Irresistible Pizza Poppers: Quick & Easy Canned Biscuit Bites for Any Occasion

Prepare to delight your taste buds with these incredibly simple yet utterly delicious Pizza Poppers! Using convenient canned biscuits and your favorite pizza toppings, you’ll whip up puffy, golden, and supremely dippable pull-apart pizza bites. This crowd-pleasing recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients and bakes to perfection in a mere 15 to 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings, quick snacks, or even a fun family dinner.

Why These Easy Pizza Poppers Are a Must-Try Recipe

These savory pepperoni pizza poppers are an absolute game-changer, especially for anyone looking for a quick and impressive snack or appetizer without the hassle of making dough from scratch. The secret lies in using canned biscuits, which transforms what could be a time-consuming baking project into an incredibly simple process. While you certainly could use homemade pizza dough, the convenience of pre-made biscuits is unmatched for speed and ease.

The beauty of this recipe is its straightforward approach. You begin by simply slicing each biscuit into six manageable sections. These dough pieces are then lightly tossed with a drizzle of olive oil, vibrant mini pepperonis, generous amounts of shredded cheese, and a fragrant sprinkle of fresh basil. Once combined, this delightful mixture is divided into a muffin tin, ready to be baked until golden, puffy, and irresistibly cheesy. The result? Essentially, individual, bite-sized pizza muffins that are perfect for sharing, or enjoying all by yourself!

Pizza poppers are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. They make an awesome appetizer for lively football games, casual get-togethers, or any party where delicious finger foods are a must. Beyond entertaining, they’re also the ultimate comfort food when a late-night pizza craving strikes, offering all the classic flavors you love in a fun, pull-apart format. Serve them up hot, fresh from the oven, with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear!

Their appeal extends beyond just taste; the texture is a delightful combination of soft, fluffy biscuit and gooey, melted cheese, with the savory crunch of pepperoni. Plus, the ease of preparation means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious food with friends and family. This recipe truly works because it takes a beloved classic and makes it accessible, fun, and quick enough for any day of the week.

Essential Ingredients You Will Need

Creating these delightful pizza poppers requires just a few key ingredients. For precise measurements, detailed instructions, and a printable version of this recipe, please refer to the complete recipe card available at the end of this post.

Ingredient Insights and Smart Substitution Suggestions

The beauty of pizza poppers lies in their adaptability. While our core recipe uses classic pizza elements, feel free to customize them to your heart’s content!

BISCUITS – The foundation of these poppers is canned biscuit dough. We’ve had fantastic results using Grands Southern Homestyle Biscuits, known for their flaky layers and robust size. However, don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors or brands of canned biscuits available in your local grocery store – store-brand options often work just as wonderfully and can be a cost-effective choice. The key is to use a large, flaky biscuit variety, as this contributes to the signature pull-apart texture when baked. For a slightly different flavor profile, consider buttery, honey butter, or even buttermilk biscuits. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to use homemade dough, a simple pizza dough or even crescent roll dough cut into pieces can also work, though the texture will vary slightly.

TOPPINGS – Our featured recipe utilizes mini pepperonis, which are perfectly sized for these bite-sized treats and distribute evenly throughout the dough. However, this is where your creativity can truly shine! Almost any of your favorite pizza toppings can be incorporated. Consider adding cooked Italian sausage (crumbled), finely diced bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sweet or savory onions, zesty jalapeños for a kick, diced ham, or earthy black olives. If you can’t find mini pepperonis, a 5-ounce package of regular pepperoni can be easily chopped into smaller pieces to achieve a similar effect. For vegetables like bell peppers and onions, a quick sauté (you don’t need to cook them through completely, just soften them slightly) before adding them to the mix is highly recommended. This pre-cooking step ensures they soften properly in the short baking time and prevents them from releasing too much moisture into the dough, which could make your poppers soggy.

