If you love the irresistible flavors of pizza but want something simpler to slice and serve, this Pizza Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner hack. It brings together all the classic pizza elements—garlicky crust, savory pizza sauce, pepperoni, and melty mozzarella—into one cozy, bubbly casserole dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe delivers the comforting, cheesy goodness of pizza without the fuss of individual pies. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this hearty, easy, and incredibly delicious twist on pizza night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect Pizza Casserole Recipe. From the Bisquick that forms a tender, flavorful crust to the Italian seasoning that adds just the right herbal touch, every component works in harmony to give that unmistakable pizza vibe.
- Bisquick baking mix: The base for a soft and slightly crispy crust that holds everything together beautifully.
- Water: Just enough to bring the dough together into a perfect consistency.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle yet aromatic depth to the crust, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the dough with classic Italian herbs like oregano and basil, giving the casserole that authentic pizza flair.
- Pizza sauce (14-15 ounces): The tomato-rich, tangy layer that saturates the casserole with its signature zesty flavor.
- Sliced pepperoni (6 ounces): For a little spicy, meaty punch that pizza lovers can’t resist.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The gooey, melty, cheesy element that makes every bite pure comfort.
How to Make Pizza Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly golden at the end.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the Bisquick, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Slowly add the water, stirring until a soft dough forms. If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more Bisquick; if it’s dry, add a splash more water. The goal is a dough that’s easy to drop by spoonfuls and spread slightly without being runny.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Divide the dough in half. Drop half the dough by tablespoonfuls evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish, creating the first crust layer. Drizzle half of the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Next, layer half of the pepperoni slices on top, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat the process: drop the remaining dough over the cheese, add the rest of the sauce, pepperoni, and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese. This layered approach guarantees each mouthful bursts with classic pizza flavors.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the crust edges have turned a beautiful golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing to help it set perfectly.
How to Serve Pizza Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes over each slice to add a fresh and slightly spicy kick. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also elevate those cheesy, savory notes wonderfully. These little touches never fail to impress.
Side Dishes
For a balanced meal, serve your Pizza Casserole Recipe alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. Garlic bread sticks or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers also make excellent companions, enhancing the overall comfort-food experience without overshadowing the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at dinner parties or family meals. Alternatively, layer the casserole in a clear glass dish to show off the beautiful, gooey layers—your guests will be both intrigued and hungry before the first bite. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on each portion for that gourmet feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your Pizza Casserole Recipe, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy reheat snack or lunch, keeping the flavors just as satisfying as the first time around.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Prepare the dish up to the assembly step, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed. This way, you have a make-ahead meal ready for those busy days craving something quick and comforting.
Reheating
To bring your leftover Pizza Casserole Recipe back to life, warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. For a quicker fix, microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes, though the oven method helps maintain that crispy crust and melty cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different baking mix instead of Bisquick?
Yes, you can substitute Bisquick with a similar baking mix, but keep in mind that the texture of the crust might vary slightly. Bisquick is great for this recipe because it creates a tender yet sturdy crust that holds the toppings well.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni or replace it with your favorite vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. The pizza sauce and cheese will still give you that classic pizza flavor in casserole form.
Can I use homemade pizza sauce for this recipe?
Yes, homemade pizza sauce works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just make sure it has a balanced flavor—not too watery—to keep your casserole from getting soggy.
How spicy is this Pizza Casserole Recipe?
The default recipe is mildly spiced thanks to the Italian seasoning and pepperoni. If you want more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or choose spicy pepperoni varieties to kick things up a notch.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just double the ingredients and bake the casserole in a larger dish or two 9×13 inch pans. Keep an eye on baking time—it may need a few extra minutes to cook through fully.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves pizza but needs something quick, comforting, and easy to share. Its layers of garlicky crust, savory sauce, spicy pepperoni, and melty mozzarella combine into a dish that’s both nostalgic and fresh. I can’t wait for you to try this. Trust me, after the first bite, you’ll never look at pizza night the same way again!
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Pizza Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Pizza Casserole is a quick and easy layered dish that combines a soft, biscuit-like crust made from Bisquick with classic pizza flavors including pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and zesty pizza sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a comforting family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 3 â…“ cups Bisquick baking mix
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
Pizza Layers
- 1 (14-15 ounce) jar pizza sauce
- 6 ounces sliced pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Make the Crust Dough: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Bisquick baking mix, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Gradually add 1 cup of water and stir until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more Bisquick; if too dry, add a splash more water until the dough reaches a dropable consistency.
- Layer the Casserole: Divide the dough in half. Drop spoonfuls by the tablespoon onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust base. Drizzle half of the pizza sauce evenly over the dough. Layer half of the pepperoni slices on top, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining dough, sauce, pepperoni, and cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust has turned a lovely golden brown.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or layers.
- You can substitute pepperoni with other favorite pizza toppings such as cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing and better flavor melding.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
