Why You’ll Love This Fun and Easy Dinner

The beauty of Bubble Up Pizza lies in its undeniable simplicity and incredible flavor. This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a culinary hack that transforms everyday ingredients into a memorable meal. Perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but cravings for delicious comfort food are high, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• **Effortless Preparation:** With pre-made refrigerated biscuits as its base, you save precious time on dough preparation. Just chop, mix, and bake!
• **Kid-Friendly Favorite:** What child doesn’t love pizza? This deconstructed version is a huge hit with kids, making dinner battles a thing of the past. They might even enjoy helping you put it together!
• **Customizable Creations:** Think of it as a blank canvas for your pizza dreams. Add any toppings your heart desires, making it unique every time.
• **Hearty and Satisfying:** This casserole is packed with flavor and substance, guaranteeing a fulfilling meal that will keep everyone happy.
• **Perfect for Gatherings:** Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a potluck, or a game night, this Bubble Up Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser that serves many with minimal effort.

Embrace the joy of stress-free cooking without compromising on taste. This Bubble Up Pizza is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy more time around the table with loved ones.

Essential Ingredients for Your Bubble Up Pizza

Crafting the perfect Bubble Up Pizza starts with selecting the right components. This recipe shines because of its simple, yet flavorful ingredients that come together harmoniously. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for choosing the best:

• Italian Sausage: We recommend 1 pound of Italian sausage, which can be mild or hot depending on your preference for a little kick. If you’re not a fan of sausage or are looking for alternatives, ground beef or ground turkey work wonderfully too. Ensure you brown and crumble it well for even distribution throughout the casserole. This forms the hearty base of your pizza.
• Pizza Sauce: A 15-ounce jar of your favorite store-bought pizza sauce is perfect for convenience. Brands like Furmano’s or Prego offer excellent ready-to-use options. However, if you’re feeling ambitious and want to elevate the flavor even further, consider making your own homemade pizza sauce. This allows you to control the seasonings and freshness, adding an extra layer of gourmet taste to your casserole.
• Pillsbury Grands Jr. Biscuits: The secret to the “bubble up” texture lies in these refrigerated biscuits. It’s crucial to use the smaller, “Jr.” size biscuits, typically found in a 12-ounce can containing about 10 biscuits. Avoid the larger Grands biscuits as they might result in overly large dough pieces that don’t cook as evenly or integrate as well with the other ingredients. These biscuits puff up beautifully, creating a soft, doughy base that mimics a pizza crust.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese are essential for that classic gooey pizza experience. I personally find that mozzarella with a hint of cream cheese melts exceptionally well, creating an irresistible cheesy pull. However, feel free to use your preferred brand or type of mozzarella. For an adventurous twist, incorporate other cheeses like sharp provolone, mild cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick that adds depth and excitement to the flavor profile.
• Pepperoni Slices: A generous amount of sliced pepperoni is a classic pizza topping for a reason! Its salty, slightly spicy flavor and crispy edges when baked are simply delightful. While pepperoni is a staple, remember that this recipe is all about customization. Feel free to swap it out or combine it with other favorite pizza toppings, allowing you to tailor the casserole to your family’s tastes.

Gathering these ingredients is the first step towards creating a casserole that will be requested again and again!

How to Make Bubble Up Pizza: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this irresistible Bubble Up Pizza is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting casserole to life:

Preparation is Key: Setting the Stage for Success

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the optimal temperature when the casserole is ready to bake, leading to perfectly cooked biscuits.
2. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the cheesy biscuit mixture from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Dice the Biscuits: Open your can of Pillsbury Grands Jr. Biscuits. On a clean cutting board, cut each biscuit into eighths. While some recipes suggest quarters, we find that cutting them into smaller eighths creates more bite-sized pieces that cook more evenly and integrate better with the sauce and sausage, offering a more delightful texture in every spoonful.

Cooking the Hearty Filling

4. Brown the Italian Sausage: In a large skillet, over medium heat, brown and crumble 1 pound of Italian sausage until it’s completely cooked through and no pink remains. This step is essential for developing the savory base flavor of your pizza casserole.
5. Drain Excess Grease: Once the sausage is thoroughly cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet. This prevents your casserole from becoming overly oily and ensures a more balanced flavor and texture.

