Mediterranean Bubble Up Pizza Bake
This Mediterranean Bubble Up Pizza Bake is a savory, cheesy casserole that brings all the flavors of a Mediterranean-style pizza into one warm and fluffy bake. Using refrigerated biscuit dough as the base, it “bubbles up” into soft, golden layers filled with herbed tomato sauce, melty cheese, tangy olives, and colorful vegetables. It’s a comforting dish perfect for weeknights, game nights, or casual dinners with a fresh twist!
Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Ingredients
Base:
1 can (about 16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (cut into quarters)
1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce & Seasoning:
1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (preferably low-sugar, Mediterranean-style)
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings:
1/2 cup sliced black or Kalamata olives
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large casserole dish.
Prepare the Biscuits:
Cut each biscuit into quarters and place in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil.
Add Sauce & Mix:
Add the pizza sauce, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the biscuit pieces. Gently toss until evenly coated.
Layer the Casserole:
Pour the biscuit-sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the olives, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, onion slices, and artichokes over the top.
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta evenly across the surface.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Tip: If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the final 10 minutes.
Garnish & Serve:
Let it rest for 5 minutes, garnish with chopped basil or parsley, and serve warm!
Tips
Use Fresh or Refrigerated Dough
If using refrigerated biscuit dough, choose plain or buttermilk-style (avoid sweet varieties).
You can also use pizza dough cut into 1.5-inch pieces for a chewier, more traditional base.
Drain Your Veggies
Ingredients like roasted red peppers, olives, and artichokes can be watery—drain and pat dry to avoid a soggy bake.
Cheese Strategy
For extra gooey texture, use a mix of low-moisture mozzarella and part-skim mozzarella.
Add feta on top after baking for a fresher, more defined flavor if desired.
Even Cooking
Make sure biscuit pieces are evenly coated and not too tightly packed, so they cook and puff up properly.
Stir halfway through baking if the center looks underdone.
Reheat Like a Pro
Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or conventional oven to restore crispness, instead of microwaving which can soften the dough.
Variations
Add Protein
Mix in cooked ground turkey, chicken, or beef for a meatier version.
Use chopped grilled chicken tossed in oregano and lemon juice for added Mediterranean flair.
Go Vegetarian Gourmet
Add grilled zucchini, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for a veggie-packed bake.
Crumbled falafel or chickpeas tossed in spices also make great protein-packed vegetarian options.
Make It Spicy
Add chopped spicy pepperoncini, harissa drizzle, or a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper for heat.
Herby Enhancements
Add a handful of fresh basil, parsley, or even a dollop of pesto just before serving.
Gluten-Free or Low-Carb Swaps
Use a gluten-free biscuit dough alternative.
Try a base of cauliflower gnocchi or low-carb dough balls if you’re watching carbs.
Q&A
Q: What does “bubble up” mean in this recipe?
A: “Bubble up” refers to how the biscuit dough puffs and rises as it bakes, creating a light and fluffy, pizza-like texture with pockets of sauce and cheese throughout.
Q: Can I make this bake ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble it up to 8 hours in advance and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: It freezes best after baking. Let it cool, slice into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Q: What can I use instead of biscuit dough?
A: Try cubed pizza dough, puff pastry (for a flakier result), or even cauliflower gnocchi for a gluten-free, low-carb version.
Q: How can I make it healthier?
A: Use reduced-fat cheese, whole wheat biscuit dough (if available), and load up on roasted or fresh vegetables to boost fiber and nutrients.
Nutrition
Values will vary depending on ingredients and brands used.
Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: ~12g
Fat: ~16g
Carbohydrates: ~34g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~5g
Sodium: ~600mg
Calcium: ~200mg
Tip: You can reduce sodium by using low-sodium pizza sauce and rinsing canned ingredients like olives and artichokes.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Bubble Up Pizza Bake takes all the zesty, sun-kissed flavors of a Mediterranean pizza—olives, tomatoes, feta, and herbs—and transforms them into a warm, fluffy casserole that’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few pantry staples and a can of biscuit dough, you get a hearty, cheesy, family-pleasing dish that’s endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole is a fun and flavorful favorite worth putting on repeat.