Pizza Biscuit Casserole (Easy Pepperoni Version)
The smell of warm, buttery biscuits baking in the oven fills the kitchen, mingling delightfully with the savory aroma of melted cheese and zesty pizza sauce. As the timer ticks down, you can almost taste that cheesy, gooey goodness waiting to be pulled apart, revealing layers of flavor and comfort. This Pizza Biscuit Casserole (Easy Pepperoni Version) isn’t just a dish; it’s a hug in a baking dish, perfect for cozy nights in or lively gatherings with friends and family.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made this casserole. I had a few friends over for game night, and as soon as the dish came out of the oven, everyone gathered around, drawn in by that delightful aroma. The golden brown topping and bubbling cheese made it irresistible, and we dug in without any hesitation. No matter the occasion, this dish brings back memories of laughter and joy shared over food. So, if you’re ready to make your own, let’s get started with this scrumptious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip it up in about 30 minutes; perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery biscuits, tangy pizza sauce, and melty cheese is a flavor explosion.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This casserole is a showstopper at gatherings with its golden crust and bubbling cheese.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for breakfast, snack time, or a hearty dinner after a long day.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegetarian diets—just swap pepperoni for your favorite veggies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (2 cans): This forms the base of our casserole. Opt for flaky biscuit dough for the best results. You can also use light or reduced-fat versions for a healthier twist.
- Pizza Sauce (1 cup): A rich, flavorful sauce brings everything together. Feel free to use homemade or your favorite store-bought brand for convenience.
- Shredded Mozzarella (1 ½ cups): This is key for that melty, stretchy texture. Low-moisture mozzarella works best. For a kick, consider mixing in some provolone or pepper jack.
- Mini Pepperoni (½ cup): These bite-sized pieces add a delightful zing. You can substitute with diced cooked sausage or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Grated Parmesan (2 Tbsp, optional): A sprinkle on top adds a rich, salty flavor. You can omit this if you’re looking to keep it simple.
- Dried Oregano (½ tsp, optional): Oregano enhances the pizza flavor. If you don’t have it, Italian seasoning can be used instead for a similar taste.
- Italian Seasoning (½ tsp): This adds aromatic herbs that complement the pizza sauce beautifully.
How to Make Pizza Biscuit Casserole (Easy Pepperoni Version)
Preheat and Prepare: Begin your delicious journey by preheating the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with a little olive oil, ensuring it’s well-coated to prevent sticking and to encourage that crispy, golden crust everyone loves.
Cut the Biscuit Dough: Open the two cans of refrigerated biscuit dough. Using a sharp knife, cut each biscuit into four pieces. This creates bite-sized chunks that will soak up all that delicious sauce and cheese, while also making it easier to pull apart once baked.
Toss with Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the biscuit pieces with one cup of pizza sauce, 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup of mini pepperoni. Gently toss everything together until the biscuit pieces are well-coated, taking care to ensure every piece gets that saucy goodness.
Spread Evenly: Pour the coated biscuit mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out, making sure it’s nicely distributed. This helps ensure even baking and a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the top with ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning and, for added flavor, 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan and ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, if you choose to use them. This not only elevates the taste but also adds a lovely layer of flavor on top.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the biscuits turn golden brown, the cheese is nice and bubbly, and the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent over-browning!
Cool and Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This gives the cheese a moment to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Cut into squares and enjoy while warm for that comforting, gooey texture!
Storing & Reheating
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, place the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but the flavors will still be delightful. A quick reheat in the microwave can also save time!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoiding sogginess: Make sure not to overload the casserole with pizza sauce; a cup should suffice for great flavor and texture.
- Room temperature ingredients: Let your biscuit dough sit out for about 10 minutes before cutting—this makes it easier to work with.
- Timing is key: Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes, especially in the final 5 minutes, to ensure it doesn’t brown too quickly.
- Flavor boost: Consider adding sautéed bell peppers, olives, or even cooked ground beef for extra flavor and texture.
- Make-ahead option: Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Bake it fresh when you’re ready!
People rave about this Pizza Biscuit Casserole (Easy Pepperoni Version) for all the right reasons! It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. You can experiment with different toppings and sauces, letting your creativity run wild. So gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and make some memories in the kitchen!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen biscuit dough instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the biscuit dough according to package instructions before cutting it into pieces. This helps ensure even cooking and a fluffy texture.
What can I use instead of pepperoni to make this vegetarian?
You can replace the pepperoni with diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even black olives. If you’re open to other flavors, cooked sausage or crispy bacon can also be delicious alternatives.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking point, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the best way to serve this casserole?
This dish is fantastic served warm right out of the oven. Pair it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. It also works great as a fun game day snack or party food!
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📖 Recipe Card
Pizza Biscuit Casserole (Easy Pepperoni Version)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Pizza Biscuit Casserole boasts buttery biscuits, zesty pizza sauce, and gooey cheese, making it a fun and simple meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (2 cans)
- Pizza Sauce (1 cup)
- Shredded Mozzarella (1 ½ cups)
- Mini Pepperoni (½ cup)
- Grated Parmesan (2 Tbsp, optional)
- Dried Oregano (½ tsp, optional)
- Italian Seasoning (½ tsp)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cut each biscuit into four pieces.
- In a bowl, combine biscuit pieces with pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, parmesan, and oregano on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, substitute pepperoni with vegetables.
Allow biscuit dough to sit for 10 minutes before cutting for ease.
Monitor baking towards the end to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
