Description of this recipe: Bubble Up Pizza is a fun and incredibly easy casserole that takes all the classic flavors of pizza and transforms them into a comforting, shareable dish. Imagine biting into soft, pillowy biscuit pieces, smothered in rich pizza sauce, savory sausage, spicy pepperoni, and a generous blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing meal that’s quick to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe comes together in minutes. No kneading dough or complicated techniques required.
- Customizable: The beauty of Bubble Up Pizza lies in its versatility. Feel free to swap out the sausage and pepperoni for your favorite pizza toppings, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives.
- Kid-Friendly: This is a dish that both kids and adults will love. The soft, cheesy biscuits and familiar pizza flavors make it an instant hit with even the pickiest eaters.
- Perfect for Sharing: This casserole is ideal for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings. It’s easy to transport and serve, and everyone can dig in and enjoy.
- Comfort Food at its Finest: Nothing beats the warm, cheesy goodness of a pizza casserole on a chilly evening. It’s the ultimate comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.
Ingredients:
- 32 ounces Refrigerated Biscuits (cut into six pieces each)
- 14 ounces Pizza Sauce
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic
- 6 ounces Sliced Pepperoni
- 1 pound Ground Sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent the biscuits from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the biscuits. Open the cans of refrigerated biscuits and cut each biscuit into six equal pieces. This ensures they bake evenly and prevents the center of the casserole from being doughy. Place the biscuit pieces in a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sausage until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease and set the sausage aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Add the pizza sauce, cooked ground sausage, pepperoni slices, olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the bowl with the biscuit pieces. Gently toss everything together until the biscuits are evenly coated with the sauce and toppings. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the biscuits tough.
Step 5: Spread half of the biscuit mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle one cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of the shredded Parmesan cheese over the biscuit mixture. Top with the remaining biscuit mixture and then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 6: Arrange additional pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, if desired, for a visually appealing presentation.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. To ensure the biscuits are cooked through you can insert a toothpick into the center of the casserole; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Bubble Up Pizza as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Cut the casserole into squares and serve as an appetizer or snack at parties.
- Pair it with a bowl of warm marinara sauce for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Tips:
- For best results, use refrigerated biscuits that are fresh and not expired.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the casserole on a lower rack in the oven.
- To prevent the top from browning too quickly, cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Feel free to add other toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, or cooked ham.
- For a spicier pizza, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you don’t have ground sausage, you can use ground beef or Italian sausage instead.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving): (Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Calories: 450-550
Protein: 20-25g
Sodium: 800-1000mg
Conclusion:
Bubble Up Pizza is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering a fun and flavorful way to enjoy pizza without the fuss of making dough. Its simplicity and customizable nature make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish. The combination of soft, cheesy biscuits, savory sausage, and rich pizza sauce is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bubble up some pizza perfection! This recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, bringing joy and deliciousness to every meal.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your Bubble Up Pizza. Provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would all work well. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best results.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the biscuits are cooked through.
Q3: What if I don’t have refrigerated biscuits? Can I use something else?
A: While refrigerated biscuits are the most convenient option, you can also use homemade biscuit dough or even store-bought pizza dough. If using pizza dough, cut it into small squares before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of your Bubble Up Pizza. Some good options include mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives, spinach, or zucchini. Just be sure to chop the vegetables into small pieces and sauté them before adding them to the casserole.
Q5: How do I prevent the bottom of the casserole from getting soggy?
A: To prevent the bottom of the casserole from getting soggy, make sure to grease the baking dish well and avoid overmixing the biscuit mixture. Overmixing can cause the biscuits to release too much moisture, resulting in a soggy bottom. Baking the casserole on a lower rack in the oven can also help ensure the bottom cooks evenly.
