Easy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole
Easy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on classic pizza flavors all baked into one cozy dish. It’s made with biscuit dough, your favorite pizza sauce,…
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Easy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on classic pizza flavors all baked into one cozy dish. It’s made with biscuit dough, your favorite pizza sauce, gooey melted cheese, and plenty of tasty pepperoni or any toppings you love. The biscuit dough “bubbles up” as it cooks, creating soft, pillowy bites that soak up all the cheesy, saucy goodness.
I love making this casserole because it’s super simple and always a hit with the whole family. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a special treat but doesn’t take a lot of time or fancy ingredients. I usually toss it together when I want something comforting yet easy to share, and it always gets devoured quickly!
My favorite way to serve this casserole is straight from the oven, warm and melty, with a simple green salad on the side. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, and leftovers (if there are any!) taste great heated up the next day. I think you’ll love how effortlessly tasty this dish is—it’s like all the best parts of pizza combined into one simple, bubbly casserole.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: This is what makes the dish unique. Refrigerated biscuits like Pillsbury Grands save time and create soft, fluffy bites. If you prefer, you can use homemade biscuit dough or even pizza dough for a chewier texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for meltiness and stretch. For a different flavor, try part-skim mozzarella or a blend with provolone. Dairy-free cheese works too if you want a vegan version.
Pepperoni: The classic pizza topping here. Feel free to substitute with cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives for variety. I also like adding bell peppers or a little crushed red pepper for some heat.
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought pizza sauce makes this easy, but homemade marinara or tomato sauce with Italian seasoning works great. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauce.
How Do You Get the Biscuit Dough to Bubble Up Perfectly?
The biscuit dough is the star and needs to puff up nicely for the right texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cut biscuits into quarters — smaller pieces cook more evenly and bubble up better.
- Spread the pieces evenly in the baking dish, but don’t smoosh them together. They need space to rise and puff while baking.
- Don’t cover every bit with sauce — leaving some biscuit exposed lets the edges brown and crisp slightly.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the cheese — it should be bubbly and golden and the biscuit puffy.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes so it sets up before serving. This makes scooping easier and keeps the bubbles fluffy and light.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Sharp knife – to cut the biscuit dough into smaller pieces quickly.
- Spoon or spatula – for spreading sauce and mixing layers without making a mess.
- Measuring cups – to measure cheese, sauce, and seasonings precisely for the best flavor balance.
- Oven mitts – you’ll need these to safely remove your hot, bubbly casserole from the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage or diced cooked chicken for a different protein kick.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives for extra veggies and flavor.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a sharper, richer taste.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of garlic powder to the pizza sauce for a little heat and extra depth.
Easy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni (more if desired)
- 2 cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake. Allow a few minutes to cool before serving, so you’ll be enjoying a warm, cheesy pizza casserole within 40 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to keep everything from sticking. Open the biscuit cans and cut each biscuit into quarters. Spread the biscuit pieces evenly across the bottom of the dish.
2. Layer the Sauce, Cheese, and Pepperoni
Spoon the pizza sauce over the biscuit pieces, spreading lightly—you don’t have to cover every bit. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Then add the sliced pepperoni on top.
3. Add Final Cheese Layer and Seasoning
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the pepperoni, and dust the whole dish with dried Italian seasoning or oregano for that classic pizza flavor.
4. Bake and Serve
Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the biscuit dough is cooked through, puffy, and golden brown at the edges, and the cheese is melted and bubbling deliciously. Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then sprinkle with fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan if using. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen biscuit dough, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cutting and using it. This helps the dough bake evenly and puff up properly in the casserole.
Can I Add More Toppings to the Bubble Up Pizza Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. Just add them in layers along with the pepperoni for extra flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through for best results.
Is It Possible to Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if chilled.
