Garlic Bread Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
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.
Servings 6
Calories 420kcal
Cost $12–$15
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
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.
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.