added too many watery vegetables.

When it came out of the oven, the top looked fantastic. Golden cheese, tomatoes, herbs, everything looked exactly how I wanted. But when I cut into it, there was too much moisture around the bottom.

That taught me an important lesson.

Vegetables need a little preparation before they go into a crustless bake.

Now I quickly sauté the spinach and onion, and I pat the tomatoes dry before adding them. It takes only a few extra minutes, but it makes a huge difference.

I also learned not to judge the pie immediately after it comes out of the oven.

The center is still soft and delicate when it’s piping hot. Give it 10–15 minutes to rest and the texture becomes much easier to slice.

That resting period was another little discovery.

The first time, I impatiently cut into it almost immediately because I wanted to eat it while the cheese was bubbling. The slice fell apart. I thought I’d made a mistake.

The next time, I waited.

The pie held together beautifully.

Now this is one of those meals I like having in the refrigerator because it solves several problems at once. It’s filling, protein-rich, reheats well, and doesn’t require me to cook an entirely new meal every time I get hungry.

And perhaps most importantly, it still feels like comfort food.


Required Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl

You’ll need a large bowl to combine the cottage cheese, eggs, chicken, seasonings, and some of the cheese.

Choose a bowl with enough room to stir without spilling the mixture over the sides.

Large Skillet

A skillet is useful for softening the spinach and red onion before they go into the pie.

You don’t need to cook them for long. The goal is mainly to remove some excess moisture and soften the vegetables.

9-Inch Deep-Dish Pie Pan

A 9-inch deep-dish pie pan gives this recipe the ideal shape and thickness.

A glass or ceramic baking dish can also work, although the baking time may vary slightly depending on its depth and material.

Spatula

A flexible spatula is useful for gently folding the ingredients together and spreading the mixture evenly in the baking dish.

Knife & Cutting Board

You’ll use these for chopping the chicken, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and garlic.

Try to keep the chicken in small bite-sized pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the pie.

Whisk

A whisk makes it easy to beat the eggs before incorporating them into the cottage cheese mixture.

A fork works just as well if you don’t have a whisk.

Cooling Rack

A cooling rack isn’t absolutely essential, but it’s helpful after baking.

Letting the pie cool slightly before slicing helps the base firm up.


Ingredients & Substitutions

For the High-Protein Pizza Pie

340 grams cooked chicken breast, diced

Chicken breast is the main protein source in this recipe.

Use cooked, skinless chicken breast cut into small pieces. You can use leftover roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or simply poached chicken breast.

The chicken should not be swimming in sauce or heavily seasoned because the other ingredients already bring plenty of flavor.

Ground turkey can also be used. It will produce a slightly softer texture and a milder flavor.

400 grams low-fat cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is one of the key ingredients responsible for the creamy texture and protein content.

For a smoother pie, blend the cottage cheese briefly before using it.

If you don’t mind small curds, you can use it straight from the container.

Ricotta can replace cottage cheese, but it generally provides less protein per serving, so the final protein count will change.

4 large eggs

Eggs help bind the ingredients and give the crustless pie its structure.

They also contribute protein and richness.

Whisk them before adding them to the cottage cheese mixture so they’re evenly distributed.

100 grams part-skim mozzarella, shredded

Mozzarella gives the pie that familiar pizza texture.

Part-skim mozzarella keeps the cheese relatively light while still melting nicely.

You can use regular mozzarella, but the calories and fat will increase.

50 grams crumbled feta cheese

Feta gives the pie a salty, tangy Mediterranean-inspired character.

It also adds another layer of flavor that regular mozzarella alone doesn’t provide.

Goat cheese can replace feta if you prefer.

100 grams baby spinach

Spinach brings color and freshness to the pie.

Sautéing it briefly before adding it is important because raw spinach releases a surprising amount of water during baking.

Frozen spinach can be used, but thaw it completely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

120 grams cherry tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes provide little bursts of sweetness and acidity.

Halve them and pat the cut surfaces dry before adding them.

Grape tomatoes work equally well.

60 grams red onion

Red onion gives the pie a little sweetness and sharpness.

Thinly slice or finely dice it.

