Bubble Up Pizza Casserole with Biscuits recipe

Weeknights in our house used to be a chaotic scramble for dinner ideas that everyone would actually eat without complaint. Then came the discovery of Bubble Up Pizza Casserole, and let me tell you, it felt like striking gold. I was skeptical at first – refrigerated biscuits pretending to be pizza crust? But the first time I pulled that bubbly, cheesy, aroma-filled baking dish out of the oven, I knew we had a winner. The look on my kids’ faces, eyes wide with pizza-loving excitement, was priceless. It combines the ease of a casserole with all the beloved flavors of pizza, and the “bubble up” biscuit pieces create these amazing pockets of doughy goodness amidst the sauce, cheese, and toppings. It’s become our go-to for busy evenings, Friday night fun, and even casual get-togethers. It’s incredibly forgiving, endlessly customizable, and honestly, just plain fun to make and eat. It’s comfort food magic in a dish.

Ingredients for Easy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

This crowd-pleasing casserole uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a quick dinner. The beauty lies in its customizability, especially with toppings!

Core Components:

• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: 1 can (16.3 oz or approx. 460g) large refrigerated biscuits (like Pillsbury Grands! Buttermilk or Southern Homestyle).
  • Why Grands! Style? Larger, flaky biscuits tend to “bubble up” nicely and provide substantial, fluffy bites throughout the casserole. Smaller biscuits can work but might yield a slightly denser result. Avoid crescent roll dough or pizza dough for this specific “bubble up” texture.
• Pizza Sauce: 1 jar (14-15 oz or approx. 400-425g) or about 1 ¾ cups of your favorite pizza sauce.
  • Quality Matters: Choose a sauce you enjoy the flavor of, as it’s a primary taste component. Marinara sauce can be substituted, but pizza sauce often has more concentrated flavor and traditional pizza seasonings.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (8 oz or approx. 225g), preferably low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella for good melting without excess oil.
  • Fresh Mozzarella Note: While delicious, fresh mozzarella releases more water and might make the casserole slightly wetter. If using, tear it into small pieces and consider patting it dry. It’s often best mixed with low-moisture mozzarella.
• Your Favorite Pizza Toppings: Approximately 1.5 to 2 cups total, chopped. This is where you customize! See detailed ideas below.

Essential Flavor Boosters & Optional additions:

• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (optional, enhances the pizza flavor, especially if your sauce is mild).
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (optional, adds a subtle garlic note throughout).
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: For greasing the baking dish.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (optional, for sprinkling on top before or after baking for extra salty, nutty flavor).
• Cooked Meat (If Using): Ensure any meat toppings (sausage, ground beef, bacon) are fully cooked and drained before adding.

Popular Pizza Topping Ideas (Combine Your Favorites!):

• Meats (Cooked & Drained):
  • Pepperoni (regular or mini)
  • Cooked Italian Sausage (crumbled)
  • Cooked Ground Beef (seasoned lightly, perhaps with Italian herbs)
  • Diced Ham
  • Cooked Bacon (crumbled)
  • Shredded or Diced Cooked Chicken (plain or mixed with BBQ sauce for a twist)
• Vegetables (Chopped):
  • Sliced Mushrooms (fresh or canned, drained)
  • Chopped Bell Peppers (any color)
  • Chopped Onions (red or yellow)
  • Sliced Black Olives (canned, drained)
  • Sliced Green Olives
  • Banana Peppers or Jalapeños (sliced, for heat)
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
  • Artichoke Hearts (canned or jarred, drained and chopped)
  • Spinach (fresh, roughly chopped – it will wilt down considerably)
• Other Cheeses (Combine with or Substitute for some Mozzarella):
  • Shredded Provolone
  • Shredded Cheddar (use judiciously, can be oily)
  • Shredded Italian Blend Cheese
  • Ricotta Dollops (for creamy pockets)

Ingredient Notes:

• Ensure biscuits are not expired and are still cold when you start.
• Measure cheese loosely packed. You can always add more if you like it extra cheesy!
• Don’t go overboard on wet toppings (like excessive fresh mushrooms or raw spinach) without accounting for the moisture they release.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Bubble Up Pizza Bake

This casserole is delightfully simple to assemble. Follow these steps for bubbly, cheesy pizza perfection.

