Are you tired of throwing away those leftover slices of pizza, only to regret it when you could have gotten more mileage out of that delicious pie? Think again! With a little creativity, those leftovers can be transformed into mouthwatering new dishes that will surprise and delight your taste buds. In this article, we’ll explore 18 creative recipes that reinvent the humble leftover pizza in unexpected and delightful ways.
From breakfast to dessert, and from snacks to main courses, these innovative ideas show you how to turn yesterday’s pizza into today’s culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for quick and easy solutions or a foodie seeking inspiration for your next dinner party, we’ve got you covered with our collection of clever leftover pizza recipes.
Leftover Pizza Breakfast Casserole
Turn yesterday’s pizza into a tasty breakfast treat with this easy and satisfying casserole. Perfect for busy mornings or brunches, it’s a great way to reduce food waste and please the whole family.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover pizza (broken into bite-sized pieces)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 6-8 slices of bread, cubed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the pizza pieces, cheese, and bread cubes to the egg mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pizza Croutons for Salads
Elevate your salads with a flavorful and crunchy addition – Pizza Croutons! These bite-sized treats are perfect for sprinkling on top of your favorite greens, adding a savory and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Roll out pizza dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
3. Cut into small squares, approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) per side.
4. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Add the crouton squares and toss until they are evenly coated.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the croutons out in a single layer.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
7. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle on top of the croutons during the last minute of baking.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, this recipe adds the flavors of pizza to create a unique and delicious meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this sandwich is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, butter-side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and basil.
5. Place the second bread slice, butter-side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Leftover Pizza Quesadilla
Transforming leftover pizza into a crispy, cheesy quesadilla is a game-changer. This recipe takes the best of both worlds and combines them into one delicious treat.
Ingredients:
– 1-2 cups leftover pizza (any topping combination works)
– 2 large tortillas
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the pizza slices on half of the tortilla.
3. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also crispy.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients to make the second quesadilla.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes
Pizza Stuffed Bell Peppers
A creative twist on traditional pizza night, this recipe combines the flavors of a classic margherita pizza with the sweetness of bell peppers. The result is a flavorful and visually appealing dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup pizza sauce
– 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, basil, and Parmesan cheese.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the pizza mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pizza Frittata with Fresh Herbs
A twist on the classic frittata, this recipe combines the flavors of pizza with the convenience of a breakfast or brunch option. Fresh herbs add a bright and refreshing touch to this satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Freshly ground black pepper, to serve
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and mushrooms; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until mushrooms release their liquid.
5. Whisk eggs in a bowl; season with salt and pepper.
6. Pour the egg mixture over the mushroom mixture; cook for 1 minute.
7. Transfer skillet to oven; bake for 15-18 minutes or until eggs are set.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and basil on top; return to oven for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
9. Serve warm, seasoned with black pepper.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Pizza Bread Pudding with Marinara Sauce
Transform your favorite pizza flavors into a sweet and savory bread pudding, perfect for a unique dessert or brunch option.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale pizza crust, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Add pizza crust cubes and stir until well combined.
4. Pour marinara sauce over the bread mixture and toss until coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Sprinkle with chopped basil, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Leftover Pizza Soup with Crumbled Toppings
Transform leftover pizza into a warm, comforting soup that’s perfect for a cozy night in. This creative recipe is a game-changer for reducing food waste and satisfying your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover pizza (crust, toppings, and sauce)
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Crumbled leftover pizza toppings (such as mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, etc.)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the leftover pizza, broth, heavy cream or half-and-half, and olive oil.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup has thickened slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Just before serving, crumble your favorite leftover pizza toppings into the soup.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Pizza Pasta Bake with Extra Cheese
A twist on classic pasta bake, this recipe combines the comfort of a warm casserole with the flavors of pizza. With melted cheese and savory tomato sauce, it’s a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 lb ground beef or sausage, cooked and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 bell pepper, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain.
