Bubble Up Pizza

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

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As a parent who’s constantly juggling dinner prep with homework help and after-school activities, I’ve found that bubble up pizza has become our family’s go-to comfort meal. The kids absolutely love helping to make it, and honestly, there’s something magical about watching those biscuit pieces puff up and turn golden while the cheese bubbles away on top.

What Makes Bubble Up Pizza So Special?

The beauty of bubble up pizza lies in its simplicity. Instead of dealing with pizza dough from scratch or waiting for delivery, you’re using refrigerated biscuits as your base. When these biscuit pieces bake, they literally “bubble up” – hence the name – creating a fluffy, tender crust that’s somewhere between bread and traditional pizza dough.

This recipe has been passed down through generations of home cooks, and for good reason. It’s budget-friendly, incredibly customizable, and practically foolproof. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hosting a casual dinner party, bubble up pizza always hits the mark.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bubble Up Pizza

The magic happens with just a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:

For the Base:

• 2 cans (16.3 oz each) refrigerated biscuits (I prefer Pillsbury Grands Jr. or regular-sized biscuits)
• 1 jar (14 oz) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Popular Toppings (Choose Your Favorites):

• 1 cup pepperoni slices
• 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/3 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced

Pro Tips for Ingredient Selection:

• Use regular-sized biscuits rather than the extra-large Grands – they cook more evenly
• Don’t skip the Italian seasoning; it adds that authentic pizza flavor
• Fresh mozzarella works beautifully if you prefer it over shredded
• Any pizza sauce works, but I love using marinara for extra flavor depth

Step-by-Step Instructions for Amazing Bubble Up Pizza

Preparation Phase

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare your toppings if using raw ingredients. Cook Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and crumbled. Dice vegetables and set everything aside in separate bowls.

Assembly Magic

3. Cut the biscuits into quarters using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife. This is where the kids can really help – they love this part! Place all the biscuit pieces in a large mixing bowl.
4. Create the base mixture by adding the pizza sauce to the biscuit pieces. Use your hands or a large spoon to gently toss everything together until each piece is well-coated. The sauce acts as both flavor and moisture.
5. Add half the cheese along with your chosen toppings (except for delicate items like fresh basil). Mix gently but thoroughly. I like to reserve some pepperoni for the top because it looks so appealing.
6. Transfer to the baking dish and spread the mixture evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, then add any final toppings like extra pepperoni or vegetables.

The Baking Process

7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. The center should be set and the cheese should be bubbly and lightly golden.
8. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not raw dough.
9. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up and makes it easier to cut and serve.

Customization Ideas to Make It Your Own

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One of the things I love most about bubble up pizza is how endlessly customizable it is. Here are some family-tested variations:

Breakfast Bubble Up: Use breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, and cheddar cheese BBQ Chicken: Replace pizza sauce with barbecue sauce and add cooked chicken pieces Veggie Supreme: Load it up with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives Meat Lovers: Combine pepperoni, sausage, and ham for the ultimate protein feast Mexican Style: Use salsa instead of pizza sauce and add jalapeños and Mexican cheese blend

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings

Bubble up pizza is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but these sides take it to the next level:

• A crisp fresh vibrant salad balances the richness perfectly
• Serve with perfect sides like garlic breadsticks or roasted vegetables
• For casual entertaining, pair with tasty snacks and refreshing beverages
• Make it part of a larger spread with other hearty main dishes for potlucks

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover bubble up pizza keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it covered in the original baking dish or transfer to airtight containers.

For reheating, I’ve found that the air fryer works wonderfully – it crisps up the outside while keeping the inside tender. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent over-browning.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The science behind bubble up pizza is simple but effective. The biscuit dough provides structure and absorbs flavors from the sauce, while the cheese creates that irresistible stretchy, gooey texture we all crave. The high moisture content from the sauce keeps everything tender, while the exposed cheese on top gets beautifully golden.

Unlike traditional pizza where timing the dough can be tricky, bubble up pizza is forgiving. The biscuits are designed to puff up and brown evenly, making it nearly impossible to mess up.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Whether you’re planning dinner delights for the family or need something special for breakfast favorites (yes, the breakfast version is incredible!), bubble up pizza fits the bill.

I’ve served this at potluck dinners, kids’ birthday parties, and casual weekend gatherings. It’s one of those recipes that always gets requests for the recipe card. The best part? Even novice cooks can master it on their first try.

Don’t forget to finish your meal with something sweet from our irresistible desserts collection, and perhaps pair your dinner with one of our amazing flavored dips marinades for extra flavor.

The Bottom Line

Bubble up pizza proves that the best comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles. It’s budget-friendly, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to become a regular rotation in your dinner planning.

So the next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make for dinner, remember this recipe. Your family will thank you, and you’ll have a new go-to meal that makes busy weeknights a little bit easier and a whole lot more delicious.