Description
Little Caesars Crazy Puffs are delicious, bite-sized pizza cups made with tender pizza dough filled with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. These easy-to-make baked puffs are perfect for game day appetizers, snacks, or party treats, served hot with extra marinara sauce for dipping and garnished with fresh parsley for a tasty and fun pizza twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough and Filling
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce, plus more for dipping
- ½ cup pepperoni slices, chopped
Topping and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a standard muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough and cut it into 8 equal squares, about the size to fit into the muffin tin cups.
- Form Dough Cups: Press each dough square into the muffin tin cups, allowing the edges of the dough to come up the sides to create small cups.
- Add Filling: Spoon about one tablespoon of marinara sauce into the bottom of each dough cup, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped pepperoni evenly.
- Fold Edges Slightly: Gently fold the edges of the dough up and slightly over the filling, leaving the center open for an appealing presentation.
- Bake the Puffs: Bake the formed puffs in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffed up.
- Prepare Butter Mixture: While the puffs bake, combine melted butter with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Brush and Garnish: As soon as the puffs come out of the oven, brush them generously with the butter mixture to add flavor and shine.
- Serve: Sprinkle the puffs with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for variety.
- For extra cheesy puffs, mix mozzarella with cheddar or provolone cheese.
- Make vegetarian by omitting pepperoni and adding extra veggies or just cheese.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
- These puffs are best served hot, but can be reheated in the oven to regain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 puff
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
