Pizza Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is the best kind of mashup—imagine all the cheesy, pepperoni-loaded goodness of your favorite pizza, layered with crispy golden tater tots, bubbling sauce, and gooey mozzarella. It’s a crowd-pleasing, weeknight-friendly bake that nobody can resist, kids and adults alike!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This ingredient list is as short as it is powerful! Every item works hard to deliver gooey cheese pulls, bold pepperoni flavor, savory sauce, and all the crispy tater tot crunch you could dream of. Don’t skip anything—each one is essential for the full Pizza Tater Tot Casserole experience.

• Frozen tater tots (32 oz): The star of the casserole—go in straight from the bag for an easy, fun, golden crust that soaks up all those pizza flavors.
• Pepperoni slices (3 oz): Adds a punch of classic pizza spice and delicious crispy edges once baked—use your favorite brand or turkey pepperoni if preferred.
• Pizza sauce (2 cups): Brings the whole “pizza” vibe to your casserole and keeps every layer juicy and flavorful—store-bought or homemade both work!
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts right into those crispy tots and brings that signature cheese pull—pre-shredded is super convenient here.
• Grated parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds salty, nutty depth and the ultimate golden finish on top of your Pizza Tater Tot Casserole.

Variations

The best part about Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is how forgiving it is—think of it as a blank (and delicious!) canvas. Don’t be afraid to play with your toppings, the amount of cheese, or even swap in new flavors to make it your family’s favorite version.

• Veggie Supreme: Layer in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or olives for a pizza-inspired veggie boost.
• Meat Lovers: Add browned sausage, cooked bacon, or crumbled ground beef with your pepperoni for a hearty twist.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Swap in a blend of cheeses—think provolone, cheddar, or even a dash of smoked gouda—for extra meltiness and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle hot honey on top before serving to turn up the heat.

How to Make Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Start Layering

First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray—this keeps everything from sticking later on. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce along the bottom of your dish to set the foundation for all the saucy, cheesy action to come!

Step 2: Build the First Layer

Arrange about a third of your pepperoni slices right on top of the sauce. Scatter half of your frozen tater tots over the pepperoni, spreading them into an even layer. Now pour on one cup of pizza sauce, followed by one cup of shredded mozzarella—time for that gooey goodness to start!

Step 3: Repeat and Top It Off

Repeat the same layering again: another layer of pepperoni, the rest of your tater tots, the last of your pizza sauce, and finally, the remaining mozzarella cheese. Finish off with your last slices of pepperoni and a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan for a golden brown, signature finish.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to let everything get melty and cook through evenly. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the tater tots are crispy and golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so every square holds together nicely.

How to Serve Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

Add a bright sprinkle of fresh chopped basil, parsley, or even a scattering of sliced green onions right before serving. For a pizzeria-style finish, try a pinch of extra parmesan or a few crushed red pepper flakes for those who like it spicy!

Side Dishes

Lean into the pizza night vibes by pairing your casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian dressing, some garlic breadsticks, or roasted veggies for a bit of freshness alongside all that cheesy comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

This casserole is just as fun served family-style at the table as it is scooped into individual ramekins for personal pizza casseroles! For parties, try cutting cooled squares and serving as hearty finger food bites with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover your Pizza Tater Tot Casserole with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days, and it’ll reheat beautifully for easy lunches or late-night snacks.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely and wrap well before popping it into the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat single servings in the microwave for quick convenience, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven (covered for the first 10 minutes) until heated through and bubbly again. Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for max crispiness!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up pizza night or just want a meal that feels like a cozy hug, this Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is your answer. I can’t wait for you to dig in—grab a fork, call your friends and family, and enjoy every piping-hot, cheesy, nostalgic bite!

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