Grands! Mini Pizzas: The Ultimate Customizable Snack & Meal

Craving pizza but short on time? Or maybe you’re looking for a fun, interactive meal that everyone can enjoy? Look no further than Grands! Mini Pizzas. These delightful bite-sized pizzas are incredibly easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to game day snacks. This guide will walk you through every step of creating the perfect Grands! Mini Pizza, from choosing your ingredients to baking them to golden perfection.

## What are Grands! Mini Pizzas?

Grands! Mini Pizzas are essentially small, individual pizzas made using refrigerated Grands! biscuits as the crust. The fluffy, buttery biscuits provide a delicious and convenient base, eliminating the need to make pizza dough from scratch. This makes them a fantastic option for busy individuals, families with kids, or anyone who wants a pizza fix without the fuss.

## Why You’ll Love Grands! Mini Pizzas:

* **Quick & Easy:** From start to finish, these pizzas take only about 20-25 minutes to make.
* **Customizable:** The topping possibilities are endless! Everyone can create their own personalized pizza.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love assembling and eating these mini pizzas. It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen.
* **Versatile:** Perfect for lunch, dinner, snacks, parties, or game days.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
* **Delicious:** The combination of the fluffy biscuit crust, savory sauce, and melty cheese is simply irresistible.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

* **Grands! Refrigerated Biscuits:** One can of Grands! Flaky Layers or Homestyle Biscuits (usually contains 8 biscuits).
* **Pizza Sauce:** Your favorite pizza sauce, marinara sauce, or even pesto.
* **Shredded Cheese:** Mozzarella is classic, but cheddar, provolone, a blend of Italian cheeses, or even vegan cheese alternatives work great.
* **Toppings:** This is where you get creative! See our topping suggestions below.

## Equipment You’ll Need:

* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet to bake the pizzas on.
* **Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat:** To prevent the pizzas from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Rolling Pin (Optional):** For flattening the biscuits slightly, if desired.
* **Pizza Cutter or Knife:** For slicing the baked pizzas.
* **Small Bowls:** For holding the toppings.

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

Here’s how to make perfect Grands! Mini Pizzas every time:

**Step 1: Prepare the Biscuits**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
* Open the can of Grands! biscuits. Separate the biscuits and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
* **Optional:** If you prefer a thinner crust, use a rolling pin to gently flatten each biscuit into a slightly larger circle. Be careful not to make them too thin, or they may become crispy and hard during baking. You can also just gently press them down with your fingers.

**Step 2: Sauce the Biscuits**

* Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce (about 1-2 tablespoons) onto each biscuit. Spread the sauce evenly, leaving a small border around the edge for the crust.
* Be careful not to over-sauce the pizzas, as this can make them soggy.

**Step 3: Add the Cheese**

* Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the sauce on each biscuit. Make sure the cheese covers the sauce completely.
* Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese! A combination of mozzarella and cheddar is always a good choice.

**Step 4: Add Your Toppings**

* Now comes the fun part – adding your favorite toppings! Arrange your chosen toppings on top of the cheese.
* Be mindful of the quantity of toppings. Overloading the pizzas can make them difficult to bake evenly.

**Step 5: Bake the Pizzas**

* Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* Keep a close eye on the pizzas while they’re baking to prevent them from burning. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.

**Step 6: Cool and Serve**

* Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the pizzas cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the pizzas (optional, depending on the size of the biscuits).
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Topping Ideas & Variations:

The possibilities for Grands! Mini Pizza toppings are truly endless! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* **Classic Pepperoni:** A timeless favorite. Simply add pepperoni slices on top of the cheese.
* **Vegetarian:** Load up your pizzas with vegetables like mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olives, spinach, and tomatoes.
* **Hawaiian:** A controversial but delicious combination of ham and pineapple.
* **Meat Lovers:** Combine pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham for a protein-packed pizza.
* **Supreme:** A little bit of everything! Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
* **Buffalo Chicken:** Shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, topped with mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of ranch dressing after baking.
* **BBQ Chicken:** Shredded cooked chicken tossed in BBQ sauce, topped with cheddar cheese and red onion.
* **Pesto & Sun-Dried Tomato:** Spread pesto instead of pizza sauce, then top with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
* **Spinach & Artichoke:** A creamy and delicious combination of spinach, artichoke hearts, and mozzarella cheese.
* **Margherita:** A simple yet elegant pizza with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves.
* **Breakfast Pizza:** Scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and cheddar cheese.
* **Dessert Pizza:** Spread Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread on the biscuits, top with sliced strawberries, bananas, or marshmallows, and bake until the biscuits are golden brown.

