Little Caesars Crazy Puffs are a delightful twist on the classic pizza, featuring a crispy, buttery exterior filled with gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, snacks, or just indulging in some comfort food. Follow this recipe to recreate these delicious puffs at home.
Ingredients
For the Puffs:
- 1 pound pizza dough: You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough for convenience.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or make your own.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Mozzarella provides the perfect melty cheese texture.
- 8 ounces turkey pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni is a slightly lighter option, but regular pepperoni works just as well.
For the Garlic Butter Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Butter gives the puffs their rich, golden crust.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor to the butter.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan gives a salty, nutty flavor to the puffs.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the puffs.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the pizza flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the topping.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano brings a classic pizza flavor to the puffs.
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (optional): Parsley adds a fresh, green touch and can be used as a garnish.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Roll Out the Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Cut the Dough: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into small squares, approximately 2-3 inches in size. These will form the puffs.
2. Fill the Puffs
- Add the Sauce: Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce in the center of each dough square.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Top the sauce with a pinch of shredded mozzarella and a slice or two of turkey pepperoni.
- Seal the Puffs: Fold each dough square in half to create a triangle or rectangle, depending on your preference. Press the edges firmly to seal the puffs, making sure the filling is securely enclosed. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
3. Bake the Puffs
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Place the Puffs on the Sheet: Arrange the filled and sealed dough puffs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to allow for expansion.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puffs are golden brown and crispy.
4. Make the Garlic Butter Topping
- Melt the Butter: While the puffs are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, sea salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and dried oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add Parsley (Optional): If using, stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
5. Coat the Baked Puffs
- Brush with Garlic Butter: Once the puffs are out of the oven, immediately brush them generously with the garlic butter mixture. The hot puffs will absorb the butter, making them extra flavorful and rich.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan: For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle a little more grated Parmesan on top of the puffs after brushing them with the garlic butter.
6. Serve
- Serve Hot: Little Caesars Crazy Puffs are best enjoyed hot out of the oven, with extra pizza sauce for dipping on the side.
- Garnish with Parsley: If desired, garnish the puffs with additional chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips and Variations
- Change the Fillings: Customize your Crazy Puffs by adding different fillings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or olives.
- Use Different Cheeses: While mozzarella is classic, you can mix it up by using cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the puffs ahead of time and freeze them before baking. When ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the pepperoni for a vegetarian version, or replace it with veggies like bell peppers, onions, or spinach.
These Little Caesars Crazy Puffs are the perfect snack or appetizer, offering all the flavors of a classic pizza in a fun, portable form. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving something cheesy and delicious, these puffs are sure to satisfy. Enjoy them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear as soon as they hit the table!