CHEESE – Mozzarella cheese is the quintessential choice for anything pizza-related, celebrated for its superb melting properties and mild, creamy flavor. It creates that desirable stretchy, gooey texture everyone loves. Nevertheless, feel free to use your preferred cheese blend! Provolone offers a sharper, tangier note, while a blend of mozzarella and cheddar can add more depth of flavor. For the best melt and superior texture, I always suggest grating cheese straight from a block rather than using pre-bagged shredded cheeses. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient and will work in a pinch, it often contains anti-caking agents that can slightly hinder a perfectly smooth melt. Experiment with a mix of cheeses like Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or even a hint of smoked Gouda for a gourmet touch.

OLIVE OIL & HERBS – Extra virgin olive oil not only helps to coat the biscuit pieces, preventing them from sticking and promoting a golden crust, but it also adds a subtle richness to the flavor. Fresh basil, finely chopped, infuses the poppers with its aromatic, slightly peppery notes, enhancing the overall pizza experience. Feel free to substitute with dried Italian seasoning or oregano if fresh basil isn’t available. A pinch of garlic powder can also elevate the savory profile.

How to Master the Art of Making Pizza Poppers

These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to guide you visually through the process of making this delightful recipe. For the complete printable version, including all measurements and detailed instructions, simply jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, generously spray the wells of a standard 12-cup muffin tray with olive oil spray. This crucial step prevents the poppers from sticking and helps them achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
Chop and Coat the Biscuits: Open your can of biscuits and separate each one. On a clean cutting board, cut each biscuit into 6 equal, bite-sized pieces. Aim for relatively consistent sizes to ensure even cooking. Transfer all the chopped biscuit pieces to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the biscuit pieces and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is lightly coated. This helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
Combine with Toppings: To the bowl with the coated biscuit pieces, add your chosen toppings: the mini pepperonis, shredded mozzarella cheese, and the finely chopped fresh basil. Using your hands or a spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well combined and distributed evenly. Make sure the cheese and pepperonis are interspersed with the biscuit pieces, ready to melt and create pockets of flavor.
Fill the Muffin Wells: Divide the combined mixture equally among the 12 prepared muffin wells. Don’t press them down too firmly; the biscuit pieces need space to puff up and become airy. Fill each well until it’s comfortably full.
Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the muffin tin into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pizza poppers are beautifully puffed, golden brown on top, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The exact baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a couple of minutes. This brief cooling period helps them set and makes them easier to remove. Then, run a thin paring knife carefully along the outside edges of each popper to loosen them before popping them out onto a serving platter.
Serve Warm: Serve these delicious pizza poppers warm, accompanied by a generous bowl of your favorite marinara sauce or pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy the irresistible combination of fluffy biscuit, melted cheese, and savory toppings!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Pizza Poppers

Why do my pizza poppers look oily?

It’s completely normal for pizza poppers to appear a bit oily during the cooking process, especially if you’re using pepperoni, which releases fat as it bakes. Most of this oil will be reabsorbed by the biscuit dough by the time they finish cooking, contributing to their delicious richness and golden exterior. If you’re concerned about grease dripping onto the bottom of your oven, a simple solution is to place a piece of aluminum foil on the rack directly below your muffin tray. This will catch any drips and keep your oven clean. For those who prefer to reduce excess grease, after the poppers are cooked, you can transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels for a minute or two to blot away any residual oil before serving.

Can I use other toppings in my pizza poppers?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, and you can customize your pizza poppers with almost any pizza topping you love. Get creative and try tossing in sliced black olives, finely chopped bell peppers, diced onions, cooked and crumbled sausage, crispy bacon bits, small cubes of ham, or spicy jalapeños. The possibilities are endless! However, there are a few expert tips to keep in mind for optimal results. For meats like sausage or bacon, it’s best to pre-cook them in a skillet until they are browned and drained of excess fat before adding them to the biscuit mixture. Similarly, for vegetables such as bell peppers and onions, a quick sauté to partially soften them is highly recommended. This ensures that all ingredients are nicely cooked through within the short baking time of the biscuits and prevents any raw or overly crunchy elements in your finished poppers.

How should I store and reheat leftover pizza poppers?