A small amount of shallot can be used instead.

40 grams Kalamata olives

Olives bring a salty, briny Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Slice them so they distribute throughout the pie rather than creating very salty bites.

If you’re not a fan of olives, simply leave them out.

2 garlic cloves, minced

Garlic gives the vegetables and chicken a savory foundation.

Fresh garlic works best here.

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables and contributes a smooth, fruity flavor.

You only need a small amount because the cheese and chicken already provide richness.

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Oregano is one of the most important seasonings in the recipe.

It connects the chicken, tomato, cheese, garlic, and vegetables.

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky warmth.

Regular paprika can be used instead.

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

A little garlic powder reinforces the fresh garlic without making the flavor too aggressive.

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Use salt carefully because feta and olives are naturally salty.

You can always add more after tasting the mixture.

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Black pepper adds a mild warmth and balances the creamy ingredients.

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

This is optional.

Use it if you enjoy a little heat.

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Fresh parsley brightens the entire dish and provides a fresh herb finish.


How to Make 53g Protein Mediterranean Crustless Pizza Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan with a little olive oil or cooking spray.

You want enough grease to make serving easier, especially around the edges.

Let the oven fully preheat while you prepare the filling.


Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using leftover cooked chicken, cut it into small bite-sized pieces.

Try not to shred it too finely.

Small chunks give the finished pie more of a hearty pizza-topping texture.

If you’re cooking the chicken specifically for this recipe, season it simply with a little salt and pepper and cook until completely done.

Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the mixture.


Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Spinach

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the sliced red onion and cook for approximately 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

Don’t let the garlic become dark brown.

Add the spinach and cook until wilted.

This should take another 1–2 minutes.

The goal isn’t to completely cook the vegetables.

You’re mainly removing excess moisture.


Step 4: Prepare the Tomatoes

Halve the cherry tomatoes.

Place them cut-side down on a paper towel for a few minutes.

Gently pat them dry.

This simple step helps prevent excess tomato juice from collecting in the bottom of your pie.

You don’t need to remove the seeds.

Just remove some of the surface moisture.


Step 5: Blend the Cottage Cheese

For an especially smooth pizza pie, place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until creamy.

You don’t need to make it completely liquid.

A smooth, thick consistency is ideal.

If you like cottage cheese curds, you can skip blending.

The pie will simply have a more textured interior.


Step 6: Whisk the Eggs

Crack the four eggs into a large mixing bowl.

Whisk until the yolks and whites are fully combined.

Add the blended cottage cheese and stir until smooth.

This creates the creamy protein-rich base of the pie.


Step 7: Season the Base

Add oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and half of the chopped parsley.

Stir thoroughly.

Taste a tiny amount of the mixture before adding more salt.

Because feta and olives are coming later, it’s better to start conservatively.


Step 8: Add the Chicken and Vegetables

Fold the cooked chicken, sautéed spinach and onion mixture, tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives into the cottage cheese and egg base.

Stir gently.

Don’t mash the tomatoes.

You want them to remain recognizable throughout the pie.


Step 9: Add Some of the Cheese

Add approximately 50 grams of shredded mozzarella and 25 grams of feta to the mixture.

Fold gently until distributed.

Keeping some cheese for the top gives you a much more attractive golden finish.


Step 10: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared pie pan.

Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.

Give the pan a very gentle shake to settle the mixture.

Don’t press it down aggressively.


Step 11: Add the Remaining Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining 50 grams mozzarella and 25 grams feta evenly over the top.

Try to cover most of the surface while leaving a few areas where the vegetables can still peek through.

This is where the pizza-pie look really starts to happen.


Step 12: Bake

Place the pie in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes.

The center should be set, the edges should look firm, and the cheese should be melted and lightly golden.

If the top is browning too quickly while the center is still loose, loosely cover the dish with foil and continue baking.


Step 13: Check for Doneness

Insert a thin knife into the center.

It should come out mostly clean, with the center feeling firm rather than liquid.

You can also gently shake the dish.

A slight movement is fine, but the center shouldn’t look like uncooked egg.

Remember that the pie continues to firm up during resting.


Step 14: Let It Rest

Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.

