Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Mini & Fun-Sized: Perfect for parties, game nights, or quick snacks.
- Crispy & Cheesy: The golden-brown edges and gooey cheese filling make them irresistible.
- Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients for a homemade version of the famous Little Caesars snack.
- Customizable: Fill them with your favorite pizza toppings!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (optional)
For the Crazy Puffs:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Let pizza dough come to room temperature for 1-2 hours to make it easier to work with.
- Divide the dough into small balls, roughly the size of a ping pong ball.
2. Make the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, oregano, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
- Set aside for later.
3. Shape the Dough Cups
- Brush a muffin tin with garlic butter.
- Place each dough ball into its own muffin cup. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size (30-45 minutes).
- Use the bottom of a small glass or your fingers to press the center of each dough ball, forming a cup shape.
- Brush the inside of each dough cup with more garlic butter.
4. Fill the Pizza Puffs
- Spoon pizza sauce into each dough cup.
- Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, then your toppings (pepperoni, veggies, etc.).
- Add another layer of pizza sauce, more toppings, and finish with more mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the Puffs
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over each puff.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool slightly before removing from the tin.
- Serve warm and enjoy with extra marinara sauce for dipping!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 pizza puffs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rise Time: 30-45 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat.
- Veggie Supreme: Fill with mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.
- Cheese-Stuffed Crust: Add a cube of mozzarella inside each dough ball for an extra cheesy bite.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked puffs and bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Yes! Store-bought dough works perfectly and saves time.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them in advance and refrigerate before baking.
3. What can I serve with Crazy Puffs?
Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, garlic butter, or cheese sauce for dipping.
4. Can I air-fry these?
Yes, air-fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
5. How do I keep them from sticking to the muffin tin?
Brush the tin generously with butter or use non-stick cooking spray.
Conclusion
Little Caesars Crazy Puffs are the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors—all packed into bite-sized pizza goodness. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick snack, or want to recreate your favorite fast-food treat at home, this recipe is a must-try. Give it a go and enjoy these delicious, cheesy pizza puffs!
Little Caesars Crazy Puffs
Little Caesars Crazy Puffs are bite-sized pizza delights with crispy golden edges, gooey mozzarella cheese, and savory pepperoni. Made with soft pizza dough and topped with a garlic Parmesan butter blend, these mini pizza puffs are the perfect party snack or game-day appetizer. Easy to customize and even better than the original!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 12-15 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 pizza puffs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (optional)
For the Crazy Puffs:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Let pizza dough rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
- Divide dough into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball.
-
Make the Garlic Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, oregano, Italian seasoning, and parsley.
-
Shape the Dough Cups:
- Brush a muffin tin with garlic butter.
- Place a dough ball in each muffin cup, cover, and let rise for 30-45 minutes.
- Use a small glass or fingers to press the center of each dough ball, forming a cup shape.
- Brush the inside of each dough cup with more garlic butter.
-
Fill the Pizza Puffs:
- Spoon pizza sauce into each dough cup.
- Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, then pepperoni or other toppings.
- Add another layer of pizza sauce, more toppings, and finish with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy version.
- Fill with mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives for a veggie option.
- Stuff a cube of mozzarella inside each dough ball for an extra cheesy bite.