Recently I made breadsticks because I needed a picture for an article I was writing. The next day the leftovers were stale, and since I didn’t want them to go to waste, I decided to use them in a casserole. Easy Pizza Bake is the end result, and it’s good enough that I’ll never again feel bad about having leftover stale breadsticks or baguette pieces. The key to this casserole is to use French-type bread, breadsticks, or baguettes. Regular stale soft bread will result in soggy, and that won’t taste good. If you don’t have the right bread left over, purchase a baguette and let it get stale. To my mind, the crust is the key to a luscious pizza bake that everyone will love.

Incidentally, it’s a good idea to keep things like spaghetti sauce, canned green and black olives and onions in the pantry as well as peppers, mushrooms, pepperoni, etc. in the fridge. You can use any pizza toppings you like, including Italian sausage from the freezer (you’ll have to cook it thoroughly and drain it before using). You can customize this casserole to your personal preferences. This is good enough that it may just become one of those “go to” dinners that you whip up on busy weeknights.

8 Servings

8 cups stale baguette pieces, or breadsticks

1 26 oz. jar spaghetti sauce, any flavor
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Pizza toppings of your choice

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Spray a 9" x 13" shallow baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Arrange the breadsticks or baguette pieces over the bottom of the dish, filling in any spaces with broken pieces.
3. Pour the spaghetti sauce over the bread; cover with the Mozzarella cheese.
4. Cover with pizza toppings and sprinkle evenly with the Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake about 40 minutes or until bubbly. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 205 Calories from Fat 114
Percent Total Calories From:
Fat 56% Protein 23% Carb. 21%

Nutrient Amount per % Daily
Serving Value
Total Fat 13 g 19%
Saturated Fat 6 g 32%
Cholesterol 31 mg 10%
Sodium 904 mg 38%
Total Carbohydrate 11 g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1 g 2%
Sugars 0 g
Protein 12 g

Vitamin A 24% Vitamin C 20% Calcium 0% Iron 5%