Homemade Pizzagna is a delightful twist on traditional Italian cuisine, combining the best elements of pizza and lasagna into one ultimate comfort dish. This beautiful fusion marries layers of tender pasta with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and crispy pepperoni to create a mouthwatering experience that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this captivating recipe will warm hearts and fill bellies.
The beauty of Homemade Pizzagna lies not only in its incredible flavor profile but also in its simplicity. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners as it involves fewer steps than traditional lasagna while retaining all the comforting nostalgia of both pizza and lasagna. This recipe is also fully customizable, allowing you to experiment with various toppings or ingredients to cater to your preferences. Your family will likely request it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pizzagna
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This dish combines all the comforting flavors of pizza and lasagna, sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Easy and Quick: Using oven-ready lasagna noodles and a simple layering technique means you’ll have this delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Customizable: Switch out toppings or add more vegetables to make this dish your own.
- Feed a Crowd: Perfect for gatherings, this recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into making your Homemade Pizzagna, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. First, you’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish—this size ensures that your layers don’t overflow, leading to a beautifully baked pizzagna. Have your measuring cups and mixing bowls handy for the cheese mixtures and sauces. Since you’ll be working with marinara, consider a spatula for spreading and a large spoon for layering.
Additionally, preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) is a critical step to ensure the cheeses melt perfectly and that the flavors blend beautifully during baking. A light greasing of olive oil in the baking dish is helpful, creating a non-stick surface to make serving much easier afterward. Once your tools and workspace are set up, you’ll find the cooking process efficient and enjoyable!
Ingredients
- 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 20–25 pepperoni slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows the oven to reach the perfect temperature while you prepare your pizzagna, ensuring that it bakes evenly and efficiently. Use this time to lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with a tablespoon of olive oil, helping to prevent sticking and making cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until well blended. The Italian seasoning and garlic powder give your filling a delightful flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients in your pizzagna.
Step 3: Create the Base Layer
Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. This will ensure the bottom noodles don’t stick and adds an initial burst of flavor that enhances your entire dish.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pizzagna
Next, lay down three of the oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce. On top of the noodles, spread a portion of the ricotta mixture, followed by another layer of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process until all your noodles and cheese mixture are used up, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce on top.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Pepperoni
For the final masterpiece, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the last layer of sauce. Then, carefully arrange the pepperoni slices on top, ensuring every bite will be bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Bake Your Pizzagna
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil—this allows the cheese to melt without browning too quickly. Bake the pizzagna in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, which will help achieve that golden brown finish on the cheese.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Once baked to perfection, allow your homemade pizzagna to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the layers settle, making serving easier and a cleaner cut.
Variations
- Protein: Try substituting ground beef, Italian sausage, or even shredded chicken for an extra protein boost.
- Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for an additional layer of flavor and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like crushed red pepper flakes to add a bit of heat to the dish.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to let the pizzagna sit before slicing to allow the layers to hold their shape.
- For an extra crispy top, broil the pizzagna for a minute or two after baking.
- Feel free to use low-fat cheese options or add in more veggies to make it healthier.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad to balance the richness of the pizzagna.
- A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top can elevate the dish’s presentation.
Tips
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor; homemade is often best!
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Reheat in the oven for the best texture rather than the microwave.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 950mg
FAQs
Can I make Homemade Pizzagna ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble your pizzagna a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it. Bake directly from the fridge; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Homemade Pizzagna can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them according to package instructions before assembling the pizzagna.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar texture.
Conclusion
Homemade Pizzagna is the perfect dish to bring to the table when you want a comforting meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to make. Its layers of flavors create a delightful explosion in every bite, ensuring it becomes a family favorite. The flexibility of this recipe means you can switch it up according to your preferences, making it feel fresh each time you prepare it. Encourage your friends and family to try their own variations, and don’t forget to share your pizzagna creations in the comments or on social media! With this recipe in your arsenal, you can confidently serve a dish that everyone will adore—make it tonight!
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Homemade Pizzagna
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Homemade Pizzagna is a delightful twist on traditional Italian cuisine, combining the best elements of pizza and lasagna into one ultimate comfort dish.
Ingredients
- 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 20–25 pepperoni slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish.
- Next, lay down three of the oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- For the final masterpiece, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the last layer of sauce.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake the pizzagna in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Once baked to perfection, allow your homemade pizzagna to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Let the pizzagna sit before slicing to allow the layers to hold their shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Protein: 25 g