Bubble Up Pizza Biscuit Casserole: A Cheesy, Family-Friendly Bake With All the Flavors of Pizza in Every Bite

If you’ve ever wished pizza night could be even easier — and more fun — this bubble up pizza biscuit casserole is the answer. Fluffy buttermilk biscuit pieces “bubble up” in the oven, surrounded by tangy pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and your favorite toppings. 

It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or kid-approved meal that comes together in one pan.

The best part? You can customize it with any toppings you love — pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. Every bite is cheesy, saucy, and filled with pizza goodness, baked into a bubbly casserole that’s just as exciting to serve as it is to eat.

Why This Recipe Is My Favorite

This casserole has quickly become one of my go-to dinners because it combines the joy of pizza with the ease of a one-pan bake.

Instead of fussing with dough, you cut refrigerated biscuits into bite-sized pieces, layer them in a dish, and let them bake up light and fluffy under all that cheesy, saucy goodness.

It’s fun, customizable, and always a hit at the table. I love watching the biscuits puff up around the toppings — it looks impressive but requires almost no effort.

Plus, kids love helping sprinkle on cheese and toppings, which makes dinner prep an activity the whole family enjoys.

History and Fun Facts About Bubble Up Casseroles

“Bubble up” casseroles became popular in the mid-20th century as canned biscuit dough and refrigerated crescent rolls became widely available. These doughs made it possible to create fun, quick casseroles that baked up fluffy and satisfying without the time and effort of yeast breads.

This pizza version is especially beloved because it captures the flavors of pizza night in a new form — part casserole, part pull-apart bread, and completely delicious. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special.

The Role of Each Ingredient

• Refrigerated buttermilk biscuits act as the bubbly base, rising into fluffy bites that hold the sauce and toppings.

• Pizza sauce provides tangy tomato flavor that ties the dish together.

• Mozzarella cheese melts into gooey, stretchy goodness, the classic hallmark of pizza.

• Pepperoni adds savory, spicy flavor and crisp edges.

• Italian sausage brings hearty richness and makes the casserole extra filling.

• Optional toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach add color, nutrition, and variety.

Substitution Tips and Advice

You can use crescent roll dough or homemade biscuit dough if you don’t have canned biscuits.

For a lighter version, swap pork sausage for chicken or turkey sausage. 

If you prefer, use a blend of cheeses — mozzarella and cheddar make a gooier, more flavorful topping. 

Marinara sauce can replace pizza sauce if that’s what you have on hand. For vegetarians, skip the meat and load it up with mushrooms, peppers, and spinach.

Time and Money-Saving Tips

Cut the biscuits into smaller pieces to ensure they bake quickly and evenly. 

Use pre-cooked sausage or leftover meat to save time. 

Buy cheese in bulk and shred it yourself for better melt and cost savings.

If feeding a smaller family, use just one can of biscuits and keep everything else the same for a saucier version.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven until hot.

Freezing: This casserole is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze baked leftovers in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate for 4–6 hours. Bake when ready, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time.

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish for layering and baking

• Pizza cutter or knife for cutting biscuits

• Mixing spoon or spatula for spreading sauce and toppings

• Cheese grater for shredding mozzarella

• Foil for covering if reheating or freezing leftovers

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Serve this bubble up pizza casserole with a fresh green salad or a simple Caesar to balance the richness.

Garlic bread or breadsticks make it even more indulgent, while roasted vegetables or a cucumber salad add freshness.

For drinks, soda or sparkling water keeps it kid-friendly, while adults might enjoy it with a light lager or a glass of Chianti.