Assembling Your Pizza Masterpiece

6. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 15-ounce jar of pizza sauce with the cut-up biscuit pieces and the cooked, crumbled Italian sausage. Stir gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the biscuit pieces are coated in sauce. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.



7. Spread into Baking Dish: Transfer this delectable mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out so that it forms a relatively flat, consistent layer.
8. Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the biscuit mixture. Then, arrange your sliced pepperoni (or any other desired toppings) over the cheese. For an extra touch of visual appeal, I often like to sprinkle a bit of dried parsley on top. It doesn’t alter the flavor, but it adds a nice pop of color. If you don’t have any on hand, don’t feel obligated to buy it just for this; the casserole will be delicious either way!

Baking to Perfection

9. Bake Uncovered: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 25-30 minutes. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, but typically it will be closer to the 30-minute mark to ensure the biscuits are thoroughly cooked through and golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.



10. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. This dish is fantastic on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a fresh, crisp green salad for a complete meal.

And there you have it! A comforting, delicious, and incredibly easy Bubble Up Pizza ready to be devoured.

Pro Tips and Creative Variations for Your Bubble Up Pizza

One of the greatest strengths of this Bubble Up Pizza recipe is its incredible versatility. It’s a fantastic foundation that invites creativity, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some pro tips and exciting variations to make this dish truly your own:

Customizing Your Toppings

• Vegetable Power: Don’t hesitate to load up on veggies! Beyond the classic green peppers, onions, and mushrooms (which are always great), consider adding sautéed spinach, sliced black olives, finely diced zucchini, or even a sprinkle of fresh basil after baking for a burst of freshness. Roast some bell peppers and onions beforehand for deeper flavor.
• Meat Lover’s Dream: If you’re a true meat enthusiast, feel free to add other cooked meats. Cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or even shredded pre-cooked chicken can be fantastic additions alongside or in place of the pepperoni.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes mixed into the sauce can add a wonderful kick.
• Tropical Twist: If you’re a pineapple-on-pizza fan, diced pineapple chunks would be a surprisingly delicious addition to this casserole, providing a sweet and tangy contrast.

Alternative Protein Choices

• Beyond Sausage: As mentioned, ground beef or ground turkey are excellent substitutes for Italian sausage. For a healthier option, opt for lean ground turkey. Ensure they are fully cooked and drained of grease before mixing.
• Vegetarian Delight: Easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the sausage and pepperoni. Instead, load it up with extra veggies, maybe some diced bell peppers, sautéed zucchini, or even some plant-based sausage crumbles for added texture and flavor.
• Chicken Power: For a different profile, use cooked, shredded chicken breast. Mix it with the pizza sauce and biscuits for a unique chicken pizza casserole twist.

Sauce and Cheese Innovations

• Sauce It Up: If your family loves a saucier casserole, don’t hesitate to add another small jar of pizza sauce, or opt for a 24-ounce jar from the start. Alternatively, explore different sauce bases. A creamy garlic white sauce can transform this into an “Alfredo pizza” bake, or a tangy BBQ sauce could create a “BBQ chicken pizza” version with cooked chicken.
• Cheese Blends: While mozzarella is traditional, experiment with different cheese blends. A mix of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan offers a more complex flavor. For a smoky depth, try adding some smoked gouda. Pepper jack cheese (as mentioned in the ingredients section) is fantastic for adding a mild heat.

Tips for Success and Storage

• Biscuit Size Matters: Stick to cutting the biscuits into eighths. This ensures they cook thoroughly and create that perfect “bubble up” texture throughout the casserole. If you can’t find a 12-ounce can, two 6-ounce cans will work just as well.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole (without the top layer of cheese and pepperoni) a few hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Storing Leftovers: Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze baked and cooled leftovers in individual portions for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.

