Ultimate Cheese Sausage Pepperoni Mushroom Bake
Welcome to a culinary adventure that combines the rich flavors of cheese, savory sausage, zesty pepperoni, and earthy mushrooms in a delightful one-pan bake. This ultimate comfort food recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying. Bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, this Cheese Sausage Pepperoni Mushroom Bake will become a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Add the sliced mushrooms, onions, and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Transfer the sausage and mushroom mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
- Arrange the pepperoni slices evenly over the cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the pepperoni.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, before serving. Enjoy your Cheese Sausage Pepperoni Mushroom Bake hot and fresh out of the oven!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients. You can add diced bell peppers, olives, or jalapenos for extra flavor and spice.
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the Cheese Sausage Pepperoni Mushroom Bake ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Serve with Pasta: For a heartier meal, serve this cheesy bake over cooked pasta or with crusty bread on the side to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
- Cauliflower Rice Base: Replace the traditional pasta with cauliflower rice for a keto and low-carb version of this dish. Simply steam or sauté the cauliflower rice until tender and use it as the base for the sausage and pepperoni bake.
- Almond Flour Crust: For a low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crust, you can make an almond flour crust to use as the base of the bake. Mix together almond flour, shredded mozzarella cheese, eggs, and Italian seasoning, then press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish before adding the sausage and pepperoni mixture on top.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of cheese, sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms with this delectable Cheese Sausage Pepperoni Mushroom Bake. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to please. With its easy preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s the perfect dish to add to your dinner rotation. Gather your ingredients and prepare to delight your taste buds with this ultimate comfort food favorite
Enhancing the Flavor:
- Fresh Herbs: Add a burst of freshness to your Cheese Sausage Pepperoni Mushroom Bake by sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil over the top before serving. The vibrant green color and aromatic flavor will elevate the dish and add a touch of brightness.
- Spice it Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos to the sausage and mushroom mixture. This will give the bake a subtle kick and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Italian Seasoning Blend: For added depth of flavor, incorporate a tablespoon of Italian seasoning blend into the sauce mixture. This combination of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary will infuse the dish with classic Italian flavors.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips:
- Batch Cooking: This Cheese Sausage Pepperoni Mushroom Bake is perfect for batch cooking. Make a double or triple batch and portion it into individual servings for quick and easy meals throughout the week. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
- Freezing Instructions: You can also freeze the assembled bake before baking for future meals. Once assembled in the baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking according to the instructions.
- Leftover Love: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated to your liking.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version of this dish, omit the sausage and pepperoni, and increase the quantity of mushrooms and other vegetables. You can add additional protein sources such as chickpeas or tofu to make it more filling.
- Gluten-Free: If you follow a gluten-free diet, simply substitute gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice for the traditional pasta in this recipe. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the marinara sauce and seasoning blends, are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cheese alternatives such as shredded vegan mozzarella and cheddar cheese. You can also swap out the butter for a dairy-free margarine or olive oil.
With its hearty combination of cheese, sausage, pepperoni, and mushrooms, this Cheese Sausage Pepperoni Mushroom Bake is a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, looking for a low-carb option, or simply craving a delicious dinner, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Get creative with your toppings and customizations, and enjoy the mouthwatering flavors of this cheesy bake any night of the week!