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or a similar 3-quart casserole dish) with olive oil or cooking spray. Ensure you grease the bottom and sides well to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Biscuits:
   • Open the can of refrigerated biscuits. Separate the individual biscuits.
   • Using kitchen shears (easiest method) or a knife, cut each biscuit into quarters. Some prefer sixths for smaller bites, but quarters generally work well for the “bubble up” effect.
   • Place the biscuit pieces directly into the greased baking dish as you cut them. Spread them out slightly but don’t worry about perfect placement yet.
3. Add Toppings (First Layer):
   • Sprinkle about half of your chosen cooked meat and vegetable toppings evenly over the biscuit pieces in the dish. This helps distribute the toppings throughout the casserole, not just on top.
4. Prepare the Sauce Mixture:
   • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning (if using), and garlic powder (if using). Stir well.
5. Combine Biscuits, Sauce, and Cheese:
   • Pour the prepared pizza sauce mixture evenly over the biscuit pieces and toppings in the baking dish.
   • Add 1.5 cups (reserving ½ cup for the top) of the shredded mozzarella cheese to the dish.
   • Using a large spoon or rubber spatula, gently stir everything together directly in the baking dish until the biscuit pieces are evenly coated with sauce and cheese, and the toppings are distributed. Try to ensure biscuits aren’t all clumped together. Avoid overmixing.
6. Smooth and Top:
   • Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
   • Add any remaining toppings you want showcased on the surface (like pepperoni, extra olives, etc.).
   • Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
7. Bake:
   • Place the baking dish into the preheated oven.
   • Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the biscuit dough is cooked through.
   • Checking Doneness: The biscuits should be puffed up and golden. You can test for biscuit doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into a few of the biscuit pieces – it should come out clean or with melted cheese, but no wet dough. If the top is browning too quickly before the biscuits are cooked, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
8. Rest Before Serving:
   • Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven (it will be very hot!).
   • Crucial Step: Let the Bubble Up Pizza Casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese and sauce to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and serve, and preventing burns from molten cheese.
9. Serve:
   • Scoop servings onto plates. Garnish as desired (see “How to Serve” section).

Nutrition Facts (Approximate)

Nutritional information for Bubble Up Pizza Casserole varies significantly based on the type of biscuits, sauce, amount and type of cheese, and especially the toppings used (lean veggies vs. fatty meats). These are rough estimates per serving, assuming the casserole is divided into 6 servings and uses standard pepperoni and mozzarella.

• Servings: 6 generous servings
• Serving Size: Approximately 1/6th of the 9×13 inch casserole
• Approximate Calories per Serving: 450 – 650 calories

Breakdown Considerations:

• Fat: Moderate to High, depending heavily on toppings (pepperoni, sausage, extra cheese add significant fat) and biscuit type. Ranges from 20-40g per serving.
• Carbohydrates: Moderate to High, primarily from the biscuit dough and sugars in the pizza sauce. Ranges from 40-60g per serving.
• Protein: Moderate, coming from cheese, meat toppings, and biscuits. Ranges from 15-30g per serving.
• Sodium: Can be quite high due to processed ingredients like biscuits, pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and olives. Choosing lower-sodium versions where possible can help.

Making it Healthier:

• Load up on vegetable toppings instead of meat.
• Use part-skim mozzarella and reduced-fat biscuits if available.
• Choose lower-sodium sauce and toppings.
• Control portion sizes.

Disclaimer: This is hearty comfort food. For precise nutritional values, use an online calculator and input your specific brands and quantities of ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Time

This recipe is designed for convenience and relative speed, making it a weeknight favorite.

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Preheating oven, greasing dish: 2 minutes (passive oven time)
  • Opening and cutting biscuits: 5 minutes
  • Preparing/chopping toppings (if not pre-prepped): 5-8 minutes (variable)
  • Mixing ingredients in the dish: 2-3 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 – 35 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 – 10 minutes (essential)
• Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour from start to finish.

If using toppings that require pre-cooking (like ground sausage or bacon), factor that extra time into your planning.

How to Serve Your Bubbly Pizza Casserole

This casserole is a meal in itself but pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its pizza flavors.

