Pizza Picnic
A hearty and cheesy pizza-inspired casserole featuring layers of crescent rolls, seasoned ground beef, eggs, cheeses, and fresh green peppers. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a flavorful combination of savory meats and melty cheeses baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and set aside.
- Beat the eggs until light and fluffy.
- Add grated cheese (Parmesan or cottage cheese) to the eggs and set aside.
- Grease a 10 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Line the bottom of the pan with one package of crescent rolls.
- Spread half of the cheese and egg mixture over the rolls.
- Layer the browned meat and chopped green peppers over the cheese-egg mixture.
- Add half of the Provolone cheese, then the boiled ham, remaining Provolone cheese, and the remaining cheese-egg mixture.
- Arrange the salami slices on top.
- Cover with the second package of crescent rolls.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake at 375°F for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh ingredients, especially for the cheese and meats. If you want a lighter option, consider swapping out the ground beef for turkey or a meat substitute. You can also add additional vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. Make sure to seal the edges of the crescent rolls to prevent any filling from leaking out while baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Pizza Picnic is perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables. For a fun twist, serve it with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. You can also offer a selection of condiments like hot sauce or Italian dressing. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside American recipes such as Hearty Winter Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, which will help maintain the crispiness of the crescent rolls.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Picnic contains roughly 347 calories, with 18g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value) and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 477mg per serving (21% 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 different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack can add a unique flavor to the dish. Just ensure that the total amount of cheese remains similar to avoid altering the texture of the filling.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make the Pizza Picnic vegetarian, simply omit the meats and add more vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or olives. You can also add beans for protein and make sure to use vegetarian cheese options for a delicious meat-free version.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! Assemble it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).