There’s something utterly delightful about the idea of a pizza casserole, isn’t there? I mean, who doesn’t love the mix of buttery biscuits, savory pizza sauce, and all that melty, gooey cheese? It’s comfort food at its finest! I stumbled upon this recipe on a weeknight when I was hit with a pizza craving but didn’t feel like making a whole dough from scratch. Voila! This Easy Cheesy Pizza Casserole was born. Whipping up this treat feels a bit like a culinary cheat code—quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Every bite of this casserole takes me back to those impromptu pizza nights with friends, lazily enjoying a movie while devouring cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen. So let’s dive into what makes this casserole a go-to favorite in my home!
What’s in Easy Cheesy Pizza Casserole?
Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: The star of the show and a game changer! Using biscuit dough gives this casserole a fluffy base that’s quick to prepare. I prefer the classic buttermilk flavor for that extra richness.
Pizza Sauce: You can’t spell pizza without sauce! Store-bought is fantastic for convenience, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own. Either way, it’s what ties all the flavors together.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This gooey delight adds that stretchy cheese factor we all love. I usually go with whole milk mozzarella for a creamier melt, but part-skim works well if you want to keep it a little lighter.
Sliced Pepperoni: These little slices bring the classic pizza vibe to the casserole. I can’t resist sneaking a few extra on top (don’t judge!). You can swap them out for turkey pepperoni if you want a lighter option.
Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this blend gives the casserole that authentic Italian flavor. It’s like a flavor explosion with every mouthful!
Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): This cheesy crown on top adds a nice salty finish. Seriously—it can transform your casserole from good to gourmet!
Olive Oil Spray: A quick spritz is all you need to grease the pan and prevent sticking from being a headache later on.
Is Easy Cheesy Pizza Casserole Good for You?
Bite-sized comfort can sometimes come with a few nutritional drawbacks; however, there are ways to make this casserole a little more health-conscious.
Biscuit Dough: While convenient, the carb content can be a bit high. If you’re watching your intake, you might consider whole-wheat dough or even a cauliflower crust for a lighter option.
Cheese: Packed with calcium, mozzarella can be a healthy addition in moderation, but it’s still a source of saturated fat. Balance it out by loading your casserole with colorful veggies!
Pepperoni: It’s delicious but does bring a bit of sodium and calories to the table! You can swap it with turkey pepperoni or veggies for a healthier twist.
With just a few tweaks, you can enjoy your cheesy pizza casserole guilt-free!
Ingredients
– 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (16 oz)
– 2 cups pizza sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup sliced pepperoni
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
– Olive oil spray (for greasing)
*This recipe serves about 6 people*
How to Make Easy Cheesy Pizza Casserole?
1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a light spritz with olive oil to prevent our precious casserole from sticking.
2. Open the can of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. I like to toss them into the baking dish like confetti! Spread them evenly across the bottom like a little dough blanket.
3. Pour that flavorful pizza sauce over the biscuit pieces, making sure to coat them generously. You want every nook and cranny to be flavorful!
4. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the saucy biscuit base. Don’t be shy—go big on cheese!
5. Layer the sliced pepperoni atop the cheese. It’s like the cherry on top of your pizza sundae! Now, add the Italian seasoning and, if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese.
6. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your biscuit dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
7. Allow your fabulous casserole to cool for a few minutes before diving in—trust me, avoiding burns is worth it!
The Cheesy Casserole Shuffle
– Don’t hesitate to get creative! This dish is wonderfully customizable—add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even black olives for extra flavor.
– It makes for a quick weeknight dinner, and honestly, it pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or a side of garlic bread.
I can’t wait for you to give this Easy Cheesy Pizza Casserole a try! It’s a fantastic, no-fuss meal that I promise will bring joy to your dinner table. Share your casserole stories with me, and after you try it, let me know your favorite toppings! Happy cooking!
