Little Caesars Crazy Puffs Recipe

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, few things rival the satisfaction of warm, cheesy bites that melt in your mouth. Recently, I decided to try my hand at making Little Caesars Crazy Puffs at home, and let me tell you, it was an absolute hit! The fluffy dough, stuffed with gooey mozzarella and savory pepperoni, then brushed with a rich garlic butter, was a delightful combination. My family couldn’t get enough, and we devoured these tasty morsels in no time. If you’re looking for a fun and delicious snack, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1 cup pizza sauce (for dipping)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces pepperoni (or turkey pepperoni)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If the pizza dough has been refrigerated, let it come to room temperature for about 1-2 hours. This step is crucial for making the dough easier to work with.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, black pepper, dried oregano, and a pinch of sea salt. For an extra pop of flavor and color, you can also add the finely chopped parsley. Set this mixture aside for later use.

3. Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into small squares, approximately 2 to 3 inches in size.

4. Add Fillings

In the center of each dough square, place a slice or two of pepperoni along with a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, fold the corners of each square up and pinch the edges together to form small puffs. Ensure that the dough is sealed tightly to prevent any filling from leaking during baking.

5. Place on a Baking Sheet

Arrange the prepared dough puffs, seam-side down, on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet.

6. Brush with Garlic Butter

Generously brush each dough puff with the garlic butter mixture, ensuring they are fully coated for that delicious garlicky flavor.

7. Bake

Bake the Crazy Puffs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffed.

8. Serve

Once baked, remove the Crazy Puffs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve them warm with pizza sauce for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade Little Caesars Crazy Puffs—fluffy dough stuffed with cheesy goodness and topped with a garlicky butter finish!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8 puffs
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 220 calories

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 15 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve your Crazy Puffs with:
• Pizza sauce for dipping
• Garlic dipping sauce
• Ranch dressing for a creamy twist
• Salsa for a zesty kick

Additional Tips

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese will melt better and taste superior to pre-shredded varieties.
2. Customize Fillings: Feel free to add other fillings like diced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for added flavor.
3. Experiment with Spices: Adjust the spices in the garlic butter to suit your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice heat!
4. Avoid Overfilling: Be cautious not to overfill the dough puffs to ensure they seal properly and bake evenly.
5. Keep Dough Covered: While working, keep any unused dough covered with a kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Crazy Puffs: Replace the pepperoni with additional cheese varieties, like provolone or pepper jack, for a purely cheesy experience.
• Veggie Crazy Puffs: Use sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini instead of meat for a vegetarian option.
• Buffalo Chicken Crazy Puffs: Substitute the pepperoni with shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
• Breakfast Crazy Puffs: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked sausage or bacon for a breakfast treat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Crazy Puffs with:
• A side salad for a light meal.
• Garlic knots or breadsticks for an appetizer spread.
• Stuffed peppers or zucchini boats for a themed dinner night.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked Crazy Puffs. Assemble them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their crispy texture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

• Yes, store-bought dough works perfectly if you’re short on time.

1. How do I know when the Crazy Puffs are done?

• They should be golden brown and puffed. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

1. Can I bake these without the garlic butter?

• While the garlic butter adds great flavor, you can bake them plain if you prefer.

1. What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

• Grated Romano or pecorino cheese can be used as alternatives.

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

• Yes! You can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge before baking.

1. Are these Crazy Puffs suitable for kids?

• Absolutely! They’re a fun and kid-friendly snack that’s easy to eat.

1. Can I air fry these instead?

• Yes, you can air fry them at 350°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

1. What’s the best way to reheat them?

• Reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes for best results.

1. Can I use different types of meat?

• Yes, cooked sausage or ham can be substituted for pepperoni.

1. How do I keep the filling from leaking?
   • Make sure to pinch the edges tightly and avoid overfilling.

Conclusion

Little Caesars Crazy Puffs are a delicious and fun twist on classic pizza flavors. With their fluffy dough, melty cheese, and savory fillings, they make for a perfect snack or appetizer for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving a hearty treat, these Crazy Puffs will impress everyone. Try this recipe today, and savor the delightful experience of homemade cheesy goodness!

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