Pizza is beloved around the world for its crispy crust, gooey cheese, and savory toppings. But sometimes, we crave that pizza goodness in a new and exciting way—without waiting on dough to rise or dealing with pizza stones. Enter the Bubble-Up Pizza Bake, a family-friendly casserole that’s easy to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and full of those classic pizza flavors.
This fun, bubbly bake uses refrigerated biscuit dough as the base, which “bubbles up” as it cooks—hence the name. Loaded with melted cheese, flavorful pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings like pepperoni or sausage, this dish is the perfect solution for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. It’s customizable, comforting, and downright delicious.
Why You’ll Love Bubble-Up Pizza Bake
This recipe is not just about flavor—it’s about convenience and fun. With only a few ingredients and a prep time of less than 15 minutes, it’s ideal for busy families and new cooks alike. Here’s what makes this dish so irresistible:
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Minimal prep: Using pre-made biscuit dough and jarred pizza sauce cuts down on effort.
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Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love this gooey, cheesy meal.
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Customizable: Add your favorite meats, veggies, or spices.
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Make-ahead friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and bake when ready.
Ingredients (US Cups & Units)
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Bubble-Up Pizza Bake:
For the Casserole:
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1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count, regular or flaky style)
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1 ½ cups pizza sauce
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
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1 cup cooked sausage or sliced pepperoni
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp garlic powder
Optional Toppings:
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½ cup sliced black olives
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½ cup chopped green bell peppers
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½ cup chopped red onions
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¼ cup sliced mushrooms
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Crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to create your bubble-up pizza masterpiece.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a touch of olive oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters using a knife or kitchen scissors. Place the biscuit pieces in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Mix with Sauce and Seasoning
To the bowl with biscuit pieces, add the pizza sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir gently to coat all the dough evenly without mashing the pieces.
Step 4: Add Meat and Veggies
Fold in your chosen meats (like cooked sausage or pepperoni slices) and any additional vegetables, such as chopped bell peppers, onions, or olives.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the dough mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dough mixture.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown and the biscuit pieces are cooked through.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the bake rest for about 5–10 minutes to set slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, slice, and serve!
Prep & Nutrition
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
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Total Time: ~45 minutes
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Yield: 6–8 servings
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Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving (varies based on ingredients)
Tips for the Perfect Bubble-Up Bake
Here are some tips to make your pizza bake even better:
1. Use Fully Cooked Meats
If you’re adding sausage, ground beef, or bacon, make sure it’s fully cooked and drained before mixing it in.
2. Don’t Overload on Sauce
Using too much pizza sauce can make the dish soggy. Stick to about 1 ½ cups for best results.
3. Check for Doneness
Make sure the biscuit dough is fully cooked by inserting a knife into the center. If it comes out with wet dough, bake a few minutes longer.
4. Make It Spicy
Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
5. Try Different Cheeses
Swap mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
Make Ahead & Storage
Make Ahead:
You can prep the dough mixture and place it in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and add 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezing:
Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Fun Variations
1. BBQ Chicken Bubble-Up Bake
Replace pizza sauce with BBQ sauce, use cooked chicken instead of sausage, and add red onions and cilantro.
2. Breakfast Bubble-Up Bake
Use scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and cheddar cheese. Serve with hot sauce or ketchup.
3. Veggie Supreme
Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and artichoke hearts for a vegetarian twist.
4. Meat Lover’s
Use a combination of pepperoni, sausage, ham, and crumbled bacon for an ultra-meaty version.
Why It’s Called “Bubble-Up”
You might be wondering about the unique name. As the biscuit pieces bake, they expand and rise—creating a bubbling effect as the cheese melts and the sauce simmers. This bubbling action helps fuse the ingredients together while keeping pockets of dough fluffy inside.
Serving Ideas
Pair your bubble-up pizza bake with one of these easy sides:
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Garlic breadsticks or rolls
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Caesar salad or garden salad
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Roasted vegetables
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Marinara or ranch for dipping
And don’t forget a cold drink—iced tea, lemonade, or soda make great accompaniments!
Kid-Approved and Family Tested
If you’ve got picky eaters at home, this dish is a lifesaver. The cheesy, saucy goodness combined with soft biscuit pieces is a combination most kids can’t resist. Let them help choose toppings and sprinkle the cheese—it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Bubble-Up Pizza Bake isn’t just a fun twist on traditional pizza—it’s a one-dish wonder that brings the whole family to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cheesy and delicious, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Try it once, and you’ll be hooked. Keep experimenting with toppings and flavors to make it your own—and don’t forget to save leftovers (if there are any!).