--- title: Cheesy Pepperoni Potato Casserole – Easy Dinner Recipe url: https://optimalrecipes.com/cheesy-pepperoni-potato-casserole-easy-dinner-recipe/ author: Patricia Jannet published: 2025-01-26 updated: 2025-01-26 image: https://optimalrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Cheesy-Pepperoni-Potato-Casserole-recipe-1.webp categories: ["Dinner Ideas"] site: Optimal Recipes --- # Cheesy Pepperoni Potato Casserole – Easy Dinner Recipe > If you're in search of an simple, cozy and cheesy dish this cheesey pepperoni potato casserole is the perfect dish. It's an easy one-pan recipe that is packed with the delicious flavor of marinara sauce, melty cheese, crisp pepperoni, and soft Gnocchi. This dish is a blend combination of both pasta and pizza flavours which makes it popular with children... ![Cheesy Pepperoni Potato Casserole – Easy Dinner Recipe](https://optimalrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Cheesy-Pepperoni-Potato-Casserole-recipe-1.webp) ## Article If you’re in search of an **simple, cozy and cheesy dish** this **cheesey pepperoni potato casserole** is the perfect dish. It’s an easy **one-pan recipe** that is packed with the delicious flavor of marinara sauce, melty cheese, crisp pepperoni, and soft Gnocchi. This dish is a blend combination of **both pasta and pizza flavours** which makes it popular with children as well as adults. Let’s get started on this **simple-to-make, super-cheesy and tasty baking recipe for casserole**! ## Ingredients for Cheesy Pepperoni Potato Casserole You’ll require the following **basic pantry items**: ### Main Ingredients - 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese - 12-15 pepperoni slices - 1/2 cup of black olives - 1 Tablespoon olive oil ### Seasonings & Garnish - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano - 1 teaspoon of garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon, red pepper flake (optional to add spice) - The fresh leaves of basil (for decoration) ### Optional Substitutions - Make use of cauliflower Gnocchi to make an alternative that is low in carbs. - Switch out pepperoni in exchange in exchange for prepared Italian meat as well as mushrooms. - Try using a vodka sauce instead of marinara to give an extra creamy flavor. ## How to Make Cheesy Pepperoni Potato Casserole – Step by Step ### Step1: Preheat & Prep The oven should be preheated to **350degF (190degC)**. ### Step2: Cook the Gnocchi Prepare the large **saucepan of salted and salted water a simmer** then cook the **Gnocchi** in accordance with the instructions on the package. Rinse and put aside. ### Step3: Saute the Gnocchi Cook **1 tablespoon olive oil** in a skillet that is oven-safe on **moderate temperature**. Add the gnocchi that have been cooked and cook for **about 2 minutes** until they begin to turn **lightly golden**. ### Step4: Add Marinara & Cheese Serve **2 cups of the marinara** on the gnocchi and stir to coat. Sprinkle **half from the mozzarella** and the entire **Parmesan cheese** on top. ### Step5: Layer the Toppings Place your **pieces of pepperoni** and **black olives cut into slices** over the top. Then add on the **remainder of mozzarella cheese** all over everything. ### Step6: Season & Bake Sprinkle with **oregano along with garlic powder and red pepper sprinkled with red pepper flakes and garlic powder** to enhance the flavor. Place the pan in the **baking oven** to bake **about 15 minutes** until you’re sure that the **the cheese has melted and is golden**. ### Step7: Garnish & Serve Remove the pan from the oven, and **decorate with the fresh leaves of basil**. Serve hot and take your time! ## Helpful Tips for Cheesy Pepperoni Potato Casserole - Crispier pepperoni? Broil the casserole for the final 2 to 3 minutes to create a crisp topping. - Are you looking for something to be extra smooth? Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or ricotta in the marinara sauce. - Do not eat gnocchi that is soggy by sautéing them prior to making the sauce. ## Cooking Tips for the Best Cheesy Pepperoni Potato Casserole ### Best Cheese to Use - Mozzarella: For the classic gooey, stretchy melt. - Parmesan Gives it a sharp salty kick. - Cheddar To give a better flavor, more rich. ### Equipment Needed - Oven-safe skillet (or a casserole dish). - Big pot to boil Gnocchi. - Cheese grated for cheese freshly shredded (melts better than already shredded! ). ## Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Pepperoni Potato Casserole Enjoy this **delicious casserole** with: - Garlic Bread as well as the buttery bread sticks. - Caesar salad for a fresh, crunchy contrast. - Red wine, a glass such as Chianti as well as Cabernet Sauvignon. ## Nutritional Information The dish tastes **rich and delicious, yet satisfying**. Here’s the **nutrition breakdown for each serving**: **Calories:** 380 kcal **Carbohydrates:** 45g **Protein:** 15g **Fats:** 15g **Saturated Fat:** 7g **Fiber:** 3g *Note: The values could differ depending on the ingredients brands and the size of portions.* ## Storage and Leftovers for Cheesy Pepperoni Potato Casserole ### How to Store: - Refrigerator Keep in airtight containers for upto three days. - Freezer You can freeze it within an closed container for up to 2 months. ### How to Reheat: - Oven Heat at 350 °F (175degC) for 10 to 15 minutes. - Microwaves: Heat in intervals of 30 seconds until heated through. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Cheesy Pepperoni Potato Casserole ### 1. Do I have to make this in advance? Yes! You can prepare your recipe **for up to one day before** to chill it, and bake when it is ready. ### 2. What can I do with a different type of pasta in place of Gnocchi? Absolutely! **Penne and rigatoni or fusilli** are all great choices for this dish. ### 3. Does this dish have a spicy flavor? Its **red pepper flake** give a little hot flavor, but you are able to remove them to get an **less spicy taste**. ### 4. Can I make this vegetarian? Yes! Simply **remove that pepperoni** or substitute it for **bell peppers, mushrooms or even spinach**. ## Related Recipes for Cheesy Comfort Food Lovers If you’re a fan of **delicious casseroles with a cheesy flavor** then check out these recipes that are similar: - Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta – Easy Family Dinner Recipe - Cheesy Sausage and Egg Wraps – Easy Breakfast Recipe ## Conclusion It’s a great recipe for a potluck. **Cheesey Casserole with Potatoes** is an **simple, quick and extremely comforting dish** that combines all the great **the pizza as well as pasta**. It doesn’t matter if you’re cooking it to serve for an evening meal, a **night-time dinner** or it’s for a **potluck** or simply needing something sweet and delicious the dish is an absolute success. ### Do you have the recipe? Tell us in the comments below how it came out! Don’t forget to submit your **personal variations** and include us on social media. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy casserole! clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon ![](https://optimalrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Cheesy-Pepperoni-Potato-Casserole-recipe-1.webp) ## Cheesy Pepperoni Potato Casserole – Easy Dinner Recipe No reviews - Author: Patricia [Print Recipe](#) [Pin Recipe](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/?url=%23) ### Description If you’re looking for a **quick, comforting, and cheesy casserole**, this **Cheesy Pepperoni Potato Casserole** is the perfect meal. It’s a **one-pan dish** packed with the rich flavors of marinara sauce, melted cheese, crispy pepperoni, and tender gnocchi. This dish combines the best of **pizza and pasta flavors**, making it a hit for both kids and adults. Let’s dive into this **easy-to-make, ultra-cheesy, and satisfying casserole recipe**! ### Ingredients Scale 1x2x3x ### Main Ingredients - 1 lb (450g) potato gnocchi - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 12–15 pepperoni slices - ½ cup sliced black olives - 1 tablespoon olive oil ### Seasonings & Garnish - ½ teaspoon dried oregano - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice) - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) ### Optional Substitutions - Use cauliflower gnocchi for a low-carb version. - Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage or mushrooms. - Try a vodka sauce instead of marinara for a creamy twist. ### Instructions ### Step1: Preheat & Prep Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. ### Step2: Cook the Gnocchi Bring a large **pot of salted water to a boil** and cook the **gnocchi** according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. ### Step3: Sauté the Gnocchi Heat **1 tablespoon of olive oil** in an oven-safe skillet over **medium heat**. Add the cooked gnocchi and sauté for **2-3 minutes** until they turn **slightly golden**. ### Step4: Add Marinara & Cheese Pour **2 cups of marinara sauce** over the gnocchi, stirring gently to coat. Sprinkle **½ of the mozzarella cheese** and all of the **Parmesan cheese** over the top. ### Step5: Layer the Toppings Arrange the **pepperoni slices** and **sliced black olives** on top. Then, sprinkle the **remaining mozzarella cheese** evenly over everything. ### Step6: Season & Bake Sprinkle **oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes** for added flavor. Transfer the skillet to the **oven** and bake for **15-20 minutes**, until the **cheese is bubbly and golden brown**. ### Step7: Garnish & Serve Remove from the oven and **garnish with fresh basil leaves**. Serve hot and enjoy! ### Notes - Crispier Pepperoni? Broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes for a crispy topping. - Want it extra creamy? Add ½ cup of ricotta or heavy cream to the marinara sauce. - Avoid soggy gnocchi by sautéing them before adding the sauce. ### Did you make this recipe? Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made! window.trCommon={"minRating":6,"ajaxurl":"https:\/\/optimalrecipes.com\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php","ratingNonce":"","postId":0}; --- **Source**: [Cheesy Pepperoni Potato Casserole – Easy Dinner Recipe](https://optimalrecipes.com/cheesy-pepperoni-potato-casserole-easy-dinner-recipe/) **Site**: Optimal Recipes - https://optimalrecipes.com/ **Author**: Patricia Jannet *If you cite this recipe, please link to: https://optimalrecipes.com/cheesy-pepperoni-potato-casserole-easy-dinner-recipe/*