Craving pizza and garlic bread at the same time? This comforting Garlic Bread Pepperoni Pizza Casserole has you covered! If your family can’t choose between pizza and garlic bread for dinner, this recipe solves the problem deliciously. This casserole layers buttery garlic bread, zesty pizza sauce, gooey melted cheese, and crispy pepperoni into one irresistible bake.
It all started on a chilly Friday night when I couldn’t decide whether to make pizza or garlic bread.
Pizza felt like too much effort. Garlic bread felt like too little.
I was craving that classic pepperoni flavor but also wanted buttery, golden edges like a pan of garlic bread.
So, I grabbed a bag of garlic breadsticks from the freezer, some pizza sauce, and whatever toppings I had on hand.
As it baked, the smell filled the kitchen — buttery garlic, spicy pepperoni, and bubbling mozzarella.
My family devoured it before it even had time to cool down.
Since then, this Garlic Bread Pepperoni Pizza Casserole has become our go-to “lazy pizza night” recipe.
Why You’ll Love This
1. It’s the Best of Both Worlds
This casserole brings together the crave-worthy flavors of pepperoni pizza and garlic bread in every bite. The garlic bread base adds that rich, buttery crunch, while the melted cheese and bold pizza toppings create a nostalgic, pizzeria-style flavor. If you love comfort food, this will be an instant favorite.
2. Super Easy to Make
No dough to roll, no yeast to deal with—just layer and bake. Using frozen garlic bread or pre-made breadsticks saves tons of time without sacrificing taste. This is a great beginner recipe or a perfect one for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but hassle-free.
3. Crowd-Pleasing & Kid-Approved
Whether it’s for a game night, potluck, or casual family dinner, this casserole always disappears fast. The familiar flavors appeal to picky eaters and adults alike, and you can customize the toppings to suit any crowd. Add more veggies, swap in sausage, or even go meatless—it works every time.
4. Easy to Customize
Want more veggies? Add mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers. Craving extra protein? Throw in sausage or diced chicken. Gluten-free? Use gluten-free garlic bread. This casserole is endlessly adaptable to your needs and preferences without losing its cheesy magic.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine Type: American, Italian-American
- Servings: 6
- Estimated Cost: $12–15 (depending on ingredients)
Equipment Needed:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Foil (optional for covering while baking)
- Spatula or serving spoon
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package garlic breadsticks or Texas toast (frozen or homemade)
- 1½ cups pizza sauce (jarred or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra richness)
- 1 cup pepperoni slices (mini or regular, or turkey pepperoni)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. If you’re using frozen garlic breadsticks or toast, bake them just until lightly golden (according to package instructions) before assembling the casserole.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Bread Layer
Cut the garlic bread into bite-sized chunks and arrange them in a single layer in the prepared dish. This forms your crispy, buttery base. Drizzle lightly with melted butter or olive oil for added richness and crunch.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Seasoning
Spoon the pizza sauce evenly over the garlic bread chunks, making sure each piece gets a coating. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for added flavor depth.
Step 4: Layer the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce. You can press the cheese down gently with a spatula to help it nestle between the bread chunks.
Step 5: Top with Pepperoni and Parmesan
Scatter the pepperoni slices over the top, spacing them out evenly. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt and crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the pepperoni is slightly crispy. Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot with a salad or veggies on the side.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 2mg
- Vitamin A: 400 IU
Tips for Success
1. Use Good Quality Bread
The garlic bread layer is the base of the dish, so don’t skimp here. Choose flavorful, thick-cut garlic breadsticks or Texas toast that hold up well under sauce and cheese.
2. Pre-bake Frozen Bread
If using frozen garlic bread, baking it slightly before assembling the casserole ensures it won’t get soggy. You want a crispy, golden crust to balance out the gooey toppings.
3. Customize Your Toppings
Don’t stop at pepperoni! Add black olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cooked sausage. This is a great way to clean out the fridge and add nutrients.
4. Let It Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes it easier to scoop out neat portions.
Common Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding 5–10 minutes to the cook time if chilled.
What can I use instead of garlic breadsticks?
You can substitute garlic Texas toast, ciabatta, or even a crusty baguette tossed with garlic butter. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold up under the sauce.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. You can freeze the assembled unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Simply skip the pepperoni or replace it with plant-based pepperoni or more vegetables. Roasted zucchini or mushrooms make great substitutes.
Variations & Substitutions
Meat-Lovers Version: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or bacon for an extra hearty twist.
Veggie Style: Load up on sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, onions, or olives for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, spicy sausage, or a drizzle of hot honey over the baked casserole.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free garlic bread and double-check labels on sauces and toppings.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance out the richness.
Serve with a glass of red wine like Chianti or a cold soda for pizza-night vibes.
Want to stretch it for more servings? Add a side of roasted veggies or a bowl of minestrone soup.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, though the bread will be softer.
For best texture, reheat uncovered so the top crisps back up.
Garlic Bread Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package garlic breadsticks or Texas toast (frozen or homemade)
- 1½ cups pizza sauce jarred or homemade
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional for extra richness
- 1 cup pepperoni slices mini or regular, or turkey pepperoni
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a spicy kick
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Fresh basil or parsley optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. If you’re using frozen garlic breadsticks or toast, bake them just until lightly golden (according to package instructions) before assembling the casserole.
- Cut the garlic bread into bite-sized chunks and arrange them in a single layer in the prepared dish. This forms your crispy, buttery base. Drizzle lightly with melted butter or olive oil for added richness and crunch.
- Spoon the pizza sauce evenly over the garlic bread chunks, making sure each piece gets a coating. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for added flavor depth.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce. You can press the cheese down gently with a spatula to help it nestle between the bread chunks.
- Scatter the pepperoni slices over the top, spacing them out evenly. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt and crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the pepperoni is slightly crispy. Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot with a salad or veggies on the side.
Notes
The garlic bread layer is the base of the dish, so don’t skimp here. Choose flavorful, thick-cut garlic breadsticks or Texas toast that hold up well under sauce and cheese. 2. Pre-bake Frozen Bread
If using frozen garlic bread, baking it slightly before assembling the casserole ensures it won’t get soggy. You want a crispy, golden crust to balance out the gooey toppings. 3. Customize Your Toppings
Don’t stop at pepperoni! Add black olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cooked sausage. This is a great way to clean out the fridge and add nutrients. 4. Let It Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes it easier to scoop out neat portions.
Whether it’s a Friday night comfort fix, a fun weekend dinner, or a potluck crowd-pleaser, this Garlic Bread Pepperoni Pizza Casserole checks every box.
It’s warm, cheesy, indulgent, and packed with flavor that tastes like you spent hours—but took only minutes.
Give it a try this week, and don’t forget to serve it with a salad or some roasted broccoli to round out the meal.
Happy baking, and enjoy every garlicky, cheesy bite!
