Hey y'all! If you're a fan of cheesy, melty pizza bites wrapped in a golden, garlicky crust, you're going to flip over these Little Caesars Pizza Puffs with Garlic Butter Crust. They're perfect for parties, game nights, or a fun family dinner, and you won't believe how easy they are to make at home! Ready to bring that pizzeria flavor right to your kitchen? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Little Caesars Pizza Puffs with Garlic Butter Crust Recipe
- Bite-sized and portable, making them perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings.
- Super cheesy with gooey mozzarella and savory pepperoni in every puff.
- Homemade garlic butter crust adds a delicious, authentic pizzeria touch.
- Quick to prepare and bake—less than 30 minutes total!
- Easy to customize with your favorite pizza toppings or fillings.
Ingredients for Little Caesars Pizza Puffs with Garlic Butter Crust
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
Directions: How to Make Little Caesars Pizza Puffs with Garlic Butter Crust
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 12-cup mini muffin tin generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a rolling pin, gently roll it to an even ¼-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 12 equal squares.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Press each dough square into the muffin cups, making sure it comes up the sides. Spoon about 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce into each, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and a few mini pepperoni slices.
Step 4: Seal and Top the Puffs
Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the filling inside, then gently roll each into a ball and place back in the muffin cup, seam side down.
Step 5: Brush with Garlic Butter
Mix the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and salt in a small bowl. Brush each puff generously with this garlic butter mixture for that signature crust.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 14-16 minutes, or until the pizza puffs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before removing from the tin.
Notes & Helpful Tips for Little Caesars Pizza Puffs with Garlic Butter Crust
- For best results, use a high-quality store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
- If you don’t have mini muffin tins, you can make larger puffs in a standard muffin pan (adjust baking time to 18-20 minutes).
- Let the puffs cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be hot and gooey!
Variations: Little Caesars Pizza Puffs with Garlic Butter Crust
- Veggie Lovers: Swap pepperoni for diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or black olives.
- Supreme Pizza Puffs: Add crumbled cooked sausage, onions, and green peppers for loaded flavor.
- Cheesy Spinach: Mix chopped spinach and ricotta cheese with mozzarella for a vegetarian twist.
Required Equipment for Little Caesars Pizza Puffs with Garlic Butter Crust
- Mini muffin tin (12-cup)
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet (optional, for larger batches)
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pizza puffs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-6 minutes, or until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze baked and cooled puffs for up to 2 months; reheat from frozen at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Suggested Pairings & How to Serve Little Caesars Pizza Puffs with Garlic Butter Crust
- Serve hot with extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic knots for a complete meal.
- Great alongside classic appetizers like mozzarella sticks or wings for game day spreads.
Pro Tips for Perfect Little Caesars Pizza Puffs with Garlic Butter Crust
- For an extra-crispy exterior, let the puffs cool for a minute in the tin before removing. Learn more about crisping techniques here.
- Don't overstuff the puffs; too much filling can cause them to burst open.
- Brush with additional garlic butter immediately after baking for maximum flavor and shine.
FAQs: Little Caesars Pizza Puffs with Garlic Butter Crust
- Can I make these pizza puffs ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prepare and bake in advance, then reheat in the oven when ready to serve for best texture.
- Can I freeze Little Caesars Pizza Puffs with Garlic Butter Crust?
- Yes, baked puffs freeze well. Store in a freezer-safe bag and reheat from frozen at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- What other cheeses can I use?
- Feel free to try provolone, cheddar, or a pizza blend cheese for extra flavor variety.
For more nutrition info on pizza ingredients, check out this guide to pizza dough nutrition.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (about 13.8 oz)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2Roll out the pizza dough and cut into 16 equal squares.
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3Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and a few pepperoni slices in the center of each dough square.
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4Fold the corners of each square over the filling and pinch to seal, forming a puff. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
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5In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Brush the tops of the puffs with the garlic butter mixture.
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6Bake for 16-18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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