Popover Upside-Down Pizza
A savory upside-down pizza with melted mozzarella, flavorful sausage, and a fluffy popover crust, perfect for casual dinners and gatherings craving comforting, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. bulk pork sausage or 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Gold Medal Wondra flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram leaves ⓘ
- 8 oz. mozzarella, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup Gold Medal Wondra flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cook and stir sausage and onion in a 10-inch skillet until brown and onion is tender.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in tomato sauce, green pepper, 2 tablespoons flour, basil, fennel seed, and marjoram.
- Heat to boiling and boil for 1 minute.
- Pour the sausage mixture into an ungreased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Arrange mozzarella cheese slices on top of the sausage mixture.
- In a bowl, beat eggs, milk, oil, 1 cup flour, and salt with a hand beater until smooth.
- Pour the batter over the cheese slices.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until puffy and golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of pork sausage or ground beef. You can also swap the mozzarella for reduced-fat cheese to cut calories. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Ensure to check the consistency of the batter; it should be smooth without lumps for the best rise when baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the popover upside-down pizza hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a crisp Cauliflower And Spinach Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider offering a side of garlic bread or a light soup to round out the meal, making it a satisfying option for any dinner gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the popover upside-down pizza in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain its puffy texture rather than using a microwave, which may make it soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Popover Upside-Down Pizza contains roughly 423 calories, with 16g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1716mg per serving (75% 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 sausage mixture and batter in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to a day. When you're ready to bake, simply combine and follow the baking instructions. This allows for a quick dinner option on busy nights while still enjoying a homemade meal.
What can I substitute for the Wondra flour?
If you don't have Wondra flour, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute. Keep in mind that Wondra is designed to dissolve easily in liquids, so make sure to whisk the batter thoroughly if you use all-purpose flour to avoid lumps.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, or even a blend for added flavor. Mixing in some parmesan with mozzarella can also enhance the dish's richness, making it a delightful twist on traditional pizza.
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).