Fire up your taste buds with this irresistible Fire-Kissed Cheddar Pizza Casserole! Imagine layers of golden, crispy crust, gooey cheddar, and a buttery, herbed tomato sauce – all baked to perfection. This comfort-forward dish is the perfect fusion of classic pizza flavors and the comforting embrace of a casserole. Get ready to indulge in a truly epic culinary experience.
Why You’ll Love This Fire-Kissed Cheddar Pizza Casserole with Butter Kick
This Fire-Kissed Cheddar Pizza Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending the comforting familiarity of pizza with the cozy, soothing qualities of a casserole. The crispy, golden crust provides a satisfying contrast to the melty, luscious cheddar cheese and the zesty, bright tomato sauce. The secret ingredient – a buttery, herbed kick – elevates the flavors to new heights, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight meal or a showstopping dish for a gathering, this Fire-Kissed Cheddar Pizza Casserole is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a delightful blend of classic pizza ingredients, along with a few special touches to elevate the flavors. You’ll need all-purpose flour, yeast, warm water, olive oil, salt, crushed tomatoes, garlic, dried oregano, butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh basil for garnish.
- 2 cups (250g) – all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5g) – active dry yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) – warm water
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) – olive oil, plus more for greasing
- 1 teaspoon (5g) – salt
- 1 (28oz) can – crushed tomatoes
- 3 cloves – garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon (5g) – dried oregano
- 4 tablespoons (60g) – unsalted butter, cubed
- 3 cups (340g) – shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
- Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, feel free to use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese instead.
How to Make Fire-Kissed Cheddar Pizza Casserole with Butter Kick
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this irresistible Fire-Kissed Cheddar Pizza Casserole.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preparing the pizza dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, warm water, olive oil, and salt. Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, then let it rise for about an hour. Once it’s doubled in size, punch it down and roll it out into a rectangular shape.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a saucepan, sauté the garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the rolled-out dough into it, pressing it up the sides to form a crust. Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese. Dot the top with small pieces of butter, ensuring even coverage.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve, garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Meaty Twist: For a heartier version, try adding cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the tomato sauce.
- Cheese Blend: Mix in other cheese varieties, like mozzarella or Parmesan, to create a more complex flavor profile.
- Thicker Crust: If you prefer a thicker crust, let the dough rise for an additional 30 minutes before rolling it out.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking for a crispy, crunchy topping.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: The casserole can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Nutrition Information
This hearty, comforting casserole is a delightful indulgence, with each serving providing a satisfying balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The casserole can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can! Bake the casserole as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Can I use a pre-made pizza crust instead of making my own?
Definitely! Using a store-bought pizza crust can save you some time and effort. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as pre-made crusts may cook faster than homemade.
How can I make this recipe more health-conscious?
To lighten up this dish, try using low-fat or reduced-fat cheddar cheese, and swap the butter for a smaller amount of olive oil. You can also replace some of the tomato sauce with roasted vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, or onions.
Can I add any additional toppings to this casserole?
Absolutely! This dish is highly customizable. Consider adding pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, diced onions, or even pineapple for a Hawaiian twist. Just be sure not to overload the casserole, as too many toppings can make it difficult to bake evenly.
Try These Next
- creamy pumpkin chili mac casserole with cheddar crust
- hearty chili mac casserole with cheddar topping
- comfort classics casseroles
Fire-Kissed Cheddar Pizza Casserole with Butter Kick
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fire-Kissed Cheddar Pizza Casserole combines the richness of cheddar cheese with zesty pizza flavors, all baked to perfection. A comforting dish that is sure to please the whole family!
Ingredients
– 1 lb elbow macaroni
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup pizza sauce
– 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
– 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
– 1/2 cup sliced black olives
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. 2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. 3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, pizza sauce, cheddar cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, black olives, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined.
5. 4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. 5. Drizzle the melted butter over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. 7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
– Feel free to customize the toppings based on your favorite pizza ingredients.
– This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: casserole, pizza, comfort food, cheddar cheese