Tater Tot Pizza Casserole 🍕🥔🧀
If you love pizza and crave the comforting crunch of tater tots, this Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is the perfect marriage of both worlds. It’s cheesy, hearty, and loaded with all the pizza flavors you love — gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and a crispy layer of golden tots. This easy family dinner is sure to become a weeknight favorite and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup mini pepperoni (or chopped regular pepperoni)
1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the frozen tater tots in an even layer across the bottom of the dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of Italian seasoning. Bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the tots start turning golden and crisp around the edges.
While the tots bake, warm the pizza sauce in a small saucepan or microwave until just heated through. Once the tots are crisp, remove the dish from the oven and pour the pizza sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce layer, followed by the pepperoni pieces. Add the remaining cheese, then sprinkle Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes for an extra flavor boost.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. If you love an extra-crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with a side of ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best Results
For more texture, mix some cooked sausage, chopped bell peppers, or onions with the pizza sauce layer. You can also make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding mushrooms, olives, and spinach. Use sharp cheddar or provolone in place of mozzarella for a flavor twist. If you want to prep ahead, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate — just bake a few minutes longer when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. It’s perfect for game nights, family dinners, or potlucks, offering that nostalgic pizza flavor in a fun, cozy format. Kids especially love it because of its crispy top and cheesy interior.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: ~430 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 24g
Sugar: 4g
Conclusion
The Tater Tot Pizza Casserole is everything comfort food should be — simple, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy. The crispy tater tots act as a golden crust, while the melted mozzarella and savory pepperoni turn it into the ultimate pizza-inspired bake. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish promises to deliver smiles, warmth, and that perfect balance of crunch and gooey goodness every single time.