Pepperoni and Cheese Pizza Bake
This cozy casserole combines all the flavors of a classic pepperoni pizza—gooey cheese, zesty marinara, and savory pepperoni—baked into one easy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce homestyle or store-bought
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 6 oz sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8–9 minutes), then drain and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), 1 1⁄2 cups mozzarella, and 1⁄2 cup Parmesan. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Arrange the pepperoni slices in slightly overlapping rows to cover the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the pepperoni.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden around the edges. For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely!). Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and serve!