Copycat Little Caesars Puffs

This irresistibly soft and cheesy Pizza Puffs recipe brings all the flavors of Little Caesars pizza bites right to your kitchen. These miniature pizza cups feature pillowy dough filled with tangy marinara, melty cheese, and savory pepperoni, all finished with a rich garlic butter and Italian seasoning that creates that authentic pizzeria taste.

I first made these pizza puffs when my nephews came over for our weekly pizza night, and they've requested them every visit since. The look on their faces when they bit into these cheesy, garlicky cups was worth every minute of prep time!

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter forms the base of our garlic butter which gives these puffs that authentic Little Caesars flavor
• Fresh parsley adds bright color and herbaceous notes to the garlic butter
• Minced garlic provides that essential aromatic punch that makes these irresistible
• Grated parmesan cheese adds a salty umami depth to both the butter and finished puffs
• Pizza dough creates the perfect pillowy vessel for our fillings use store bought for convenience or homemade for extra flavor
• Marinara sauce brings tangy tomato goodness look for a quality brand with minimal ingredients
• Mozzarella cheese creates that stretchy pull when you take a bite freshly shredded melts better than pre packaged
• Turkey pepperoni offers a slightly lighter option than traditional pepperoni without sacrificing flavor
• Italian seasoning adds the perfect finishing touch with its blend of Mediterranean herbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Garlic Butter

Combine melted butter with finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, grated parmesan, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano in a small bowl. Stir until thoroughly mixed. This aromatic mixture will infuse flavor into every layer of our pizza puffs.

Prepare the Cupcake Tin

Generously brush the cupcake tin cups with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to coat the sides and bottom thoroughly to prevent sticking and to create a flavorful crust on the exterior of each puff.

Portion and Place the Dough

Divide your pizza dough into ping pong ball sized pieces. Each piece should be approximately the same size to ensure even baking. Place each dough ball into a buttered cupcake cup, pressing gently to adhere to the butter.

Proof the Dough

Cover the cupcake tin tightly with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Place in a warm spot in your kitchen until the dough balls have doubled in size, typically 45 minutes to an hour depending on room temperature and dough freshness.

Shape the Cups

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once dough has doubled, use your fingers to gently press down the center of each ball and push the dough up the sides of the cupcake cup to create a well. Brush the inside of each dough cup with more garlic butter to add another layer of flavor.

Fill the Cups

Start by spooning a small amount of marinara sauce into each dough cup. Top with a layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by two pepperoni slices. Add another dollop of marinara, one more pepperoni slice, and finish with a generous amount of cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top for an aromatic finish.

Bake to Perfection

Place the filled cupcake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to become bubbly and the edges of the dough to turn golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen with irresistible pizza scents.

Rest and Serve

Allow the pizza puffs to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly while keeping the interior molten. Carefully remove from the tin and serve warm with ranch dressing for dipping.

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The garlic butter is truly the secret ingredient that elevates these pizza puffs from good to extraordinary. My grandmother always said that a proper garlic butter needs both fresh and dried herbs for optimal flavor, and this recipe proves her right. The combination of fresh parsley and dried oregano creates a perfect balance of brightness and depth.

Make Ahead and Storage

These pizza puffs can be prepared up to the point of baking, then refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply allow them to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking as directed. After baking, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds until warmed through. The texture is best when reheated in an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave, which can make the dough slightly tough.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of these pizza puffs lies in their versatility. For vegetarian options, replace pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or black olives. Meat lovers can add cooked Italian sausage, bacon bits, or ham. For a breakfast variation, use scrambled eggs, cheese, and breakfast sausage instead of traditional pizza toppings. If you prefer a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter or use pepper jack cheese in place of some of the mozzarella. The possibilities are truly endless, making this recipe a fantastic base for creative experimentation.

Serving Suggestions

While ranch dressing is the classic dipping companion for these pizza puffs, consider offering a variety of options to please all palates. Warm marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or even a balsamic glaze can create exciting flavor combinations. These puffs make an excellent appetizer when served on a platter with assorted dipping sauces, but they can also form the centerpiece of a casual meal when paired with a fresh green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. For a complete game day spread, serve alongside buffalo wings, vegetable crudités, and your favorite beverages.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought pizza dough for these Pizza Puffs?

Yes, store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe. Both refrigerated pizza dough from the grocery store or dough from your local pizzeria will save time while giving excellent results.

→ How do I know when my dough has proofed enough?

Your dough balls should approximately double in size during proofing. They'll look puffy and when you gently press a finger into the dough, the indentation should slowly bounce back but not completely disappear.

→ Can I make these Pizza Puffs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare them through the assembly stage, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the refrigerator.

→ What other toppings can I use in these puffs?

These are extremely versatile! Try Italian sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or any of your favorite pizza toppings. Just make sure to pre-cook any raw meat toppings and avoid ingredients that release too much moisture.

→ How should I store leftover Pizza Puffs?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or use an air fryer for 2-3 minutes to restore their crispy texture.

→ Can I freeze these Pizza Puffs?

Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for about 10-12 minutes.