Bubble Up Pizza Casserole: A Cheesy, Family-Favorite Weeknight Delight

When weeknights get hectic but you’re still craving something warm, hearty, and undeniably satisfying, Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is the answer. This recipe is perfect for those chilly evenings when you want to gather around the dinner table with loved ones or need a crowd-pleasing dish for game night. It brings together the fun of pizza and the comfort of a casserole, with a texture that “bubbles up” into golden perfection in the oven.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from nostalgic Friday pizza nights—when takeout wasn’t an option, and homemade meant layers of creativity. Over the years, this dish evolved into a staple in our kitchen, loved for its fluffy biscuit base, gooey cheese, and customizable toppings. Now, it’s a go-to recipe we turn to when we want something easy yet indulgent.

What Is Bubble Up Pizza Casserole?

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is a unique fusion of two beloved comfort foods: pizza and casserole. It gets its name from the way biscuit dough “bubbles up” as it bakes, creating a fluffy, golden-brown crust that pairs beautifully with classic pizza toppings.

Unlike traditional pizza, there’s no need to roll out dough. Instead, you chop refrigerated biscuit dough and layer it with pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. The result is a bubbly, cheesy, and utterly crave-worthy bake that’s ready in about 45 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and ready in under an hour.

• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness and pizza flavor make it a family favorite.

• Customizable: Add your favorite meats, veggies, and cheeses.

• One-Pan Meal: All ingredients are layered and baked in one dish for easy cleanup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic version of Bubble Up Pizza Casserole:

• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands, cut into quarters)

• 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup sliced pepperoni (or mini pepperoni)

• ½ cup cooked and crumbled Italian sausage (optional)

• ½ cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)

• ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

• Nonstick cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Cut and Layer Biscuit Dough

Open the can of biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into four quarters. Spread the dough pieces evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

3. Add the Sauce

Spoon your pizza sauce evenly over the biscuit pieces, ensuring they’re all lightly coated.

4. Add Toppings

Sprinkle cooked sausage, pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, or any other toppings over the sauce layer. Be creative and make it your own.

5. Top with Cheese and Seasoning

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the toppings. Add Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor.

6. Bake

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed up and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

7. Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy.

Topping Variations

One of the best parts of this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some delicious topping ideas to try:

• Meat Lovers: Add cooked bacon, ham, ground beef, or chicken.

• Veggie Delight: Use mushrooms, onions, spinach, or artichokes.

• Hawaiian Style: Add diced ham and pineapple.

• Supreme: Combine pepperoni, sausage, onions, peppers, and olives.

Tips for the Best Bubble Up Pizza Casserole

• Don’t Overload: Too many toppings can prevent the biscuits from rising properly. Stick to 2-3 topping types.

• Precook Proteins: Cook meats like sausage or ground beef ahead of time to avoid excess grease and ensure they’re fully cooked.

• Drain Wet Toppings: Ingredients like mushrooms and olives can add moisture, so be sure to pat them dry.

• Use the Right Dish: A standard 9×13-inch pan works best for even baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make-Ahead: You can prep this casserole a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if going straight from fridge to oven.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Can You Freeze Bubble Up Pizza Casserole?

Yes! You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking:

• Before Baking: Assemble the dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.

• After Baking: Cool the casserole completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat individual servings as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• A crisp green salad

• Garlic bread or breadsticks

• Roasted vegetables

• A glass of red wine or sparkling water

Perfect Occasions to Serve This Dish

• Family Dinners: A hit with both kids and adults.

• Game Night: Easy to serve and perfect for sharing.

• Potlucks: Travels well and always gets rave reviews.

• Weeknight Meals: Fast enough for any busy evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Yes! If you prefer to make your dough from scratch, go for it. Just be sure it’s rolled out and cut into small pieces for even baking.

Is it spicy?
Not inherently. If you want a little heat, add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.

What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix in provolone, cheddar, or parmesan for extra flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the meat and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, onions, peppers, and spinach.

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