Leftover pizza poppers are fantastic for a quick snack! Once they have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for a minute or two, but for the best texture, an oven or air fryer is ideal. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for 3-5 minutes, until they are warmed through and crispy again.

Can I prepare these pizza poppers ahead of time?

While these poppers are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can do some prep work in advance. You can chop the biscuits and prepare your toppings (cooking any meats or softening vegetables) a day ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine all ingredients and proceed with the baking instructions. We do not recommend assembling the poppers in the muffin tin and refrigerating them unbaked, as the biscuit dough can become soggy.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Pizza Poppers

These versatile pizza poppers are incredibly adaptable and can be served in various ways to suit any occasion. While a classic marinara or pizza sauce is the go-to choice for dipping, don’t limit your options! Consider offering them up with a rich garlic butter for an extra layer of indulgence, or a creamy ranch dressing for a cool and tangy contrast. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a spicy arrabbiata sauce or a dash of hot sauce can provide an exciting kick.

Mix and match your favorite toppings to create a personalized array of flavors. Serve these warm straight from the oven as a delightful appetizer to kick off a party, a satisfying snack to curb those afternoon cravings, or even a fun and easy dinner, especially for busy weeknights or when feeding a crowd. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad for a balanced meal, or alongside other finger foods like mini skewers or veggie sticks for a larger spread. These pizza poppers are sure to be a hit, no matter how you choose to enjoy them!

We initially discovered this brilliant idea for pizza poppers from Oscar Perez @oscarins_kitchen on TikTok. Be sure to check out his page for more engaging and delicious culinary content!

Explore More Pizza-Inspired Recipes

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French Bread Pizza
Mini Zucchini Pizzas
Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

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Pizza Poppers

These delightful Pizza Poppers are the ultimate party appetizer or quick snack! Made with easy canned biscuits and your favorite pizza fillings, they’re baked until puffy and golden. Perfect for football games, parties, or satisfying late-night pizza cravings. Serve warm with marinara for dipping!

4.96 from 24 votes

IMPORTANT – Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post above for helpful tips and advice!

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Course:
Appetizer, Dinner, Snack

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
12 pizza poppers

25 minutes

Calories:
267

Author:
Amanda Davis

Ingredients

olive oil spray for the muffin pan
16 ounces Grands Southern Homestyle Biscuits 1 tube, or other canned biscuits
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
5 ounces mini pepperonis
1 ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
⅓ cup fresh basil finely chopped
1 cup marinara or pizza sauce for dipping

Things You’ll Need

Muffin pan 12 cavity, regular size
Mixing bowls

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment and use any type of Grands Biscuits that you like for varied textures and flavors!
If mini pepperoni is hard to find, simply use 5 ounces of regular pepperoni and chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
During baking, it’s normal for the pizza poppers to appear slightly oily, especially from the pepperoni. Most of this oil will be absorbed by the biscuit dough as they cook. To prevent any drips in your oven, you can place a piece of foil on the rack below your muffin tray. For less grease on the finished poppers, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate after cooking to blot any excess.
This recipe is incredibly versatile for toppings! Get creative with sliced black olives, chopped bell peppers, onions, cooked and crumbled sausage, crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or spicy jalapeños. Remember to pre-cook any meats (like sausage or bacon) and partially soften tougher vegetables (like bell peppers and onions) in a skillet before adding them to the mixture. This ensures everything cooks thoroughly and evenly within the biscuit baking time.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray the wells of a 12-cup muffin tray with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
Cut each canned biscuit into 6 equal pieces. Place the chopped biscuits in a large bowl, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and toss to coat thoroughly.
Add the mini pepperonis, shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh basil to the bowl. Toss gently until all ingredients are well combined and distributed among the biscuit pieces.
Divide the mixture evenly among the 12 prepared muffin wells. Do not press down too firmly.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pizza poppers are puffed up, golden brown, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let them cool in the pan for a couple of minutes before carefully running a paring knife around the edges and popping them out.
Serve warm with marinara or your favorite pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.