• Serving Temperature: Serve warm after the mandatory 5-10 minute resting period.
• Portioning: Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop generous portions onto individual plates. Ensure each serving gets a mix of biscuit pieces, sauce, cheese, and toppings.
• Garnishes (Elevate the Presentation and Flavor!):
  • Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh basil or parsley sprinkled over the top adds freshness and color.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a touch of heat.
  • Extra Parmesan Cheese: Offer more grated Parmesan at the table.
  • Drizzle: A swirl of pesto or even a drizzle of ranch dressing (if you’re a pizza-dipper!) can be fun additions.
• Perfect Side Dishes:
  • Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette (Italian or balsamic) is the ideal companion, cutting through the richness of the casserole and adding a healthy element. Think mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and maybe some red onion slices.
  • Caesar Salad: A classic pizza pairing.
  • Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Lean into the pizza theme! Great for soaking up any extra sauce.
  • Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli or green beans add another green element.
• Occasions:
  • Busy Weeknights: Its speed and ease make it perfect.
  • Family Dinners: Kid-friendly and customizable.
  • Casual Get-Togethers: Easy to transport and serve buffet-style.
  • Game Day / Movie Night: A crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Let guests add their own final garnishes like red pepper flakes or extra Parmesan.

5 Essential Tips for the Best Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

Make your Bubble Up Pizza experience foolproof and even more delicious with these key tips:

1. Don’t Undercook the Biscuits: The biggest potential pitfall is ending up with gooey, undercooked biscuit dough hidden beneath the toppings. Bake until the tops are truly golden brown and bubbly. Crucially, test the biscuit dough itself by inserting a toothpick or knife into several biscuit pieces deep within the casserole. It should come out clean – no wet batter clinging to it. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.
2. Customize Wisely (Balance is Key): While customization is king, think about balance. Don’t overload with only heavy/greasy meat toppings, or it can become oily. Mix in some veggies for texture and flavor contrast. If using lots of watery vegetables (like fresh mushrooms or spinach), be mindful they release liquid, which could potentially make the casserole a bit wet – ensure other ingredients aren’t too liquidy. Pre-cooking mushrooms can help reduce their water content.
3. Biscuit Distribution Matters: When mixing everything in the pan, try to gently separate the biscuit pieces so they aren’t all stuck together in large clumps. Even distribution ensures the biscuits cook through properly and create those nice pockets throughout the casserole, rather than forming dense, doughy masses.
4. Grease That Dish Generously: Baked cheese, sauce, and biscuit dough love to stick! Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly, getting into the corners and up the sides. This makes serving much easier and cleanup less of a chore.
5. Let It Rest Before Serving: Resist the urge to dive in immediately! Letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven is crucial. It allows the molten cheese and sauce to set slightly, so it holds its shape better when scooped and doesn’t ooze everywhere. It also prevents nasty burns from superheated fillings.

Bonus Tip: Use kitchen shears to cut the biscuit dough! It’s much faster, cleaner, and easier than using a knife on the soft dough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about Bubble Up Pizza Casserole:

1. Q: Why is it called “Bubble Up” Pizza?
   • A: The name comes from the action of the biscuit dough pieces during baking. As they heat and cook, they expand and puff up, effectively “bubbling up” through the layers of sauce, cheese, and toppings, creating a bubbly appearance on the surface and soft, doughy pockets throughout the casserole.
2. Q: Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of refrigerated?
   • A: You can experiment with homemade biscuit dough, but the texture and results might differ significantly. Refrigerated canned biscuits (especially layer-style like Grands!) are formulated to puff up and become fluffy in a specific way that contributes to the classic “bubble up” texture. Homemade biscuits might be denser or have a different rise. If trying homemade, cut the dough into small pieces and be prepared to adjust baking time, potentially needing longer to cook through.
3. Q: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
   • A: Absolutely! Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is incredibly easy to make vegetarian. Simply omit any meat toppings and load it up with your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, spinach, artichoke hearts, and banana peppers are all fantastic choices. You could also add plant-based pepperoni or sausage crumbles if desired. Ensure you have a good variety for flavor and texture.
4. Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
   • A: Store leftover casserole covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer it to an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until heated through (the biscuits might soften). For a better texture that helps re-crisp the top slightly, reheat servings in an oven-safe dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Covering loosely with foil during oven reheating can prevent excessive browning.
5. Q: Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
   • A: It’s generally not recommended to assemble the casserole completely with the raw biscuit dough and let it sit for hours before baking. The biscuit dough can start to absorb moisture from the sauce, potentially affecting its ability to “bubble up” properly and possibly leading to a denser or soggier result. Your best bet for making ahead is to pre-cook any meats, chop your vegetables, and have the sauce and cheese measured out. Then, cut the biscuits and assemble everything right before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the casserole fully ahead of time and simply reheat it before serving (as described in the leftovers question).

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