Description
These Little Caesars Crazy Puffs are a fun and delicious homemade twist on the popular pizza snack. Soft, pillowy pizza dough cups are filled with layers of marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and a flavorful garlic butter seasoning. Baked until golden and bubbling, they’re perfect for sharing as a party appetizer or game day treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons parsley (finely chopped, optional)
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce (marinara sauce)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 8 ounces pepperoni or turkey pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Allow pizza dough to come to room temperature for 1-2 hours if refrigerated.
- Make garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and optional chopped parsley. Set aside.
- Shape dough balls: Divide pizza dough into equal-sized small balls approximately the size of a ping pong ball.
- Prepare muffin tin: Brush each cup of a muffin tin with the prepared garlic butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Place dough balls: Put each dough ball into its own muffin tin cup, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until doubled in size.
- Create dough cups: Press down the center of each risen dough ball with a small glass, muddler, or fingers to form a cup shape.
- Butter the cups: Brush the inside of each dough cup again with garlic butter for extra flavor.
- Fill the cups: Layer marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni or desired toppings inside each dough cup.
- Layer and top: Add another layer of marinara, more toppings, and a final layer of cheese to cover the surface, creating a crispy top with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Season: Sprinkle Italian seasoning over each filled dough cup.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the puffs to cool for about 5 minutes before carefully removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm with ranch dressing for dipping and enjoy!
Notes
- Allow dough to come fully to room temperature for easier shaping and better rising.
- Use a non-stick muffin tin or grease thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Customize the toppings to your preference such as adding vegetables or turkey pepperoni.
- Watch baking closely after 12 minutes to prevent burning the cheese or crust edges.
- Letting the puffs cool slightly prevents burns and helps them hold their shape better when removing from the tin.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
