Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Introduction

Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is your answer to enjoying all the flavors of classic pizza in a hearty, low-carb dish! This comforting casserole takes roasted cauliflower and transforms it into a delicious base, topped with rich marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and crispy pepperoni. Every bite is packed with the bold, savory flavors of traditional pizza—without the heavy crust—making it a fantastic option for those craving a lighter yet satisfying meal.

The first time I made this, I was amazed at how quickly it disappeared from the table! It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner, a game night, or meal prepping for the week. Plus, it’s so easy to customize—add mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers for extra flavor, or swap out the pepperoni for a veggie or meat lover’s twist.

The best part? It’s simple to make! With just a handful of ingredients and a quick bake in the oven, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy, and utterly delicious casserole ready in no time. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for a fun new way to enjoy pizza night, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

Perfect for:

• Low-carb and keto diets
• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prep
• Family-friendly meals
• Pizza cravings without the guilt

Why You’ll Love This Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Here’s why Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole will become a staple in your meal rotation:

• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: This dish satisfies pizza cravings while keeping carbs low, making it ideal for keto and low-carb lifestyles.
• Packed with Flavor: It delivers all the delicious flavors of traditional pizza—cheese, marinara, and pepperoni—without the crust.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make this a quick and hassle-free meal.
• Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your preferences, adding more toppings or switching up the cheeses.
• Great for Meal Prep: This casserole stores and reheats well, making it a perfect option for preparing meals in advance.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 8g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (low-carb or sugar-free if needed)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cauliflower: A nutrient-dense, low-carb alternative to pizza crust that absorbs flavors beautifully.
• Marinara Sauce: Choose a high-quality, sugar-free marinara for the best flavor and lowest carb count.
• Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses provide the classic pizza-style gooey texture and rich, savory flavor.
• Pepperoni: Adds a traditional pizza flavor with a crispy, slightly spicy bite.
• Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: Essential spices to enhance the overall pizza-like taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole:

Prepare the Cauliflower:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Roast the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bake: Spread the cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly golden.

Assemble the Casserole:

4. Layer the Ingredients: Transfer the roasted cauliflower to the prepared baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the cauliflower and stir to combine.
5. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. Add the Pepperoni: Arrange the pepperoni slices over the cheese layer. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.

Bake and Serve:

7. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. If desired, broil for an additional 2 minutes for a golden, crispy cheese topping.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

How to Serve Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

• Classic Casserole Style – Serve it hot, straight from the oven, with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks.
• Over Zoodles – Spoon the casserole over zucchini noodles for an extra low-carb meal.
• With a Side Salad – Pair it with a fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a light and refreshing contrast.
• In a Wrap – Wrap portions in a low-carb tortilla or flatbread for a handheld pizza-inspired meal.
• As a Stuffed Pepper Filling – Use the casserole mixture as a stuffing for halved bell peppers, then bake until tender.
• Topped with Extra Cheese & Broiled – Add an extra layer of mozzarella and broil for a golden, bubbly finish.
• Served in a Bread Bowl – Hollow out a crusty bread loaf and fill it with the casserole for a fun, indulgent twist.
• With a Side of Dipping Sauces – Serve alongside marinara, ranch, or pesto for extra flavor options.
• Over a Bed of Spinach or Arugula – Let the heat slightly wilt the greens, adding freshness and texture.
• As a Party Appetizer – Serve in small ramekins or muffin tins for individual portions at gatherings.

Additional Tips for Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Here are some tips to ensure your Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is perfect every time:

• Roast the Cauliflower First: This prevents the casserole from becoming watery and enhances the overall flavor.
• Use a High-Quality Marinara Sauce: A good marinara makes a big difference in taste. Opt for sugar-free varieties if following a low-carb diet.
• Customize Your Toppings: Add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or cooked sausage.
• Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a unique twist.
• Crispy Pepperoni: For extra-crispy pepperoni, pan-fry it briefly before adding it to the casserole.
• Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• Reheat Properly: Warm up leftovers in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Recipe Variations for Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Here are 10 variations you can try for Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole:

• Supreme Pizza Casserole: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, and sausage for a fully loaded experience.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza Casserole: Swap marinara for sugar-free BBQ sauce and replace pepperoni with shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Buffalo Chicken Pizza Casserole: Use buffalo sauce instead of marinara and add shredded chicken with blue cheese crumbles.
• Veggie Lover’s Casserole: Load up with spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes.
• Meat Lover’s Casserole: Add crumbled sausage, bacon, and ground beef alongside the pepperoni.
• White Pizza Casserole: Use an Alfredo sauce base instead of marinara and top with ricotta and spinach.
• Pesto Chicken Casserole: Replace marinara with pesto and add shredded chicken for a fresh, herby twist.
• Hawaiian Pizza Casserole: Add diced ham and pineapple (if not following a strict low-carb diet).
• Mexican Pizza Casserole: Use taco-seasoned ground beef, salsa instead of marinara, and top with cheddar cheese.
• Cheeseburger Pizza Casserole: Swap marinara for a ketchup-mustard mix and add cooked ground beef and pickles.

Freezing and Storage for Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

• Freezing: Assemble the casserole without baking and freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Special Equipment for Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole easier:

• Baking Sheet: For roasting the cauliflower evenly.
• 9×13-Inch Casserole Dish: The perfect size for this recipe.
• Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
• Sharp Knife: To chop cauliflower into even florets.
• Mixing Bowls: For tossing cauliflower with seasonings.
• Oven Thermometer: Ensures accurate baking temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
   Yes, but thaw and drain it first to prevent excess moisture.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free!
5. Can I add more toppings?
   Absolutely! Customize with your favorite pizza toppings.

Print

Conclusion

Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole is the ultimate low-carb comfort food, bringing all the classic pizza flavors into a nutritious and satisfying dish. With its cheesy, savory goodness and crispy pepperoni topping, this casserole is a must-try—whether you’re following a keto diet or just craving a healthier twist on pizza.

Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Enjoy all the indulgence of pizza without the guilt, and customize it with your favorite toppings for a dish that suits your taste.

I’d love to see how your Cauliflower Pepperoni Pizza Casserole turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!