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Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole
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Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is a quick, comforting dish combining crispy tater tots, zesty marinara sauce, savory pepperoni, and melty mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make casserole brings all your favorite pizza flavors together in a crispy, cheesy one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Frozen crispy tater tots (about 32 oz / 900g)
  • Pre-sliced pepperoni slices (about 20-30 slices)
  • Shredded fresh mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
  • Marinara or pizza sauce (1 cup)
  • Cream cheese or sour cream (½ cup, dolloped or spread)
  • Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon)

Optional Ingredients

  • Bell peppers, onions, or olives (½ cup, diced, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking and crispy tater tots.
  2. Layer the Sauce and Creaminess: Spread a generous layer of marinara or pizza sauce evenly over the bottom of your casserole dish. Dot or spread cream cheese or sour cream in small sections over the sauce to add richness and balance acidity.
  3. Add Pepperoni and Cheese: Scatter the pepperoni slices evenly over the sauce layer. Sprinkle about half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top to help hold the pepperoni in place while melting.
  4. Arrange the Tater Tots: Carefully place frozen tater tots in a single layer over the cheese and pepperoni, covering every inch to create a crispy, golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Bake the casserole for 35-40 minutes until the tater tots are golden and the cheese is bubbling. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.

Notes

  • Use fresh shredded mozzarella for the creamiest melt and best stretchiness.
  • Spread tater tots in a single layer with some spacing to ensure proper crisping and avoid steaming.
  • If marinara sauce is watery, reduce it slightly on the stove before layering to prevent sogginess.
  • Mixing cheeses like cheddar or provolone with mozzarella can add extra flavor depth.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to make cutting easier and enhance flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pepperoni pizza, tater tot casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, quick dinner, family meal, easy recipe

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/pepperoni-pizza-tater-tot-casserole/