Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s sure to be the star of the show: Cheddar Bay Pizza Casserole! This mouthwatering blend of cheesy goodness and savory sausage, all wrapped in a golden crust, will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine a pizza and a casserole joining forces to create the ultimate comfort food experience—sounds delicious, right? With just 50 minutes of your time, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that serves 8 and is perfect for any occasion. Dive into this recipe and discover how to bring the flavors of your favorite pizzeria right to your kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked sausage
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage with the marinara sauce. Stir until the sausage is evenly coated with the sauce.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle that fits your casserole dish. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out pizza dough to the greased casserole dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides to form a crust.
- Spread the sausage and marinara mixture evenly over the pizza dough, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the sausage and marinara mixture, distributing it evenly.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the garlic powder and parsley until well combined.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture over the edges of the pizza dough to enhance the flavor and create a golden crust.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy your Cheddar Bay Pizza Casserole with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce!
Tips
- Prepping Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the sausage and marinara mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and assemble the casserole when you're ready to bake.
- Dough Handling: If the pizza dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on your work surface. This will make it easier to roll out without tearing.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is the star, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Garlic Butter Brilliance: Don’t skip the garlic butter brushing! It adds a delightful flavor to the crust and enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your casserole with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 65mg