Don’t skip this.

The center will continue setting as it cools slightly.

This is what transforms the hot, soft mixture into slices that are much easier to serve.


Step 15: Finish With Fresh Herbs

Scatter the remaining fresh parsley over the top.

For extra brightness, add a few tiny drops of fresh lemon juice.

You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want additional heat.


Step 16: Slice and Serve

Cut the pie into four generous portions.

Use a sharp knife and a wide spatula to lift each piece.

The first slice may be slightly more delicate than the others, so don’t worry if it isn’t perfectly restaurant-shaped.

Serve warm.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Wet Vegetables

This is probably the biggest issue with any crustless pizza pie.

Spinach, tomatoes, and other vegetables naturally contain a lot of water.

Fix: Sauté spinach and onion first and pat the tomatoes dry.

Using Watery Cottage Cheese

Some cottage cheese varieties contain more liquid than others.

Fix: If yours looks particularly wet, drain some of the excess liquid before blending.

Skipping the Resting Time

Cutting the pie immediately after baking can make it appear loose.

Fix: Let it rest for 10–15 minutes.

Overbaking

Because the pie is egg-based, overbaking can make it rubbery.

Fix: Remove it when the center is just set.

Using Too Much Salt

Feta and olives can contribute considerable salt.

Fix: Season the base lightly and taste before adding additional salt.

Adding Too Many Toppings

It may be tempting to pile on vegetables, meat, and cheese.

However, too many toppings increase moisture and can prevent the pie from setting properly.

Fix: Keep the topping quantities balanced.

Cutting the Chicken Too Large

Large pieces can make the pie difficult to slice.

Fix: Cut the chicken into small, evenly sized pieces.


Pro Tips for Best Results

For the highest protein content, use a cottage cheese with a relatively high protein-to-calorie ratio.

The exact nutrition will vary between brands, so check your container if the 53-gram protein target is important to you.

For an especially creamy base, blend the cottage cheese before adding it.

This is one of my favorite tricks because it completely changes the texture.

If you don’t have a blender, don’t worry. The recipe still works with cottage cheese curds.

For better browning, make sure the top of the pie isn’t covered with a thick layer of wet vegetables.

Keep most of the moisture inside the mixture and finish with cheese on top.

When serving, add fresh herbs after baking rather than before.

Fresh parsley looks and tastes much brighter when it isn’t baked for 30 minutes.

If you’re trying to keep calories in check while maintaining protein, don’t simply add more cheese.

Cheese is delicious, but increasing chicken or using a higher-protein cottage cheese can raise protein more efficiently.


High-Protein Nutrition & Strategy

A high-protein meal doesn’t have to look like a traditional fitness meal.

That’s one of the things I love about this recipe.

You don’t have to eat a plain piece of grilled chicken beside steamed vegetables every day to increase your protein intake. You can take familiar comfort foods and build the protein into the recipe itself.

This pizza pie uses several complementary protein sources.

Chicken provides the largest portion of the protein. Eggs help bind the pie while contributing additional protein. Cottage cheese provides creaminess and protein without requiring a flour-based crust. Mozzarella and feta then add both protein and the familiar cheesy character of pizza.

That combination makes the finished meal considerably more substantial than a typical vegetable pizza.

For someone following a structured high-protein eating pattern, one serving can work as the main protein-focused component of lunch or dinner.

It’s also useful for meal prep because you don’t need to cook chicken, prepare vegetables, and make a separate side dish every day.

The protein is already built into the meal.

If you’re eating around workouts, you can pair a serving with additional vegetables or a simple salad depending on your overall calorie and carbohydrate needs.

The important thing is to consider the whole day’s nutrition rather than expecting one recipe to do everything.


Mediterranean Benefits of Chicken

Chicken is not the only ingredient that makes this recipe protein-rich, but it is the main protein foundation.

Its mild flavor also makes it an excellent canvas for Mediterranean-inspired seasonings.

In this recipe, oregano, garlic, smoked paprika, parsley, olive oil, tomato, and feta give the chicken a much more interesting flavor than plain roasted chicken.

