Easy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole is such a fun and simple dish that combines all the best parts of a pizza into a cheesy, saucy bake. It’s made with soft biscuit dough that “bubbles up” around gooey melted cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings like pepperoni and veggies. This casserole is like a pizza party in one pan!
I love making this because it’s quick and perfect for busy nights when I want something tasty without a lot of work. The biscuit pieces get soft and fluffy, soaking up all the flavors, which makes every bite super comforting. Plus, it’s easy to swap in whatever ingredients you have on hand, which means no stress about missing any fancy toppings.
One of my favorite ways to serve this casserole is straight from the oven, warm and bubbling, with a fresh green salad on the side. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always disappears fast, especially with kids who love the cheesy, melty bites. It’s a cozy dish that feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Biscuit Dough
- This is the base that makes the casserole soft and fluffy. Use refrigerated biscuits like Pillsbury Grands for convenience. If you want a healthier option, try whole wheat biscuits or make your own quick drop biscuit dough.
- Mozzarella Cheese
- This cheese gives the casserole its classic gooey, melty texture. You can substitute with a mozzarella blend or even provolone for a slightly different taste. For a lighter option, use part-skim mozzarella.
- Pepperoni
- Adds that traditional pizza flavor. Swap with cooked sausage, ham, or omit for a vegetarian version. You can even add mushrooms or extra veggies instead.
- Pizza Sauce
- Ready-made pizza or marinara sauce works well here. If you like more spice, add crushed red pepper or use a homemade sauce seasoned with garlic and herbs.
- Parmesan Cheese & Italian Seasoning
- These boost flavor with a little sharpness and herbiness. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago work well, and dried Italian herbs can be replaced with Italian seasoning blend or simply oregano and basil.
How Can I Make Sure the Biscuit Dough Cooks Perfectly Without Getting Soggy?
Getting the biscuit dough just right is key — you want it fluffy but fully cooked in the center.
- Cut biscuits into small pieces to let sauce and cheese surround them evenly.
- Spread sauce evenly between layers rather than soaking the dough too much in one spot.
- Bake uncovered so the steam can escape; this helps keep the topping slightly crisp and prevents sogginess.
- Check with a toothpick after 30 minutes to ensure the dough is cooked through.
- Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking helps the layers set and finish cooking evenly.
Following these tips will give you tender, well-cooked biscuits that soak up just enough sauce and cheese without getting mushy. Happy baking!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – perfect size for even baking and easy serving.
- Sharp knife or kitchen scissors – to cut biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces quickly.
- Mixing bowl – to toss ingredients if you prefer mixing before layering.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for spreading sauce and mixing without scratching your dish.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling the hot casserole.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni with cooked sausage or ground beef for a heartier meat version.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or diced onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use different cheeses such as provolone or cheddar for a twist in taste.
- Mix in crushed red pepper or garlic powder to the sauce for a bit of spicy kick.
Easy Bubble Up Pizza Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced pepperoni (or more, to taste)
- 1 jar (about 14 oz) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- ½ cup sliced green bell peppers (optional)
- ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake in the oven. Total time is roughly 40-45 minutes from start to finish, including a few minutes to cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Biscuit Base
Cut the biscuit dough into quarters or bite-sized pieces. Spread these pieces evenly at the bottom of your baking dish.
3. Layer the Cheese, Pepperoni, and Veggies
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the biscuit pieces, then evenly add half the pepperoni slices. If you like, scatter sliced green bell peppers and black olives on top for extra flavor.
4. Add the Sauce and Repeat Layers
Drizzle half of the pizza sauce evenly over your layers. Then repeat by adding the remaining biscuit pieces, cheese, pepperoni, and sauce.
5. Top and Bake
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian seasoning evenly on top. Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the biscuit dough is fully cooked.
6. Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes once it’s out of the oven. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil before serving warm. Enjoy your easy, cheesy pizza casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Biscuit Dough Instead of Refrigerated?
It’s best to use refrigerated biscuit dough for this recipe because frozen dough needs to be thawed completely before baking. If using frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and pat dry to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and cover it with foil, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring gently to keep the layers cozy and melty.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Absolutely! Swap pepperoni for other meats like sausage or ham, or add veggies such as mushrooms, onions, or spinach. Feel free to adjust the cheese or seasoning to suit your taste.