3. In a large skillet, combine marinara sauce, ground beef or sausage, onion, and bell pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cooked pasta, tomato sauce mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Top with grated cheddar cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pizza-Inspired Calzone with Fresh Dough
Create a delicious twist on traditional calzones by filling homemade dough with pizza-inspired ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy dinner or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– Pizza sauce
– Mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Fresh basil leaves
– Toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, onions)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Gradually add warm water to form a sticky dough. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
3. Let dough rest for 10 minutes. Divide into 4 equal portions.
4. Roll out each portion into a thin circle (about 1/8 inch thick).
5. Place pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and toppings in the center of each circle.
6. Fold dough over filling, forming a triangle or square shape. Press edges to seal.
7. Cook calzones in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pizza-Topped Garlic Bread
Elevate your snack game with this simple recipe that combines the flavors of pizza and garlic bread. This indulgent treat is perfect for a quick dinner or as a satisfying accompaniment to your favorite pasta dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf French baguette
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup pizza sauce
– 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the baguette in half lengthwise.
3. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and olive oil.
4. Spread the garlic mixture evenly onto each half of the baguette.
5. Spoon pizza sauce over the garlic spread, leaving a small border around edges.
6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Leftover Pizza Nachos with Jalapeños
Transform leftover pizza into a snacking sensation by turning it into nachos! This recipe is a game-changer for reducing food waste and satisfying your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups leftover pizza, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup tortilla chips
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Place the leftover pizza pieces on top of the tortilla chips.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza.
5. Add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt to taste.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pizza-Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your snack game with this creative recipe that combines the flavors of pizza with the earthy goodness of mushrooms. Perfect for a quick appetizer or snack, these bite-sized treats are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 cup pizza sauce
– 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together pizza sauce and olive oil.
3. Stuff each mushroom cap with the sauce mixture, leaving a small border around edges.
4. Top each mushroom with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and oregano.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pizza-Inspired Flatbread with Arugula
Elevate your flatbread game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the best of pizza and salad. Fresh arugula adds a peppery kick to balance out the rich flavors of garlic, olive oil, and melted mozzarella.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of flatbread or naan
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 cup of fresh arugula
– 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and olive oil.
3. Spread the garlic-olive oil mixture evenly over the flatbread.
4. Top with arugula and mozzarella cheese.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Leftover Pizza Panini with Pesto
Transform last night’s pizza into a crispy, cheesy panini with the added creaminess of pesto.
Ingredients:
– 2 leftover pizza slices (any topping combination)
– 1 tablespoon pesto
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
– 4 slices of bread ( Ciabatta or Focaccia work well)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a panini press or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one pizza slice on the unbuttered side of a bread slice, followed by a dollop of pesto.
4. Top with another bread slice, butter-side up.
5. Repeat for the second panini.
6. Cook in the panini press or grill for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Pizza-Topped Baked Potatoes
Elevate the humble baked potato with a flavorful pizza-inspired topping. This recipe combines the comfort of a warm potato with the excitement of a mini pizza.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large baking potatoes
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup pizza sauce
– 1/4 cup diced pepperoni or other pizza toppings (e.g., bell peppers, onions)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in each with a fork.
3. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
5. While the potatoes are baking, combine mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and pepperoni on a plate or tray.
6. Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and top each with the pizza mixture.
7. Return the potatoes to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour
Pizza-Inspired Omelette with Fresh Veggies
A twist on the classic omelette, this recipe combines the flavors of pizza with fresh vegetables for a delicious and healthy breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook until the edges start to set, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the sliced bell peppers and cherry tomatoes, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
7. Fold the omelette in half and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
8. Slide onto a plate and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Leftover Pizza Sliders with Mini Buns
Transform your leftover pizza into bite-sized sliders perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer. These mini buns are filled with melty cheese, savory sauce, and crispy crust, reimagining the classic pizza experience.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 leftover pizza slices (various toppings)
– 12-16 mini hamburger buns
– 2 tablespoons pizza sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the leftover pizza into manageable squares, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) per side.
3. Place a mini bun on each plate or serving surface.
4. Top each bun with a pizza square, a dollop of pizza sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Summary
Get creative with leftover pizza and turn it into 18 deliciously reinvented recipes. From breakfast casserole to grilled cheese sandwich, quesadilla to bread pudding, there’s something for everyone. Turn pizza crusts into croutons for salads or use them as a base for paninis. Stuff bell peppers or mushrooms with leftover pizza mixture, or transform it into soup, pasta bake, or nachos. Even the toppings get a second life in these innovative recipes. Say goodbye to pizza overload and hello to culinary creativity!
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