Pizza Fried Rice Recipe
Table of Contents
Pizza and fried rice are two comfort foods that bring joy on their own, but when combined, they create a delicious fusion that’s hard to resist. This Pizza Fried Rice recipe takes the best of both worlds, mixing the cheesy, savory flavors of pizza with the satisfying heartiness of fried rice. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for lunch or dinner, and you can even customize it with your favorite pizza toppings!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old for better texture)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage or pepperoni, sliced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Recipe Directions
- Prepare your day-old rice. If you don’t have day-old rice, cook your rice in advance and spread it out on a tray to cool.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Toss in the sliced sausage or pepperoni and the mushrooms. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the meat to heat through and the mushrooms to release their moisture.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the other ingredients. Spread the rice mixture out evenly in the pan and allow it to cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get some crispy bits on the bottom.
- Pour in the marinara or pizza sauce, stirring it thoroughly to coat the rice and ingredients.
- Season with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the fried rice. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the rice.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Pizza Fried Rice with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Recipe Tips
- For the best fried rice, always use day-old rice. Freshly cooked rice can be too moist and won’t fry well. If you don’t have leftover rice, cool it quickly by spreading it on a tray.
- Just like pizza, this recipe is highly customizable. Swap out the sausage or pepperoni for ham, bacon, or even vegetables like olives and spinach. The possibilities are endless!
- Letting the rice sit undisturbed for a couple of minutes helps develop a crispy texture, adding more depth to the dish.
- While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.
Final Note
This Pizza Fried Rice recipe is a fun twist on two beloved dishes. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice and enjoy pizza flavors in a unique format.
Check out our recipe collection if you enjoyed this dish and want to make more delicious meals.
