Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth—this creates a creamy, pizza-dough-like foundation that will hold together when cooked. I recommend using Good Culture brand as it has a thicker texture that blends beautifully. Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a bowl and mix in the parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder until evenly combined. This seasoning step ensures the flavor is distributed throughout rather than just on top.

Divide the seasoned cottage cheese mixture from Step 1 evenly among 4 microwave-safe bowls (or divide into single servings if making one at a time). Create layers in each bowl: first the cottage cheese mixture as the base, then a layer of marinara sauce, followed by mozzarella cheese, and finally the diced ham distributed throughout. I like to reserve a little mozzarella to sprinkle on top for a golden finish.

Microwave each assembled bowl for 1 minute on high power (or about 4 minutes total if cooking all bowls together, depending on your microwave's power). The cottage cheese will puff slightly and become warm and creamy, the mozzarella will melt into strings, and the marinara will heat through. The bowl should be hot but not boiling—check that the mozzarella is melted and the filling is warmed through.

Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave using an oven mitt or towel. Top with fresh basil just before serving for brightness and a fresh herbal note. Serve immediately while hot and creamy, optionally with crackers on the side for scooping.