Chicken breast is also relatively lean compared with many higher-fat cuts of meat, which makes it useful when you’re trying to build meals with a high protein content without relying entirely on cheese.

The beauty here is that the chicken doesn’t dominate the dish.

Instead, it becomes part of a larger combination of creamy cottage cheese, fresh vegetables, herbs, and melted cheese.

That balance is what keeps the pizza pie satisfying without making every bite taste like plain chicken.


Variations You Can Try

🌶️ Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Pizza Pie

Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon and add a finely chopped fresh chili to the vegetable mixture.

You can also stir a little chili into the yogurt-based sauce if you’re serving one alongside the pie.

This version has a warmer, more intense finish.

🌿 Extra-Herby Version

Add fresh mint along with the parsley.

You can also increase the oregano slightly.

The additional herbs make the pie taste fresher and work particularly well with the feta.

🧄 Garlic-Lover’s Version

Add one additional garlic clove to the sautéed vegetables.

You can also add a little roasted garlic to the cottage cheese base.

Roasted garlic produces a sweeter, softer flavor than raw garlic.

🧀 Extra-Cheesy Version

Increase the mozzarella by 50 grams.

The result will be more gooey and rich.

Keep in mind that this will increase calories and fat as well as protein.

🍋 Lemon-Herb Version

Add the zest of one lemon to the cottage cheese mixture and finish the baked pie with fresh lemon juice.

The citrus makes the creamy cheese and chicken taste noticeably lighter.

🫒 Olive & Feta Version

Increase the Kalamata olives to 60 grams and feta to 75 grams.

This gives the pie a stronger salty, briny character.

Because both ingredients are salty, reduce the added salt in the base.

🥬 Spinach & Mushroom Version

Replace some of the tomatoes with sliced mushrooms.

Sauté the mushrooms thoroughly before adding them so they release their water.

This variation creates a deeper savory flavor.

🍅 Tomato-Basil Version

Replace the dill-style Mediterranean herb profile with fresh basil.

Add extra tomato and finish with fresh basil after baking.

This version leans toward an Italian-Mediterranean flavor profile.


Alternative Cooking Methods

Oven Method

The oven is the recommended method because it cooks the egg-and-cottage-cheese base evenly while allowing the cheese to brown.

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 30–35 minutes.

Air Fryer Method

You can make smaller individual versions in oven-safe ramekins or a small air-fryer-safe baking dish.

Use approximately 325°F (165°C) and begin checking around 15–20 minutes.

Because air fryers vary considerably, keep an eye on the center.

Stovetop Method

A stovetop version is possible in a covered nonstick skillet, although the top won’t brown like it does in the oven.

Cook over low heat with the skillet covered until the center is set.

You can briefly place the skillet under a broiler afterward if the cookware is suitable for it.


Tips for This Recipe

Prepare the vegetables before mixing the base.

Once the eggs and cottage cheese are combined, you want to move efficiently so the mixture doesn’t sit around unnecessarily.

If you’re making this for meal prep, bake the full pie and let it cool completely before slicing.

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices if you want neat pieces.

For the best reheating results, use an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer rather than a microwave.

The microwave works when you’re in a hurry, but the cheese and edges won’t be as pleasant.

If the pie seems slightly softer than expected when you first remove it from the oven, don’t panic.

Give it time.

The resting period is part of the cooking process.

For a more pizza-like experience, serve each slice with a small bowl of warm tomato sauce or a dollop of thick Greek yogurt mixed with garlic and herbs.


Optional Additions

You can easily personalize this crustless pizza pie with extra Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.

Try:

  • Fresh basil
  • Fresh mint
  • Extra parsley
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Lemon zest
  • Roasted garlic
  • Kalamata olives
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Artichoke hearts
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Zucchini
  • Extra feta
  • Goat cheese
  • A spoonful of tzatziki
  • Greek yogurt with herbs
  • A light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil

If using sun-dried tomatoes or olives, remember that both can be salty.

If adding zucchini or mushrooms, cook them first to remove excess water.


Serving Ideas

This pie is substantial enough to serve as the main dish.

For a simple weeknight meal, serve one slice with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.

