Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole – Cheesy, Crispy, Comfort Food

Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is a fun, kid-friendly dinner that combines all the best flavors of pizza in a hearty, baked casserole. Crisp tater tots layer atop a creamy, cheesy base filled with pizza sauce, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want a comforting, easy-to-make meal that pleases everyone at the table.

Not only is this casserole delicious, it’s also customizable — add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a veggie boost, swap pepperoni for sausage, or use a blend of cheeses for extra flavor. The combination of tater tots and pizza ingredients makes it irresistibly crispy on top and cheesy inside.

🥗 Ingredients

• 32 oz frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular slices cut in half)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh basil or parsley

🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Prepare cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well-mixed.
3. Layer the base: Spread pizza sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half of the cheese mixture on top of the sauce, spreading evenly.
4. Add pepperoni: Scatter pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese layer.
5. Top with remaining cheese: Spread the remaining cheese mixture over the pepperoni.
6. Add tater tots: Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top of the casserole.
7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
8. Serve: Let the casserole cool 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Extra crispiness: For even crispier tater tots, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
• Vegetable addition: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms between cheese layers for a veggie boost.
• Cheese variations: Mix mozzarella with provolone or gouda for extra melty flavor.
• Meal prep: Make ahead and refrigerate overnight; bake 10–15 minutes longer if cold from fridge.
• Spicy twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a kick.

Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Crispy tater tots layered with cheese, pizza sauce, and pepperoni for a fun and comforting casserole dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Comfort Food, Dinner

Cuisine: American, Family-Friendly

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 32 oz frozen tater tots
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup mini pepperoni slices or regular slices cut in half
• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Combine mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread pizza sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the cheese mixture on top.
4. Scatter pepperoni evenly over the cheese layer.
5. Spread remaining cheese mixture over the pepperoni.
6. Arrange frozen tater tots in a single layer on top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until tater tots are golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
8. Cool 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness. Can add vegetables for more flavor.

🍴 Why You’ll Love It

This casserole is the ultimate comfort food — easy to make, full of flavor, and satisfying for both kids and adults. It combines the best parts of pizza and a tater tot casserole, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or game day snacks.