With these tips and variations, you’re empowered to create an endless array of delicious Bubble Up Pizza casseroles, ensuring every meal is an exciting culinary adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bubble Up Pizza

Got questions about making the perfect Bubble Up Pizza? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries to help you master this delightful dish:

Q: Can I use regular-sized Pillsbury Grands biscuits instead of the Jr. size?

A: While you technically *can*, we highly recommend sticking to the Pillsbury Grands Jr. Biscuits (the smaller ones). If you use the larger Grands, you would need to cut them into smaller pieces, probably sixteenths, to ensure they cook evenly and integrate well with the other ingredients. The smaller pieces create that signature “bubble up” texture more effectively.

Q: My biscuits aren’t cooking through. What went wrong?

A: There could be a few reasons. Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F. Also, verify that your biscuits were cut into small enough pieces (eighths are ideal). If the pieces are too large or the casserole is packed too tightly, the center may not cook properly. You might also need to bake it for a few extra minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.

Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can! You can assemble the casserole mixture (biscuits, sauce, sausage) and spread it into the baking dish, then cover and refrigerate for up to 12-24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add the cheese and pepperoni, and you may need to increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes since you’re starting with a cold dish.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store any leftover Bubble Up Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well in the microwave for individual servings or in the oven at a lower temperature (around 300°F) until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze Bubble Up Pizza?

A: Yes, you can freeze baked and cooled Bubble Up Pizza. For best results, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Q: What if I don’t like Italian sausage? What meat can I use?

A: No problem at all! You can easily substitute Italian sausage with 1 pound of ground beef or ground turkey. Just be sure to brown and crumble the meat and drain any excess grease before adding it to the mixture.

Q: Can I make this a vegetarian dish?

A: Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage and pepperoni. You can replace them with an equal amount of your favorite chopped vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute. Load up on your favorite veggie toppings for a delicious meat-free version.

Bubble Up Pizza (+Video)

Bubble Up Pizza is a refrigerated biscuit casserole that uses pizza sauce, sausage, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni to make an easy dinner!

Ingredients

• 12 ounce can refrigerated Pillsbury Grands Jr. Biscuits
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot, or ground beef/turkey)
• 15 ounce jar pizza sauce (your favorite brand, or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or preferred cheese blend)
• Sliced pepperoni (or other desired pizza toppings)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cut each biscuit into eighths for best results.
2. Brown and crumble 1 pound Italian sausage in a skillet. Drain any excess grease.




3. In a bowl, combine the 15 ounce jar pizza sauce with the cut-up biscuits and cooked sausage. Stir well to combine all ingredients.




4. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.




5. Evenly top with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and sliced pepperoni.




6. Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes or until biscuits are cooked through and golden brown. Optional: Sprinkle with a little dried parsley before serving for garnish.

Video Tutorial

Notes

• If you can’t find the 12 ounce can of biscuits, just purchase two of the smaller (6 ounce) cans of biscuits.
• Serve with a crisp, green salad. Add in any toppings that your family enjoys: green peppers, onions and mushrooms are all great add-ins.

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

Craving More Easy Bubble Up Recipes?

If you loved the simplicity and deliciousness of our Bubble Up Pizza, you’re in luck! The “Bubble Up” concept is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to countless other flavors and meals. Here are some more fantastic recipes to explore, from savory dinners to sweet treats, all built around the ease of refrigerated biscuit dough:

• Cheeseburger Bubble Up
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Bubble Up
• Chicken Pot Pie Bubble Up
• Sloppy Joe Bubble Up
• Taco Bubble Up

And for those with a sweet tooth, prepare to be amazed by these dessert-inspired bubble-ups:

• Blackberry Bubble Up
• Blueberry Bubble Up
• Cinnamon Roll Bubble Up
• Peach Dumpling Bubble Up
• Apple Pie Bubble Up
• Pecan Pie Bubble Up
• Cherry Pie Bubble Up

Looking for more pizza-inspired or comforting casserole ideas?

• Easy Pizza Pasta Bake
• Pizza Tortellini
• Homemade Baked Lasagna
• Homemade Pizza Sauce
• Puffy Pizza Casserole

There’s a “bubble up” for every craving, making mealtime fun and effortless!