If you’ve ever dreamed of combining two of the world’s most beloved comfort foods, you’ll be over the moon with this Pizza Enchiladas Recipe. Imagine the melty, gooey goodness of classic pizza flavors wrapped up snugly in soft flour tortillas, baked to perfection with a zesty pizza sauce drizzle and Italian spice flair. It’s a fun and flavorful fusion that brings the best of Italian and Mexican cuisine right to your dinner table, making every bite a delightful surprise that your family and friends will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in balancing taste, texture, and color to create the ultimate crowd-pleasing Pizza Enchiladas Recipe. Let’s get familiar with the flavorful cast that makes this dish shine.
- Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for rolling without cracking.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The stretchy, melty backbone of all great pizza dishes.
- Mini pepperoni slices: Add a spicy, savory kick that’s classic for pizza lovers.
- Cooked Italian sausage (crumbled): Brings hearty, seasoned depth with every bite.
- Sliced black olives: Offer a slight briny contrast that enhances flavor complexity.
- Diced green bell pepper: Adds freshness and vibrant color.
- Pizza sauce: The saucy glue that ties all the pizza flavors together seamlessly.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that gives a true Italian vibe.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle depth and warmth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat kick.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty layer on top.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and eye appeal.
How to Make Pizza Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the filling. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your enchiladas don’t stick and develop a golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a roomy bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni slices, crumbled cooked Italian sausage, sliced black olives, and diced green bell pepper. This mixture is packed with all the pizza staples, delivering a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
Step 3: Soften and Fill the Tortillas
Gently warm the flour tortillas to make them nice and flexible—this makes rolling a breeze without tearing. Then, spread a spoonful of pizza sauce inside each tortilla before adding a generous scoop of the filling mixture. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. This keeps everything neatly inside while baking.
Step 4: Sauce and Season
Pour the remaining pizza sauce evenly over the assembled enchiladas to infuse more saucy goodness. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes if you want a little extra zing, and a healthy dusting of grated Parmesan cheese on top. These seasonings build layers of authentic Italian flavor that’ll make your kitchen smell irresistible.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Cover your dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until everything bubbles delightfully and the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown. That’s when you know your Pizza Enchiladas Recipe is ready for the table!
How to Serve Pizza Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a fresh, green pop of color and invites lovely herbal aromas that contrast beautifully with the rich, cheesy filling. It’s an easy way to make your Pizza Enchiladas even more inviting and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Serve your enchiladas with a crisp garden salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or some garlic bread to stay true to the Italian side. For a Mexican twist, a side of refried beans or a vibrant corn and tomato salad works wonderfully to complement the fusion flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Plate the enchiladas with alternating colors of sliced bell peppers or sprinkle additional shredded cheese around the plate for that festive pizza look. You could even prepare individual portions in small ramekins for a charming, personalized touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pizza Enchiladas keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, wrap the entire baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap or transfer the enchiladas into a freezer-safe container before freezing. They’ll keep delicious for up to 2 months, perfect for when you need a quick, comforting meal later on.
Reheating
Reheat your enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, uncovered, to restore that perfect cheesy melt and crispy edges. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the oven definitely preserves the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can! Just be gentle when rolling as corn tortillas tend to be more delicate and may crack. Warming them slightly before filling helps prevent breakage.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Pizza Enchiladas Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and pepperoni and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and extra olives for a veggie-loaded twist that’s just as satisfying.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. You can assemble the enchiladas a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the fridge. Just remember to add the cheese and Parmesan before baking for that melty finish.
What kind of cheese can I use other than mozzarella?
A blend of provolone, cheddar, or even Monterey Jack works beautifully. Mixing cheeses can provide richer flavor and gooey texture—feel free to experiment!
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat level?
The optional red pepper flakes add some mild heat, but you can easily leave them out or increase the amount depending on your spice tolerance. This Pizza Enchiladas Recipe is very adaptable to your personal preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Enchiladas Recipe is one of those wonderfully inventive dishes that brings smiles and full bellies every time. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you crave a comforting fusion meal. Give it a try—you just might find a new family favorite that blends the best of pizza and enchiladas in one irresistible package.
Print
Pizza Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Pizza Enchiladas combine the bold flavors of Italian pizza with the comforting format of Mexican enchiladas. Tortillas are filled with a cheesy mixture of mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, olives, and bell peppers, all rolled up and baked with pizza sauce and Italian seasonings for a delicious fusion main course that’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Filling and Tortillas
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 (15-ounce) can pizza sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
- Mix Filling Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni slices, crumbled cooked Italian sausage, sliced black olives, and diced green bell pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Warm Tortillas – Slightly warm the flour tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet just until pliable to make rolling them much easier without tearing.
- Assemble Enchiladas – Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce inside each warmed tortilla. Add a generous scoop of the prepared filling mixture on top of the sauce. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning – Pour the remaining pizza sauce evenly over the arranged enchiladas. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered – Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheeses to melt thoroughly.
- Finish Baking Uncovered – Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the enchiladas are bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious pizza enchiladas!
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, ham, or onions.
- Try using a blend of cheeses such as provolone or cheddar for more varied flavor.
- Corn tortillas can substitute flour ones but may be more delicate and harder to roll without tearing.