**Tips for Perfect Grands! Mini Pizzas:**

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Give the pizzas enough space on the baking sheet so they can bake evenly.
* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the pizza will taste.
* **Don’t Over-Sauce the Pizzas:** Too much sauce can make the pizzas soggy.
* **Pre-Cook Meats:** If you’re using raw meats like sausage or bacon, pre-cook them before adding them to the pizzas.
* **Grate Your Own Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. Grating your own cheese ensures a smoother, meltier result.
* **Adjust Baking Time as Needed:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the biscuits. Keep a close eye on the pizzas and adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Let the Pizzas Cool Slightly Before Serving:** This will prevent the cheese from sliding off and make them easier to handle.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations to find your favorites.
* **Use a Pizza Stone (Optional):** If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven before baking the pizzas. This will help to create a crispier crust.
* **Spray the Baking Sheet (Even with Parchment):** Lightly spray the parchment paper or silicone baking mat with cooking spray to further prevent sticking, especially if using toppings that release moisture.
* **Consider a Garlic Butter Crust:** Before adding sauce, brush the edges of the biscuit crust with garlic butter (melted butter mixed with minced garlic and herbs). This adds a delicious flavor to the crust.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or toppings for a little heat.
* **Add Fresh Herbs After Baking:** Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley over the pizzas after they come out of the oven for a burst of flavor and freshness.

## Make-Ahead Tips:

* **Prepare the Toppings:** Chop vegetables, cook meats, and shred cheese ahead of time to save time when assembling the pizzas.
* **Assemble the Pizzas (Partially):** You can assemble the pizzas up to the point of baking and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours. Add the cheese and toppings just before baking to prevent the crust from getting soggy. Do not assemble more than a few hours in advance, as the biscuits will start to absorb moisture.

## Serving Suggestions:

Grands! Mini Pizzas are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them a complete meal:

* **Serve with a Salad:** A simple green salad or a Caesar salad makes a refreshing side dish.
* **Serve with Soup:** Tomato soup or minestrone soup are classic pizza pairings.
* **Serve with Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or grilled zucchini are healthy and delicious sides.
* **Serve as an Appetizer:** Cut the pizzas into smaller pieces and serve them as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
* **Pizza and Movie Night:** Make Grands! Mini Pizzas a part of a fun family movie night.

## Storage Instructions:

* **Leftover Grands! Mini Pizzas:** Store leftover pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftover pizzas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the crust may become a bit soggy.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal (the biscuit texture can change), you *can* freeze baked and cooled Grands! Mini Pizzas. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients used. However, a single Grands! Mini Pizza (made with a regular biscuit, pizza sauce, and mozzarella cheese) typically contains:

* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 15-20mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 3-5g
* Protein: 8-10g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

* **Can I use other types of biscuits?** While Grands! biscuits are the most popular choice, you can experiment with other types of refrigerated biscuits. Just be aware that the baking time and texture may vary.
* **Can I use homemade pizza dough?** Yes, you can definitely use homemade pizza dough instead of biscuits. Roll out the dough and cut it into small circles before adding the sauce and toppings.
* **Can I make these pizzas ahead of time?** You can assemble the pizzas up to the point of baking and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours. However, it’s best to bake them fresh for the best results.
* **Can I use a different type of cheese?** Absolutely! Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorites. Cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, parmesan, and feta all work well.
* **My biscuits are browning too quickly. What should I do?** If the biscuits are browning too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent them from burning. You can also lower the oven temperature slightly.
* **My pizzas are soggy. What am I doing wrong?** Make sure you’re not over-saucing the pizzas. Also, pre-cook any vegetables that release a lot of moisture before adding them to the pizzas. Use a baking sheet with holes to allow steam to escape from the bottom.
* **Can I make these gluten-free?** Yes! Use gluten-free Grands! biscuits or make your own gluten-free pizza dough.
* **Can I make these vegan?** Yes! Use vegan Grands! biscuits (some brands offer vegan options), vegan cheese, and plant-based toppings.

## Conclusion:

Grands! Mini Pizzas are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy pizza at home. With endless topping possibilities, they’re perfect for satisfying everyone’s cravings. So gather your ingredients, get creative, and enjoy these delightful mini pizzas with your family and friends!

**Enjoy!**