If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing better than a dish that combines the deliciousness of pizza with the convenience of a burrito. I first stumbled upon the concept of Baked Pizza Burritos at a family gathering, where someone had brought them as a fun, easy-to-eat appetizer. The moment I bit into one of those golden, cheesy burritos, I was hooked. The savory flavor of the Italian sausage, pepperoni, and gooey mozzarella wrapped in a soft tortilla was everything I had ever wanted in a comfort food. If you haven’t tried this dish yet, trust me—you’re in for a treat!
In this article, I’m going to walk you through how to make the most scrumptious Baked Pizza Burritos, offering tips, tricks, and recommendations to ensure your version is a guaranteed hit at your next family dinner, game day, or party.
Why Baked Pizza Burritos Are the Ultimate Comfort Food
I think we can all agree that pizza is one of those universal foods that everyone loves. Whether it’s a classic pepperoni pizza, a veggie-loaded pie, or a meat-lover’s dream, pizza always seems to bring people together. But have you ever considered taking the best parts of pizza and wrapping them up in a warm, soft tortilla? The results are nothing short of magical.
Baked Pizza Burritos bring together the best of both worlds—the bold flavors of pizza with the portability and heartiness of a burrito. Imagine biting into a warm tortilla filled with gooey cheese, savory Italian sausage, zesty marinara, and crispy pepperoni—it’s pizza, but in a whole new form!
The Benefits of Baked Pizza Burritos
You might be wondering: why should I make Baked Pizza Burritos instead of just ordering pizza or making traditional burritos? Well, let me share some reasons that might convince you to try this dish.
- Customizable for Everyone
One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can use your favorite pizza toppings—whether it’s extra cheese, vegetables, or even bacon. The versatility of this dish means you can cater to every dietary preference, from vegetarian to meat lovers, without a hitch. Just swap out the ingredients to suit your tastes. - Great for Meal Prep
These Baked Pizza Burritos are perfect for meal prepping. I’ve made a big batch of these on Sundays, popped them in the freezer, and then heated them up during the week. Not only does this save time, but it also makes for an easy, filling meal when you’re too busy to cook. - Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
I’ve tested this recipe with my family—kids, picky eaters, and all—and let me tell you, it was an instant hit. The soft tortillas and familiar pizza toppings made it super easy for the little ones to enjoy. Plus, since you can assemble the burritos ahead of time, it’s an easy dinner solution that saves you from scrambling at the last minute. - Perfect for Game Day or Parties
Whether you’re watching the big game, hosting a casual get-together, or having a movie night, Baked Pizza Burritos are an excellent choice. They’re easy to eat with your hands, and since they’re baked to perfection, they’re warm and crispy—exactly what you want when you’re snacking during a fun event.
What You Need for These Baked Pizza Burritos
Before I dive into the step-by-step process of making these delicious burritos, let’s talk about the ingredients. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses simple, readily available items, so you don’t need to run around searching for exotic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour tortillas – I recommend Mission® Super Soft Flour Tortillas because they’re the perfect size for wrapping and hold up well during baking.
- Marinara or pizza sauce – You can use store-bought pizza sauce or homemade marinara. Either way, the rich, tangy sauce is essential for that pizza flavor.
- Pepperoni slices – You can never go wrong with classic pepperoni, but feel free to use other meats like sausage, ham, or bacon if you prefer.
- Italian sausage – I usually go with hot Italian sausage because it adds a nice kick to the burritos. However, you can also use mild sausage or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Mushrooms – Thinly sliced mushrooms bring an earthy, savory flavor that complements the pizza toppings.
- Fresh spinach – For some greenery and a touch of freshness.
- Mozzarella cheese – The star of the show when it comes to pizza. Be generous with the cheese; it makes everything come together.
- Brown rice – This may sound unusual for a pizza recipe, but the brown rice adds texture and makes the burritos more filling. Plus, it helps balance out the flavors.
For the Topping:
- Butter – I use melted butter to brush over the burritos, giving them a golden, crispy finish.
- Italian seasoning and garlic powder – These spices are essential for that pizza-like flavor.
- Grated Parmesan – A sprinkle of Parmesan adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the burritos look even more appetizing.
How to Make Baked Pizza Burritos: Step-by-Step
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s get into the process of making these Baked Pizza Burritos. It’s an easy-to-follow recipe, but trust me, the result is anything but basic. Here’s how to make them:
Step 1: Cook the Italian Sausage
Start by cooking your Italian sausage. You’ll want to crumble it as it cooks, so it mixes easily with the other ingredients. I prefer using hot Italian sausage because it adds a nice heat to the burritos, but if you’re feeding kids or anyone who doesn’t love spicy food, feel free to go with mild sausage.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
I recommend warming the tortillas for about 20-30 seconds in the microwave. This makes them more pliable, making the wrapping process easier. Once they’re warm, it’s time to start assembling.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
For each tortilla, spread a couple of tablespoons of marinara or pizza sauce. Then, add a few slices of pepperoni, followed by some cooked brown rice, sausage, spinach, mushrooms, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. The order isn’t too important, but make sure to evenly distribute the ingredients to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Roll and Assemble the Burritos
Now comes the fun part—rolling! Carefully fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly, so the ingredients stay secure inside. Place the rolled burrito seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas until all the burritos are assembled.
Step 5: Brush with Butter and Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush this mixture over the top of each burrito. The butter helps the burritos become golden brown and crispy, while the seasonings give them that irresistible pizza flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top for that extra cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled burritos in the oven and bake them for 15-20 minutes. You’ll want to bake them until the tops are crispy and golden brown, and the cheese inside is all melted and bubbly. The result will be a crispy, cheesy, golden delight.
Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Pizza Burritos
- Don’t Overstuff the Burritos: While it’s tempting to load up the tortillas with all your favorite ingredients, too much filling can make them difficult to roll. Keep the portions balanced for the best results.
- Customize Your Fillings: As I mentioned earlier, one of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Want to add extra veggies or swap out the sausage for chicken? Go ahead! The possibilities are endless.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: To make these Baked Pizza Burritos even more enjoyable, consider serving them with a side of ranch, marinara sauce, or garlic butter for dipping.
- Freeze for Later: If you’re looking to save time, you can assemble the burritos ahead of time and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven frozen (you may need to increase the cooking time a little).
Why You’ll Love These Baked Pizza Burritos
There’s something about combining pizza and burritos that just works. I love how these Baked Pizza Burritos combine the comfort and flavors of a pizza with the convenience of a burrito. It’s a win-win! And if you’re looking for a fun twist on the usual pizza or burrito, this recipe is the way to go.
Final Thoughts: Share Your Experience!
I truly hope you give these Baked Pizza Burritos a try. They’re a family favorite in my home, and I’m sure they’ll be a hit in yours too. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding the kids, or hosting a game day party, these burritos are sure to impress.
Have you tried making Baked Pizza Burritos before? What are your favorite toppings to include? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you’ve tried. Feel free to leave a comment or share your own tips and ideas!
Enjoy, and happy cooking!