Name: Little Caesars Pizza Puffs Copycat - Easy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: Approximately 24 puffs
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 pound pizza dough; 1 cup marinara sauce; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded; 8 ounces turkey beef pepperoni; Italian seasoning

Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat recipes have a magical way of transporting us back to childhood, don’t they? There’s something undeniably nostalgic about those warm, cheesy, savory bites that just screams fun and easy indulgence. For many of us, the allure of the Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat comes from their perfect balance of a slightly crispy exterior giving way to a molten, gooey center brimming with classic pizza flavors. They are the ultimate party appetizer, a delightful after-school treat, or even a satisfying snack when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want a full meal. What truly makes these copycat versions so special is capturing that signature Little Caesars taste and texture, all within the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to recreate that beloved flavor sensation!

Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon minced garlic
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 pound pizza dough
1 cup marinara sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
8 ounces turkey or beef beef pepperoni (sliced)
Italian seasoning (for dusting)

Getting Started with Your Pizza Puffs

Prepping the Garlic Herb Butter

The foundation of these irresistible Pizza Puffs is a flavorful garlic herb butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with the finely chopped fresh parsley. This is where you’ll infuse that wonderful herbaceous aroma. Next, add the minced garlic to the butter and parsley mixture. The intensity of the garlic will meld beautifully with the butter as it bakes, creating a truly aromatic coating. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan will add a subtle nutty and salty depth, enhancing the overall savory profile of the puffs. Finally, season this glorious butter concoction with ½ teaspoon of salt (or adjust to your preferencebeef pepperonieroni can be salty) and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Don’t forget to add the 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for that classic pizza herb flavor. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Set this aside; we’ll be brushing it generously over the dough later.

Assembling the Pizza Puff Masterpieces

Preparing the Pizza Dough

Now, let’s get to the star of the show: the pizza dough. You can use your favorite store-bought pizza dough, or if you’re feeling adventurous, make your own from scratch. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Place your pound of pizza dough onto the floured surface. Gently stretch and roll out the dough into a large rectangle. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch. You want it thin enough to cook through quickly but not so thin that it tears. Think of it as a canvas for all the delicious fillings and flavors to come. Try to maintain an even thickness across the entire rectangle to ensure consistent cooking for all your puffs.

Layering the Flavors

With your pizza dough rectangle prepped, it’s time to start layering on those classic pizza flavors. Spread the 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving about a ½-inch border around the edges. This border will help seal the puffs and prevent the sauce from oozing out during baking. Next, sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce. Distribute it as evenly as possible to ensure a cheesy bite in every puff. Finally, arrange the 8 ounces beef pepperoni pepperoni over the mozzarella. You can overlap them slightly, but try not to overcrowd the dough, as this can also lead to some leakage. The goal is to have a delightful balance of saucbeef pepperoni, and pepperoni in each puff.

Folding and Cutting for Perfection

This is where the “puff” part comes into play! Carefully begin extract to roll up the pizza dough from one of the longer sides, just like you would for a jelly roll. Roll it up snugly, but don’t press too hard, as you don’t want to squeeze out all the delicious fillings. Once you have a log, use a sharp knife to cut it into ½-inch thick rounds. These are your individual pizza puffs! If the dough seems a little sticky while cutting, you can lightly dust your knife with flour. As you cut each puff, you’ll see the beautiful spiral of mabeef pepperoniheese, and pepperoni. Place these rounds cut-side up onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between each puff, as they will expand slightly during baking.

Baking and Finishing Touches

The Golden Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This higher temperature is crucial for achieving those beautifully puffed and golden-brown results. Once your oven is preheated and your pizza puffs are arranged on the baking sheet, it’s time for the magic to happen. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary. You’re looking for the cheese to bbeef pepperoniand bubbly, the pepperoni to be slightly crisped, and the dough to be golden brown and cooked through. If some puffs are browning faster than others, you can rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time.

The Final Flavor Burst

As soon as your pizza puffs come out of the oven, they are ready for their final flavor boost. While they are still hot, generously brush the tops of each puff with the reserved garlic herb butter mixture you prepared earlier. This step is essential for achieving that signature Little Caesars copycat flavor and texture. The hot butter will melt into the warm dough, infusing it with the incredible aromas of garlic, parsley, and oregano, and adding a lovely richness. For an extra touch of authentic Italian flavor, sprinkle a little Italian seasoning over the top of each buttered puff. This adds a final fragrant flourish that will have everyone reaching for more. Let them cool slightly for a minute or two before serving – they will be molten hot inside!

Conclusion:

We’ve reached the delicious end of our journey to recreate those irresistible Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat! I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to bring this beloved snack right into your own kitchen. The secret to their success lies in the perfect balance of crispy, golden dough and a savory, cheesy filling that oozes with every bite. Don’t be intimidated by the steps; they are designed to be straightforward, allowing you to achieve impressive results even if you’re new to making them.

These Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat are incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties, a fun addition to a movie night spread, or even a satisfying light meal. I love serving them warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, but they’re also surprisingly good on their own. Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Consider adding a sprinkle of beef pepperoni, some sautéed mushrooms, or even a touch of jalapeño for a kick.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you make these Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat, the more you’ll discover your own perfect technique. Don’t be afraid to experiment and enjoy the process. I encourage you to share your creations with friends and family – these little flavor bombs are always a crowd-pleaser!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I make the dough for the Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then punch it down and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This can save you time on the day you plan to bake. Just let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before shaping.

Q: How do I store leftover Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat?

Once cooled, store any leftover Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can pop them in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Q: Can I freeze the Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat?

Yes, you can! It’s best to freeze them after they have been baked and cooled completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat them directly from frozen in an oven or toaster oven.