Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 40 minutes Serves: 6
Bubble Up Pizza is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner or game-day snack because it delivers all the flavors of classic pizza in a fun, pull-apart casserole form made with biscuit dough, pizza sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Why Bubble Up Pizza is so satisfying
Bubble Up Pizza combines the satisfaction of gooey, cheesy pizza with the comfort of soft, fluffy biscuit bites because the biscuit dough “bubbles up” as it bakes, rising between layers of tangy sauce, savory toppings, and melted cheese. It’s hearty, simple to prep, endlessly customizable, and always a hit with both kids and adults. The bubbly texture, stretchy cheese, and bold pizza flavor make it a crowd-pleasing favorite that feels like a mashup between pizza and casserole comfort food.
Ingredients
For the base:
2 (16-oz) cans refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the toppings (customize as desired):
1 cup mini pepperoni slices
½ cup cooked crumbled sausage
½ cup diced green bell pepper
¼ cup sliced black olives
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
The art of creating Bubble Up Pizza
Crafting Bubble Up Pizza is all about assembling layers that bake into gooey, savory perfection because as the biscuit dough cooks, it expands and “bubbles up” between the sauce and toppings, becoming golden on top and pillowy in the center. The key is evenly coating the biscuit pieces with sauce and cheese, ensuring every bite is flavorful and balanced. Once baked, it pulls apart effortlessly, delivering stretchy cheese, bits of savory meat, and tender dough in every serving.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 °F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, because a properly heated oven and a nonstick surface ensure even baking and easy serving.
Professional Tip: Use a glass or ceramic dish for best heat distribution.
Key Points: Preheat oven fully, grease dish well, use proper pan size. - Cut each biscuit into quarters and place in a large mixing bowl, because smaller pieces bake faster and evenly rise between layers of toppings.
Key Points: Use sharp kitchen scissors or a clean knife, cut all pieces the same size. - Add pizza sauce and half of the shredded cheese to the bowl, tossing until the biscuit pieces are evenly coated because this ensures flavor is embedded throughout the base.
Professional Tip: Use a silicone spatula to coat without tearing the dough.
Key Points: Mix gently but thoroughly, avoid over-mixing. - Transfer the biscuit mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer, pressing gently so it fills the corners, because this allows for uniform rising and golden edges.
Key Points: Don’t flatten too much, layer evenly, leave slight gaps for bubbling. - Add toppings evenly over the biscuit base: pepperoni, sausage, peppers, olives, or any favorites, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder because seasoning on top enhances aroma and flavor.
Professional Tip: Slightly press toppings into dough for better hold.
Key Points: Distribute evenly, customize freely, press gently. - Top with remaining shredded mozzarella, covering the toppings completely, because cheese seals in moisture and creates that signature melty, golden layer.
Key Points: Use full-fat mozzarella for best melt, spread edge to edge. - Bake uncovered for 25 minutes or until biscuits are fully cooked through and cheese is bubbly and golden brown, because proper baking time ensures both structure and flavor.
Key Points: Check doneness with a toothpick in biscuit center, avoid overbaking. - Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly, making slicing and serving cleaner and easier.
Key Points: Rest before slicing, serve warm, garnish if desired with herbs.
Professional tips
Because great results come from the small details:
- Cut biscuit dough uniformly for even baking.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup if desired.
- Mix toppings into the dough for a more casserole-like texture.
- Double the cheese if you’re aiming for ultra gooey results.
- Add a drizzle of hot honey or ranch before serving for an elevated finish.
Creative variations
- Swap pizza sauce for Alfredo or pesto for white pizza flavor.
- Use turkey pepperoni, ground turkey, or plant-based meats for a lighter option.
- Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant for more depth.
- Try a breakfast version with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and cheddar.
- Make a BBQ chicken version with shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, and red onions.
Pairing ideas
Bubble Up Pizza pairs beautifully with fresh greens and crisp vegetables because its richness benefits from bright, acidic balance. Serve alongside dishes from the salads or perfect sides collections. For appetizers, check the snacks & appetizers section. Complement with ranch dressing or sauces from the flavored dips and marinades lineup, and refresh your palate with sparkling lemonades or iced teas from refreshing beverages.
Discover more
Explore crowd-friendly casseroles in the perfect sides section, creative appetizers in snacks & appetizers, or build a pizza night with complementary ideas from salads and sweet finishes in dessert recipes. For brunch spins on pizza-like dishes, browse breakfast favorites.
Storage guidelines
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days because the dough and cheese retain moisture well. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture. Avoid microwaving if possible as it softens the crust. Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then reheat at 350 °F for 15–20 minutes until hot.
Science behind Bubble Up Pizza
The baking powder in biscuit dough reacts with moisture and heat to release gas, which causes the dough to rise and “bubble up” through the layers. As the dough bakes, steam escapes, lifting the structure and trapping melted cheese and sauce in pockets. The fat in cheese melts and browns through the Maillard reaction, adding flavor and crunch, while the toppings release oils that soak slightly into the dough for added depth.
Troubleshooting
- Center still doughy? Bake an additional 5–10 minutes and tent with foil to avoid burning cheese.
- Cheese browning too quickly? Cover loosely with foil halfway through.
- Toppings sinking? Press gently into dough before baking.
- Too greasy? Use low-moisture toppings and blot pepperoni before baking.
- Dough not rising well? Check expiration on biscuit dough or let it sit out briefly before baking.
Additional inspirations
For more comfort food ideas, explore perfect sides, creative shareables in snacks & appetizers, or seasonal meal pairings from salads. Add dipping sauces from flavored dips and marinades or follow with something sweet from dessert recipes.
Conclusion
Bubble Up Pizza takes everything we love about traditional pizza and transforms it into a warm, pull-apart casserole layered with cheese, sauce, and your favorite toppings. Because it comes together quickly, bakes in one dish, and satisfies like comfort food should, it’s a go-to recipe for busy nights, casual weekends, or anytime you crave something cheesy, hearty, and irresistibly fun to eat.
