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Easy Homemade Pizza Puffs

Featured in Snacks That Bring People Together.

Quick Little Caesars-style pizza cups baked in a muffin tin. Makes 12 portions, ready in 90 minutes including rising time. Great for get-togethers.
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Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 01:46:20 GMT
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Homemade Little Caesars Pizza Puffs | tastybysophie.com

These homemade pizza puffs have evolved beyond a simple copycat recipe into an irresistible family favorite. The combination of crispy cheese edges and soft centers creates the perfect handheld pizza bite. After extensive testing and tweaking, this version consistently outshines the restaurant original.

These pizza puffs have proven to be the ultimate crowd-pleaser, earning rave reviews at potlucks and team gatherings. Their irresistible aroma and taste keep everyone coming back for more.

Key Components

  • Quality pizza dough
  • Unsalted butter
  • Minced fresh garlic
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Classic marinara
  • Grated parmesan
  • Dried Italian herbs
  • Chopped parsley
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Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Preparation Method

Pan Preparation
Coat muffin tin thoroughly with garlic butter mixture for optimal flavor and texture.
Dough Preparation
Shape dough portions into cup forms, allowing proper rise time.
Assembly
Layer ingredients systematically - sauce, cheese, chosen toppings, final cheese layer.
Cheese Finish
Apply final cheese layer generously, ensuring edge coverage for signature crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside classic dipping sauces like marinara or ranch. For complete meal presentation, pair with fresh Caesar salad or garlic bread. Create variety with an assortment of dipping options including garlic butter sauce and chili-infused honey.

Customization Options

Adapt the recipe with various toppings combinations. Consider spicy versions with pepperoni and jalapeños, vegetarian options loaded with seasonal vegetables, or breakfast variations featuring eggs and cheese. Fresh herbs and tomatoes make excellent finishing touches.

Storage Guidelines

Best served immediately after baking. For advance preparation, assemble components but delay final baking until serving time. Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat in oven to maintain texture. Consume within two days for optimal quality.

Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat Homemade Pin it
Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat Homemade | tastybysophie.com

This enhanced version of classic pizza puffs demonstrates how homemade preparation can elevate a familiar favorite. The versatility and consistent results make these an essential addition to any cooking repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I skip making the dough and buy some instead?
Of course! Store-bought dough works perfectly here.
→ What’s the point of letting the dough rise?
Giving it time to rise makes the puffs nice and soft with a fluffy texture.
→ Can I add my own favorite toppings?
Absolutely! Go ahead and get creative with your choices.
→ How should I keep leftover pizza puffs?
Pop them in a sealed container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to make them taste fresh again.
→ Why is the garlic butter brushed on twice?
The first time gives flavor to the dough, and the second time boosts the buttery taste while stopping sticking.

Mini Pizza Snacks

Bite-sized dough cups packed with gooey cheese, tangy marinara, and pepperoni. Finished with Italian seasoning and garlic butter.

Prep Time
60 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes

Category: Party & Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 pizza puffs)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Garlic Butter

01 ½ teaspoon black pepper
02 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped fine
03 ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
04 ½ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
05 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
06 2 tablespoons parsley, minced
07 ½ cup butter (unsalted), melted

→ For Assembly

08 2 cups mozzarella, shredded
09 Italian seasonings
10 1 cup marinara sauce
11 1 pound pizza dough
12 8 ounces turkey-style pepperoni

Instructions

Step 01

Grab a small bowl and mix together the butter, parsley, garlic, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and oregano. Hold on to it for later.

Step 02

Coat the inside of each hole in your cupcake pan using the garlic butter.

Step 03

Break the dough into same-sized bits, roughly ping pong ball size or maybe a tad smaller.

Step 04

Lay one dough piece into each cupcake spot. Cover it up tightly, and let it rest somewhere warm until it doubles in size.

Step 05

Crank up your oven to 350°F. Once your dough doubles, press the middle down while pinching the edges up to shape a little cup. Brush more garlic butter inside each dough cup.

Step 06

Layer each cup: first marinara, then shredded mozzarella, add two pepperoni slices, a bit more marinara, top with one pepperoni piece, and finish with more mozzarella. Sprinkle some Italian seasoning on top.

Step 07

Slide them into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the tops turn golden and the cheese gets nice and bubbly.

Step 08

Take them out and let them cool for around 5 minutes before digging in—ranch dip is optional, but super tasty!

Notes

  1. Feel free to switch up the toppings to make it your own.
  2. Letting the dough proof properly really affects the texture.
  3. Tastes best when eaten warm!

Tools You'll Need

  • Cupcake pan
  • A small bowl for mixing
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy products (like butter and cheese)
  • Made from dough, so it has gluten