Cheesy Upside-Down Pizza Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Upside-Down Pizza Bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish combines all the classic flavors of a beloved pizza in a hearty casserole form. With layers of spicy Italian sausage, zesty pepperoni, and a medley of vegetables topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, this recipe is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Quick to prepare and baked to perfection, it’s the ideal solution for satisfying cravings without a lot of fuss in the kitchen!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
1 lb (hot, mild, or sweet; casings removed)
pepperoni slices
1/2 lb (sliced)
onion
1/2 small (thinly sliced)
sliced mushrooms
1 (6 oz) can (drained)
sliced olives
1 (4-6 oz) can (drained)
shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded)
Italian-style tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can (ready to use)
refrigerated biscuits or French bread
1 (10 oz) package (flattened)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3
Stir in the Italian-style tomato sauce and heat the mixture through for about 3-4 minutes.
4
Transfer the sausage and sauce mixture to a greased 2-quart baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
5
Layer the top of the sausage mixture with pepperoni slices, thinly sliced onions, drained mushrooms, and olives for a burst of flavor and texture.
6
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the toppings for that melty finish.
7
Flatten the refrigerated biscuits or French bread dough and arrange them evenly over the cheese to form a crust.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
9
Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Upside-Down Pizza Bake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cheesy Upside-Down Pizza Bake?
It is a hearty casserole that layers Italian sausage, pepperoni, vegetables, and mozzarella cheese, topped with a biscuit or bread dough crust and baked upside-down.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
What type of sausage is best for this pizza bake?
You can use 1 lb of hot, mild, or sweet Italian sausage with the casings removed.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to bake?
The dish takes approximately 15 minutes to bake, or until the dough is golden brown.
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 2-quart baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
What kind of sauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 15 oz can of ready-to-use Italian-style tomato sauce.
What vegetables are included in the toppings?
The toppings include thinly sliced onions, drained canned mushrooms, and sliced olives.
What type of cheese provides the melty finish?
Two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese are used for the gooey, melty layer.
What kind of dough is used for the crust?
You can use a 10 oz package of refrigerated biscuits or French bread dough, flattened before layering.
Do I need to cook the sausage before baking?
Yes, you must brown the Italian sausage in a skillet and drain any excess fat before assembling the casserole.
How much pepperoni is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of sliced pepperoni.
How should the mushrooms and olives be prepared?
Both the 6 oz can of mushrooms and the 4-6 oz can of olives should be thoroughly drained before use.
How do I arrange the layers?
Layer the sausage and sauce first, then the pepperoni and vegetables, followed by the cheese, and finally the dough on top.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as family-friendly and is designed to please both kids and adults.
How do I prepare the onion?
The onion should be small and sliced thinly to ensure it cooks through properly.
Can I use French bread dough instead of biscuits?
Yes, the recipe allows for either flattened refrigerated biscuits or French bread dough.
What should I do after the bake is finished?
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Does the dough go on the bottom or the top?
The dough is placed on the very top of the cheese layer before baking, forming an upside-down crust.
How much tomato sauce do I need?
You will need one 15 oz can of Italian-style tomato sauce.
Is this considered a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is described as an ideal solution for busy weeknights due to its quick preparation and 15-minute bake time.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Nutritional information such as calories is not currently specified for this recipe.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, the 2-quart baking dish should be greased to prevent sticking.
Can I make the dish spicy?
Yes, using hot Italian sausage will provide a spicy kick to the bake.
What categories does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized under Pork and tagged as a casserole, pizza, and comfort food.
How do I ensure the dough cooks through?
Flatten the dough pieces evenly and bake until they are golden brown.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this dish.
What type of olives are recommended?
The recipe calls for a 4-6 oz can of sliced olives, which should be drained.
Can this be served immediately?
It is best to let it cool for a few minutes to allow the cheese and sauce to set slightly before serving.
Is there a specific way to prepare the sausage?
The sausage should be broken into smaller pieces while browning in the skillet.