Gayle'S Upside-Down Popover Pizza
Gayle's Upside-Down Popover Pizza features a savory sausage and tomato sauce base topped with gooey mozzarella, baked into a puffy, golden crust—perfect for casual family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook meat and onion; drain.
- Stir in tomato sauce, spices, and the 2 tablespoons flour.
- Heat until boiling; boil 1 minute.
- Pour mixture into an ungreased 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Arrange mozzarella cheese on top.
- Beat eggs, milk, oil, 1 cup flour, and salt until smooth.
- Pour batter over cheese.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until puffy and golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you're out of mozzarella, any melty cheese like cheddar or provolone can work well. When preparing the batter, make sure not to overmix to ensure a light and airy texture. You can also use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to pork or beef.
Serving Suggestions
This popover pizza is best served warm from the oven. Pair it with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal or serve it alongside garlic bread for a comforting dinner. It also pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine. For a fun twist, consider serving slices with a side of marinara for dipping, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover popover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave for too long to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gayle'S Upside-Down Popover Pizza contains roughly 706 calories, with 22g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value) and calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1605mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat and cheese layers in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply assemble and pour the batter over the cheese before baking. This makes it easy to enjoy fresh popover pizza without the last-minute prep.
What can I substitute for the ground meat?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. For a protein-rich alternative, consider using lentils or black beans seasoned with Italian herbs to retain that savory flavor.
How do I know when the popover pizza is done?
The popover pizza is done when it's puffed up and golden brown on top. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it's ready. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).