Cauliflower Pizza Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This cauliflower pizza casserole is a delicious and low-carb twist on a classic favorite. Combining roasted cauliflower with marinara, cheese, and pepperoni, it’s a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

The image shows a square white baking dish filled with a baked layered dish. The bottom layer appears to be a thick, slightly browned baked base. Above that is a bright red tomato sauce layer with a textured surface. The next layer is melted cheese, creamy white with some golden brown spots where it has baked. On top of the cheese, there are evenly spaced round slices of pepperoni with a reddish-brown color, and small green herb pieces sprinkled over the whole dish. The background is a white marbled texture, with a blurred bowl of green herbs and a wooden spoon visible in the upper left. A woman's hand is seen gently holding the dish from the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cauliflower florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 20 pepperoni slices, divided
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Step 2: Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil in a large bowl until evenly coated; spread them on a baking sheet.
  3. Step 3: Roast the cauliflower for 20 minutes until tender and slightly browned, stirring halfway through.
  4. Step 4: In another bowl, mix the roasted cauliflower with marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, diced bell peppers, and half of the pepperoni slices.
  5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish; top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
  6. Step 6: Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the cauliflower before roasting.
  • Replace pepperoni with cooked sausage or mushrooms for a different topping option.
  • Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version without sacrificing meltiness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through to keep the texture crisp and cheese melty.

How to Serve

A square white baking dish filled with a layered pizza casserole. The bottom layer is a rich red tomato sauce, topped by melted golden brown cheese covering the entire surface. Scattered evenly on top are round slices of browned pepperoni, some bubbling with oil. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled across the cheese, adding color contrast. The edges of the cheese are slightly crispy and browned. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, with a blurred bowl of green herbs in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets; just make sure to thaw and drain them well before roasting to avoid extra moisture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this cauliflower pizza casserole is naturally gluten-free as long as the marinara sauce and pepperoni do not contain gluten.

Print

Cauliflower Pizza Casserole Recipe

A delicious and low-carb cauliflower pizza casserole that combines roasted cauliflower with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and bell peppers, baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This casserole is a flavorful and comforting alternative to traditional pizza, perfect for a family-friendly meal.

  • Author: lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 4 cups cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup bell peppers, chopped

Dairy

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Other

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 30 slices pepperoni, divided
  • Nonstick cooking spray, for baking dish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for the casserole.
  2. Roast Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil in a large bowl until they are evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet, then roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until tender and slightly browned, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
  3. Mix Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower with marinara sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped bell peppers, and half of the pepperoni slices. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Pour the cauliflower mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the remaining mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices on top to ensure a flavorful, cheesy crust.
  5. Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the casserole is fully heated through and ready to serve.

Notes

  • You can substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage or omit for a vegetarian version (omit pepperoni and add more veggies).
  • For extra flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes before baking.
  • Use low-moisture mozzarella for best melting results.
  • Make sure to stir the cauliflower halfway through roasting for even browning.
  • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.

Keywords: cauliflower pizza casserole, low carb pizza, roasted cauliflower, easy casserole, keto pizza alternative, pepperoni casserole, cheesy casserole

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