Josh And Greg'S Hot July Pepperoni Pie
A savory pepperoni and spaghetti casserole with cheesy layers, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that combines rich flavors and comforting textures. Suitable for casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart glass round baking dish, combine cooked and drained spaghetti, slightly beaten eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Press the mixture against the bottom of the dish to form the 'crust.'
- Microwave on High power for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, or until heated.
- Add creamed cottage cheese and spoon over the top of the spaghetti mixture.
- Arrange pepperoni slices over the cottage cheese layer.
- Spread tomato sauce evenly over the top.
- Cover with plastic wrap.
- Microwave on High power for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the mixture is hot.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the layer of pepperoni. If you prefer a lighter option, swap out the creamed cottage cheese for ricotta or Greek yogurt. Be sure to cook the spaghetti al dente, as it will continue to cook in the microwave. This dish can also be customized with your favorite Italian herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors. It also pairs beautifully with Applause Winning Baked Lasagna for a hearty meal. For a fun twist, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano before serving to enhance the Italian flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 1-minute intervals, covered, until heated through. Alternatively, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Adding a splash of water can help retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Josh And Greg'S Hot July Pepperoni Pie contains roughly 299 calories, with 19g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value) and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 643mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type, ensuring it is al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this pie vegetarian, simply omit the pepperoni and replace it with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. You can also add extra cheese for flavor and texture, which will complement the dish beautifully.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spaghetti crust and layer the cottage cheese and toppings in advance. Cover and refrigerate it until you're ready to cook. Just increase the microwave time slightly to ensure it's heated through when you're ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).