If you love both pizza and lasagna, then you’re in for a treat! Pizzagna is a delightful fusion of these two beloved comfort foods, combining the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza with the layered, hearty satisfaction of lasagna. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something that’s both familiar and exciting. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how you can create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients:
- 6 No Boil Lasagna Sheets: These are the foundation of your pizzagna, providing structure and layering that captures all the delicious fillings.
- 1 Jar of Preferred Pasta Sauce: Choose your favorite pasta sauce—whether it’s marinara, tomato basil, or even a spicy arrabbiata—to give your pizzagna that rich, tangy flavor.
- 2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is a must for that gooey, melty cheese pull that makes every bite of pizzagna irresistible.
- ¾ Cup Pepperoni Slices: For that classic pizza taste, pepperoni adds a bit of spice and savory goodness.
- ¾ Cup Canadian Bacon or Cooked Pizza Sausage: Choose your favorite pizza meat toppings. Canadian bacon adds a slightly sweet, smoky flavor, while sausage offers a robust, meaty taste.
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your pizzagna bakes evenly, with all the cheese melting perfectly and the lasagna sheets cooking through.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent the pizzagna from sticking to the sides and make it easier to serve later.
3. Layer the Pizzagna
- First Layer: Start by spreading a thin layer of your chosen pasta sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. This prevents the lasagna sheets from sticking and adds flavor to every bite.
- Lasagna Sheets: Place two no-boil lasagna sheets on top of the sauce. These will soften and absorb the sauce as they bake, becoming perfectly tender.
- More Sauce and Cheese: Spread a generous amount of sauce over the lasagna sheets, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. The sauce adds moisture and flavor, while the cheese provides that gooey, melty goodness.
- Pepperoni and Meat: Add a layer of pepperoni slices and Canadian bacon or cooked pizza sausage. This layer gives the pizzagna its distinctive pizza flavor, with the meats adding savory depth.
4. Repeat the Layers
Continue layering in the same order—sauce, lasagna sheets, cheese, and meats—until you’ve used up all the ingredients. Aim for about three layers, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella cheese. This final cheese layer will turn golden and bubbly in the oven, making the pizzagna look as delicious as it tastes.
5. Bake the Pizzagna
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to trap in the heat and steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling. The exposed top layer of cheese will develop a nice crust, adding a bit of texture to the dish.
6. Let It Rest
Once the pizzagna is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Cut the pizzagna into squares and serve it hot. Each piece will be packed with layers of gooey cheese, savory meats, and tender pasta, delivering all the flavors of pizza and lasagna in every bite.
Customizing Your Pizzagna
One of the best things about pizzagna is how customizable it is. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your personal preferences or to use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make your pizzagna uniquely yours:
- Vegetarian Pizzagna: Skip the pepperoni and sausage, and load up your pizzagna with veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, olives, and spinach. You can also add some ricotta cheese between the layers for extra creaminess.
- Four-Cheese Pizzagna: If you’re a cheese lover, go all out by adding a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, and provolone cheeses. The combination of different cheeses adds complexity and richness to the dish.
- Spicy Pizzagna: If you like your food with a bit of a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy marinara. You can also swap the regular pepperoni for spicy pepperoni or add jalapeño slices for an extra burst of heat.
- Gourmet Pizzagna: For a more upscale version, use ingredients like prosciutto, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and fresh basil. Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top before serving for a sophisticated touch.
Pizzagna is a fun and flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds—pizza and lasagna—into one easy-to-make meal. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or put your own spin on it, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, and the leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day. So next time you’re craving something cheesy, hearty, and downright delicious, give pizzagna a try. You won’t be disappointed!
