Mediterranean Bubble Up Pizza Bake

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A cozy, cheesy, Mediterranean-inspired casserole packed with sun-dried flavors, gooey cheese, and a fluffy “bubble up” biscuit base. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want pizza with a twist!


Total Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Bake Time: 30–35 minutes

  • Total: 45–50 minutes


Ingredients

Base

  • 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough, quartered

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce (preferably low-sugar, Mediterranean-style)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • ½ cup sliced black or Kalamata olives

  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped

  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced

  • ½ cup artichoke hearts, chopped (optional)

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture recommended)

  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat to 375°F (190°C).

  • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole pan.


2. Prep the Biscuit Base

  • Cut biscuits into quarters. Place in a large bowl.

  • Drizzle with olive oil.


3. Mix with Sauce

  • Add marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the bowl.

  • Gently toss to coat all biscuit pieces evenly.


4. Assemble the Bake

  • Transfer biscuit mixture into the prepared baking dish.

  • Spread it evenly (don’t compress it).

  • Scatter olives, tomatoes, red peppers, onions, and artichokes evenly over the surface.


5. Add Cheese

  • Top with shredded mozzarella and crumbled feta.


6. Bake

  • Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until:

    • Biscuits are puffed and golden

    • Cheese is bubbly

  • Optional: If browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil in the last 10 minutes.


7. Rest & Serve

  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

  • Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.


Tips for Success

Dough

  • Avoid sweet biscuit doughs. Buttermilk or plain works best.

  • For chewier texture: use pizza dough, cut into 1.5-inch pieces.

Vegetables

  • Drain and pat dry roasted red peppers, olives, and artichokes to prevent sogginess.

Cheese

  • Blend low-moisture mozzarella for stretch + feta for flavor.

  • Want extra creaminess? Add a few dollops of ricotta or sprinkle goat cheese on top before serving.

Cooking

  • If the center is underdone, gently stir halfway through baking.

  • Avoid overpacking the dough — leave space for the “bubble up” effect.


Variations

Add Protein

  • Toss in cooked chicken, ground turkey, or lean beef.

  • For Mediterranean flair: use grilled chicken tossed in lemon, oregano, and garlic.

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Vegetarian Gourmet

  • Add sautéed mushrooms, grilled zucchini, or baby spinach.

  • Try chickpeas or crumbled falafel for extra plant-based protein.

Make It Spicy

  • Add pepperoncini slices, Aleppo pepper, or a drizzle of harissa.

Extra Herb Flavor

  • Swirl in basil pesto, or sprinkle with fresh oregano and thyme after baking.

Gluten-Free / Low-Carb

  • Use gluten-free biscuit dough or cauliflower gnocchi.

  • Try low-carb dough balls for a keto-friendly version.


Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

  • Simple side salad (cucumber, red onion, lemon vinaigrette)

  • Toasted pita or garlic breadsticks

  • Roasted eggplant dip or tzatziki on the side


❄️ Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat: Use oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes for best texture. Avoid microwave (it softens the crust).

  • Freezing:

    • Freeze after baking. Let cool, slice, wrap tightly, and store for up to 2 months.

    • Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.


Nutritional Info (Per Serving — Approx. 6 Servings)

  • Calories: ~320 kcal

  • Protein: ~12g

  • Carbs: ~34g

  • Fat: ~16g

  • Fiber: ~3g

  • Sugar: ~5g

  • Sodium: ~600mg

  • Calcium: ~200mg

Tip: Lower sodium by using no-salt-added sauce and rinsing brined vegetables.


❓ FAQ

Q: What does “bubble up” mean?

A: As it bakes, the biscuit dough puffs and rises, creating bubbly layers filled with sauce and cheese — like pizza meets pull-apart bread.

Q: Can I make it ahead?

A: Yes — assemble up to 8 hours ahead, refrigerate, then let sit at room temperature 15–20 minutes before baking.

Q: What can I substitute for biscuit dough?

A: Use:

  • Cubed pizza dough

  • Puff pastry (for flakier texture)

  • Cauliflower gnocchi or low-carb dough for GF/keto versions

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✅ Conclusion

This Mediterranean Bubble Up Pizza Bake is more than a comfort food—it’s a flavor-packed, feel-good family meal that turns everyday ingredients into something fun and irresistible. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting friends, or just want something new, this cheesy, veggie-loaded bake is always a win.

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