Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked dish combining crispy tater tots with savory pepperoni, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or game day, it offers familiar pizza flavors in a fun, easy-to-make casserole form that can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 (32 oz) bag frozen tater tots
- 20–30 slices pepperoni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
Optional Vegetables
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- Preheat and Prepare Your Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and help the tater tots crisp up.
- Layer the Tater Tots: Arrange a single layer of frozen tater tots evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, creating a crispy base for the casserole.
- Add the Sauce and Seasoning: Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the tater tots. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese on top to enhance the flavor.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Generously layer shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauced tater tots, then add pepperoni slices evenly. Repeat layers if your dish is deep enough to add more cheesiness and pepperoni.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tater tots are golden and crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set, making it easier to serve. Then serve warm and enjoy the rich, layered flavors.
Notes
- Use frozen tater tots for best crispiness and convenience.
- Be generous with cheese for a creamier, more flavorful casserole.
- Spread sauce evenly to ensure every bite is deliciously saucy.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to help it hold together when sliced.
- Customize heat by adding spices like paprika or chili powder to the sauce as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: pepperoni pizza casserole, tater tot casserole, cheesy pizza bake, comfort food, family dinner, easy casserole recipe