For a Mediterranean-inspired dinner, add:

  • Hummus
  • Olives
  • Cucumber salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Tzatziki
  • Fresh herbs
  • Lemon wedges

If you’re serving it for lunch, one slice alongside a large leafy salad can make a balanced and satisfying plate.

For meal prep, divide the cooled pie into four containers and add fresh vegetables or salad greens on the side.

It also works beautifully for casual family dinners.

Put the entire pie in the center of the table and let everyone add their favorite finishing touches.

For a brunch-style meal, serve smaller slices alongside eggs, tomatoes, cucumber, and Greek yogurt.

And if you’re hosting a casual dinner party, cut the pie into smaller squares and serve them as a warm savory appetizer.


Storage Recommendations

Refrigerator

Store cooled slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

Let the pie cool before sealing the container so you don’t trap excessive steam.

Meal Prep

For meal prep, divide the pie into four individual portions.

Store each portion separately.

Keep fresh garnishes such as parsley, cucumber, or salad greens separate and add them immediately before eating.

Freezer

The pie can be frozen, although the texture may become slightly softer after thawing because of the cottage cheese and vegetables.

If freezing, cool it completely first.

Wrap individual portions tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container.

Use within approximately 1 month for the best quality.

Reheating in the Oven

Place a slice in a small oven-safe dish and heat at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 10–15 minutes.

This is my preferred method because it warms the center while helping the cheese become bubbly again.

Air Fryer Reheating

Place one slice in the air fryer at approximately 325°F (165°C) for 4–6 minutes.

Check it early because the cheese can brown quickly.

Microwave Reheating

For convenience, microwave one slice for approximately 60–90 seconds, depending on your microwave.

The texture will be softer, but it works well when you’re short on time.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is this really a 53g protein pizza pie?

The recipe is designed to provide approximately 53 grams of protein per serving when divided into four servings, based on typical nutrition values for the listed ingredients.

Because chicken, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and other ingredients vary by brand, the exact protein amount can differ.

If you need the serving to hit a precise protein target, calculate the recipe using the nutrition information from your specific ingredients.

Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breast?

Yes.

Ground chicken works very well, particularly if you prefer a more evenly distributed meat texture.

Cook it completely before adding it to the pie.

Because ground chicken can contain more moisture than cooked chicken breast, drain any excess liquid before incorporating it.

Can I use turkey?

Absolutely.

Cooked turkey breast or lean ground turkey can replace the chicken.

The seasoning works particularly well with turkey because oregano, garlic, paprika, and feta provide plenty of flavor.

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, but the nutritional profile will change.

Ricotta generally produces a rich, creamy texture but may provide less protein depending on the product.

For the highest protein version, cottage cheese is the better choice.

Do I have to blend the cottage cheese?

No.

Blending simply creates a smoother texture.

If you like the small curds of cottage cheese, leave it unblended.

The finished pie will still set properly.

How do I stop the pie from becoming watery?

The key is controlling moisture.

Sauté the spinach and onion, pat the tomatoes dry, drain excessively wet cottage cheese, and don’t overload the pie with vegetables.

Also allow the finished pie to rest before slicing.

Can I add protein powder?

I don’t recommend adding ordinary sweet protein powder to this savory pizza pie.

The flavor and texture aren’t necessary because the recipe already gets substantial protein from chicken, eggs, cottage cheese, and cheese.

A neutral unflavored protein powder could theoretically be incorporated, but it can change the texture and isn’t needed for this recipe.

Can I use plant-based protein?

Yes.

You can replace the chicken with a cooked plant-based ground meat alternative.

However, the protein content will depend heavily on the product.

If using a plant-based alternative, check its nutrition label before assuming the pie will still provide approximately 53 grams of protein per serving.

Is this good for post-workout eating?

It can fit into a post-workout meal if it matches your overall nutrition needs.

It provides a substantial amount of protein along with fats and carbohydrates from the vegetables and dairy ingredients.

The most important consideration is your total daily nutrition rather than treating any single recipe as mandatory post-workout food.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes.

Replace the chicken with additional vegetables or a suitable high-protein vegetarian ingredient such as cooked lentils or a high-protein meat alternative.

