This Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is a magical mashup of everything I love about comfort food: ooey-gooey cheese, crispy tater tots, tangy pizza sauce, and plenty of pepperoni, all layered together in one glorious, cheesy bake. If your family loves pizza night as much as mine, prepare for them to swoon over this easy-to-make, utterly craveable casserole that brings together the best of pizza and the old-school tater tot bake. It’s a weeknight hero, party pleaser, and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!

Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and familiar each ingredient is, but don’t let the easy list fool you—each part adds something special, whether it’s cheesy stretch, colorful pops, or that addictive, crispy tater tot crunch. Here’s what you’ll need:

Frozen Tater Tots (1 bag, 32 oz): The crispy, golden base that gives this Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole its irresistible texture.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Provides that classic, gooey pizza melt and stringy cheese pull everyone loves.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Adds a pop of sharpness and golden color to balance the mozzarella.
Pizza Sauce (1 jar, 14 oz): Sweet, tangy, and full of zesty tomato flavor; the heart of the pizza vibe.
Mini Pepperoni Slices (1/2 cup): Sprinkled throughout for bursts of savory, meaty flavor in every bite.
Chopped Green Bell Pepper (1/4 cup): A little freshness and crunch that wakes up the whole dish.
Sliced Black Olives (1/4 cup): Adds salty, briny depth—optional, but so good if you love olives on pizza!
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings classic pizza herbs and that signature pizzeria aroma.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): A quick way to layer in warm, savory background flavor.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For just a touch of sharpness and to balance the richness.
Nonstick Cooking Spray: Keeps everything from sticking and helps with easy cleanup.

How to Make Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coat of nonstick spray. This step sets the foundation for a crispy bottom and makes clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Build the Crispy Tater Tot Base

Arrange your frozen tater tots in an even, single layer in the prepared dish. Slide the pan onto the middle rack and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Pre-crisping the tots here is key—they’ll hold their shape and stay deliciously crunchy even after layering on the toppings.

Step 3: Add the Pizza Layer

Pull the dish from the oven and spread the pizza sauce gently and evenly all over the golden tater tots—don’t worry if some makes its way into the nooks, that’s where the flavor magic happens! Next, sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce to create a melty, cheesy bed for all the toppings.

Step 4: Dress It Up with Toppings

Now for the fun part that makes this taste like a real pepperoni pizza! Evenly scatter the mini pepperoni slices, diced green pepper, and sliced black olives across the cheesy layer. Follow with a cozy sprinkle of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a dash of black pepper to amp up those classic pizza flavors.

Step 5: Cheese Blanket and Second Bake

Finish strong by sprinkling all the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Back into the oven it goes—bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling, gloriously melted, and starts to take on a gorgeous golden hue.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once bubbling hot and beautifully golden, remove the Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This makes it easier to slice and allows everything to set up just right before serving.

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole

Garnishes

Add a flourish of freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving to deliver instant color and a little fresh flavor contrast. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan never hurts, either, if you want to go big on the cheese factor!

Side Dishes

This ultra-satisfying casserole can absolutely serve as the main event. For balance, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette, or some roasted broccoli on the side. Garlic bread or breadsticks are also a family favorite for sopping up all that saucy, cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole for a party or potluck, try scooping it into individual ramekins, or slice into squares for easy pick-up pieces. For a fun twist, set up a pizza bar with extra toppings on the side so folks can add their favorite extras before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole keeps surprisingly well! Once cooled, transfer portions into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together and each bite stays deliciously cheesy and satisfying.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cut into portions or freeze whole. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm individual servings in the microwave for quick lunches, or reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F until piping hot. If you want to bring back that crispy tater tot texture, use the oven or toaster oven instead of the microwave for best results.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized pepperoni instead of mini?

Absolutely! Just slice regular pepperoni into quarters so the pieces distribute nicely over the casserole. It’s a great way to use what you have on hand without a special grocery run.

How can I make the Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole vegetarian?

Skip the pepperoni or use a plant-based pepperoni alternative. You can bulk up the toppings with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or more bell peppers for plenty of flavor and color.

Can I assemble this casserole in advance?

Yes! Assemble up to the point just before baking with the final cheese layer. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the bake time straight from the fridge.

What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

Besides mozzarella and cheddar, you could try provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a little smoked gouda for a twist. Just stick to easy-melting cheeses for best results.

Is this a good option for picky eaters?

Absolutely—most kids and adults go wild for Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole because it brings together familiar flavors in a fun, approachable way. Let picky eaters leave out toppings like olives or peppers as needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that sparks joy with every bite, this Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is the answer. It’s the kind of meal that turns even a regular weeknight into something special, no matter who’s gathered around your table. Don’t be surprised if your family requests it again and again!

Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Pepperoni Pizza Tater Tot Casserole is a fun twist on classic pizza flavors, with crispy tater tots forming the base for gooey cheese, zesty pepperoni, and savory toppings. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Tater Tot Layer:

1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots

Cheese Layer:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Toppings:

1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce
1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup sliced black olives

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Others:

Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Bake Tater Tots: Arrange tater tots in a single layer in the dish. Bake for 20 minutes.
Add Layers: Spread pizza sauce over tater tots, sprinkle half of the cheeses, add pepperoni, bell pepper, olives. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Top with remaining cheese.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.