Bubble Up Pizza Bake

Bubble Up Pizza Bake has become my answer to a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is so simple to throw together. Each bite is layered with gooey cheese, savory sausage, and soft biscuits bubbling up between all your favorite pizza fixings. This is the kind of recipe that gets requested again and again in our house because everyone can customize their portion and it comes out piping hot and golden every time.

I made this for my son’s sleepover and the kids devoured it in minutes now it is our must have for movie nights because even picky eaters go back for seconds.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated biscuits: create the fluffy bite sized base that makes this pizza bake different from a typical casserole Choose quality biscuits with a buttery flavor for best results
• Pizza sauce: gives classic tomato and herb flavor Pick a robust and slightly tangy jarred sauce or blend freshly made for extra freshness
• Mozzarella cheese: offers melty stretch and richness Go for whole milk mozzarella and shred it yourself for better melting
• Italian sausage: adds savory depth Look for bulk mild or spicy Italian sausage with fresh herbs for the fullest taste
• Pepperoni slices: give the signature pizzeria taste and crispy edges Choose a brand with a bold smoky flavor if possible
• Sliced black olives: bring briny contrast to the richness Rinse and drain well to avoid extra liquid
• Diced green peppers: add sweet crunch Choose firm peppers with shiny skins and vibrant color for the best texture
• Grated parmesan cheese: finishes the bake with a sharp nutty kick Always opt for real parmesan and grate fresh just before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep and Preheat:

Set your oven to 400 degrees and generously coat a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray This prevents the biscuits from sticking and makes cleanup a snap

Brown the Sausage:

Heat a medium skillet over medium high and add the Italian sausage Use a wooden spoon to break it into small crumbles as it cooks After 10 minutes when it is well browned and no longer pink transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain off excess grease This step is important for flavor and texture throughout the bake

Cut and Arrange Biscuits:

Cut each refrigerated biscuit into four pieces Place the pieces evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish The biscuits will rise and expand as they bake so try to scatter them in a single even layer

First Bake:

Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake the biscuits for 10 to 12 minutes This gives them a head start and ensures they bake fully underneath all the toppings

Sauce and Layer Toppings:

Take the dish out of the oven and pour the pizza sauce evenly across the warm biscuit pieces Use the back of a spoon to spread out to each edge Sprinkle two cups of mozzarella over the sauce then scatter the cooked sausage pepperoni black olives and green peppers across the top Finish with the remaining half cup of mozzarella

Final Bake:

Return the dish to the oven for 15 to 20 minutes Bake until the cheese is deeply golden bubbly and the edges of the biscuits are just crisp

Finish and Serve:

Once baked sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top immediately for added flavor Let the bake cool slightly so the cheese sets then slice and serve

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My favorite ingredient is the fresh Italian sausage because it infuses the whole dish with spicy juicy flavor Every time I use local sausage from our butcher it is met with rave reviews My family loves piling their slices with extra olives and watching the cheese stretch with every bite

Storage tips

After cooling to room temperature transfer leftover pizza bake into an airtight container Store in the refrigerator for up to three days For a quick meal reheat individual portions in the microwave or return to a low oven until warmed through The bake can lose some crispness but the flavors deepen beautifully with time

Ingredient substitutions

If you are avoiding pork try swapping turkey sausage or even ground chicken for the Italian sausage For a vegetarian version skip the meat altogether and load up on extra bell peppers mushrooms and spinach You can also substitute cheddar or provolone for mozzarella if that is what you have on hand

Serving suggestions

Serve the Bubble Up Pizza Bake straight from the oven with a crisp Caesar salad or a side of buttered green beans For a party cut into smaller squares and spear with toothpicks for an easy savory appetizer Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for spice fans or dollop with ricotta for a creamy finish

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Cultural and historical context

Bubble Up Bakes are a playful twist on traditional casseroles using biscuit dough as a shortcut for bread or crust This method became popular for its simplicity and flexibility in home kitchens across America It allows for quick meals that echo favorite comfort foods like pizza but can be adapted endlessly depending on family tastes

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuits?

Yes, homemade dough may be substituted, though biscuits offer a distinctive fluffy texture.

→ What toppings work best for this bake?

Classic toppings like sausage, pepperoni, olives, and green peppers blend well, but feel free to add mushrooms or onions.

→ Can this bake be prepared ahead of time?

It can be assembled in advance and refrigerated, then baked just before serving for fresh flavor.

→ How do I avoid soggy biscuits in the base?

Pre-bake the biscuit pieces before layering on sauce and toppings to keep them fluffy and prevent sogginess.

→ Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?

Simply omit meats and add more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a meatless bake.