However, the protein per serving will change, so recalculate the nutrition.

Can I make individual mini pizza pies?

Yes.

Divide the mixture among four small oven-safe ramekins.

Reduce the baking time and begin checking around 18–20 minutes.

The smaller portions will also cool more quickly.

Can I use different vegetables?

Definitely.

Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, roasted red peppers, and artichoke hearts all work well.

Just remember that high-water vegetables should be cooked or drained first.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes.

Add red pepper flakes, fresh chili, or a little spicy paprika.

You can also serve the finished pie with a spicy yogurt sauce.

Can I freeze this pizza pie?

Yes, although the texture may become slightly softer after thawing.

For the best result, freeze individual portions and reheat them in the oven or air fryer rather than the microwave.


Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving

The following nutrition is an estimated calculation for one of four servings using the ingredients listed above.

  • Calories: approximately 455 kcal
  • Protein: approximately 53 g
  • Fat: approximately 21 g
  • Total Carbohydrates: approximately 13 g
  • Fiber: approximately 3 g
  • Net Carbohydrates: approximately 10 g
  • Sugar: approximately 6 g
  • Sodium: approximately 1,050 mg

These values are estimates and can vary considerably depending on the specific brands of cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, chicken, olives, and other ingredients used.

The sodium is relatively substantial because feta and Kalamata olives contribute salt in addition to the added seasoning. If you need to reduce sodium, use less feta and olives and choose lower-sodium dairy products where available.


Recipe Snapshot

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Resting Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Servings: 4
Calories: ~455 per serving
Protein: ~53 g per serving

53g Protein Mediterranean Crustless Pizza Pie

53g Protein Mediterranean Crustless Pizza Pie

Allan
This 53g Protein Mediterranean Crustless Pizza Pie brings together juicy chicken, creamy cottage cheese, eggs, mozzarella, feta, fresh vegetables, olives, garlic, oregano, and parsley for a satisfying pizza-inspired meal without a traditional crust. The center is tender and creamy while the cheesy top becomes beautifully golden and bubbly in the oven. With approximately 53 grams of protein per serving, it's a substantial option for anyone looking to build more protein into everyday meals. It's also easy to prepare ahead, making it especially useful for busy weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired
Servings 4
Calories 455 kcal

Ingredients
  

Protein Pie Base

  • 340 g cooked chicken breast diced
  • 400 g low-fat cottage cheese
  • 4 large eggs
  • 100 g part-skim mozzarella shredded
  • 50 g feta cheese crumbled

Mediterranean Vegetables & Flavor

  • 100 g baby spinach
  • 120 g cherry tomatoes
  • 60 g red onion
  • 40 g Kalamata olives
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan with a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray.
  • Dice the cooked chicken breast into small bite-sized pieces and set aside. If cooking chicken specifically for the recipe, cook it completely and allow it to cool slightly before cutting.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  • Add the baby spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted and most of the excess moisture has cooked away. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  • Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them cut-side down on a paper towel. Gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture before adding them to the pie.
  • For a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese until creamy. Alternatively, leave it unblended if you prefer small cottage cheese curds.
  • Whisk the four eggs in a large mixing bowl, then add the cottage cheese and stir until evenly combined.
  • Add the oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, optional red pepper flakes, and half of the chopped parsley. Stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
  • Gently fold in the cooked chicken, sautéed spinach and onion mixture, dried cherry tomatoes, and sliced Kalamata olives.
  • Add 50 grams of shredded mozzarella and 25 grams of crumbled feta to the mixture and gently fold until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pie pan and spread it into an even layer without pressing it down too firmly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining 50 grams mozzarella and 25 grams feta evenly over the top of the pie.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set, the center is firm, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. If the cheese browns too quickly, loosely cover the top with foil for the remaining baking time.
  • Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to rest for 10–15 minutes so the center can finish setting and the slices are easier to serve.
  • Sprinkle the remaining fresh parsley over the top, add a little lemon juice or red pepper flakes if desired, and cut the pie into four portions.
  • Serve warm with a fresh Mediterranean-inspired salad, cucumber, additional vegetables, or a small spoonful of tzatziki.

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