Estimated Time: 35 minutes Estimated Time: 35 minutes
1 (8-ounce) package fat-free cream cheese, softened*
¼ cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup low-fat cottage cheese (or additional ¼ cup Greek yogurt)
2 tablespoons finely chopped chives (or green onions)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup pizza sauce
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper (or pizza topping of choice)
2 tablespoons chopped mini turkey pepperonis (or regular-size turkey pepperoni, cut into quarters)
¼ cup chopped olives, optional
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch pie dish (or a 9 × 9-inch baking pan) with cooking spray. In a medium bowl mix together the cream cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, chives, garlic powder, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and Parmesan for the first layer. Spread the cream cheese mixture in the prepared pie pan. On top of the first layer, spread on the pizza sauce, followed by the mozzarella, bell peppers, pepperonis, and ending with the remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning and olives if desired. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Yields 12 Servings (¼ cup per serving)
Nutritional Information Per Serving: 63 calories; 2 grams fat; 4 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 1.5 grams sugar; 7 grams protein
* Or 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, pureed in a blender or food processor until smooth. If using cottage cheese instead, leave out the Parmesan cheese, as it would be too salty.
When I think about game-day appetizers, two things come to mind: pizza and nachos. This layered pizza dip is a cross between the two. It can be served with baked chips or veggies of your choice.