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Mix frozen tater tots with your favorite pizza fixings for a cozy, crowd-pleasing casserole. This filling dish brings together crunchy potato nuggets, gooey cheese and spicy pepperoni, giving you all those beloved pizza tastes in a fun, different format.
When I first whipped this up for my sister's kids, they were torn between calling it pizza or tater tots - but they definitely asked for more. It's now our go-to meal for sleepovers.
Must-Have Components
- Tater Tots: Go for super crunchy ones - they don't get mushy in the mix
- Pizza Sauce: Pick one with visible herb bits already included
- Mozzarella: Shred it yourself for smoother melting
- Pepperoni: The mini kind spreads more evenly
- Parmesan: Freshly grated gives that real pizza kick
Step-By-Step Cooking Guide
- Step 1: Getting Ready (10 minutes)
- Butter your baking dish well so nothing sticks. Spread sauce thinly at the bottom - too much makes everything soggy. Put tots in straight lines for better cooking. Push them slightly together to fill gaps.
- Step 2: Building Layers (15 minutes)
- Use sauce that isn't cold for easier spreading. Make a layer of pepperoni between the tots and sauce. Scatter cheese all over, making sure to reach the edges. Gently press each layer down.
- Step 3: Finishing Touches (10 minutes)
- Arrange the rest of the pepperoni evenly across the top. Sprinkle parmesan right to the sides. Cover loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Take foil off carefully so you don't mess up the top.
- Step 4: Cooking and Resting (35-40 minutes)
- Put in the middle of your oven for best heat. Watch for sauce bubbling at the sides. Look for spots where cheese turns golden-brown. Let it sit before serving so it holds together.
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My high schoolers always want this casserole on game nights. That mix of crispy potatoes and stretchy cheese keeps everybody grabbing seconds.
Warming It Up
Wrap in foil and heat at 350°F until hot throughout. Microwaving works too but the tots won't stay as crunchy.
Great Side Dishes
Serve with a basic green salad topped with Italian dressing to balance out the richness.
Prep In Advance
Put it all together up to a day ahead, keep in the fridge, and cook about 10 minutes longer.
Switch It Up
Swap in white sauce or pesto instead of tomato sauce for completely different flavors.
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After trying countless pizza variations, this casserole has become our household's top choice for mixing two comfort foods together. The secret is in how you stack everything - you want each mouthful to have the right amount of crunchy tots, sauce and melted cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I toss in other pizza extras?
- Absolutely. Throw in some green peppers, onions, or cooked ground beef between your layers for extra flavor.
- → Do the tater tots need thawing first?
- Keep them frozen. They'll cook up nice and crispy right from the freezer during baking.
- → Is making this in advance okay?
- Sure thing. Put it together up to a day ahead and keep in the fridge. Just cook it a bit longer when you're ready.
- → What's the best way to warm up the leftovers?
- Pop them in your oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep that nice crunch.
- → Can I stick this in the freezer for later?
- You bet. Cover it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight before warming.