Little Caesars Pizza Puffs

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

DIY Little Caesars pizza cups baked in a muffin tin. Prep, bake, proof – all done in 90 minutes. Yields 12 mini puffs, great for parties.
Clare Recipes
Updated on Tue, 03 Jun 2025 11:01:23 GMT
Little Caesars Pizza Puffs Save
Little Caesars Pizza Puffs | recipesclare.com

Trying to make those pizza bites just like the ones from Little Caesars turned into a weekly favorite at my house. The day I nailed the mix of crunchy, cheesy crust and fluffy, soft middles felt like a big win in the kitchen. Now my family actually asks for these over any takeout version.

My son’s team wiped out nearly three pans after practice last week. The coach begged me to share how I made 'em—guess that means they're a home run.

Tasty Ingredients

  • Roll out fresh pizza dough for best results
  • Real butter makes these crazy flavorful
  • Minced garlic for that extra kick
  • Mozzarella keeps things nice and gooey
  • Don't skip the marinara for dipping or topping
  • Parmesan takes care of those golden brown bits
  • Sprinkle some Italian seasoning for a deep flavor
  • Chopped parsley on top keeps it bright
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Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat Recipe | recipesclare.com

In-Depth Directions

Cheese Finish
Make sure that cheese cap covers it all and even hugs the sides. That’s what makes the edges crazy crispy and so good.
Layer Everything
Stack your favorite combos—add cheese, toppings, sauce, then more cheese. Think of it like you’re building snack skyscrapers.
Shape Your Cups
Drop dough balls in each muffin spot and press gently to make a spot for your toppings. Let them puff up and rise until they look ready.
Butter Up
Brush a mix of butter and garlic all around your muffin pan. You want those flavorful, crunchy edges from the first bite.

Best Matchups

Grab a side of ranch or some warm marinara to dunk these in. On big game days, I throw in some crunchy Caesar salad and sometimes garlic breadsticks. For parties, a whole dipping bar—ranch, different sauces, and that spicy honey for the brave souls—keeps everyone happy.

Switch It Up

You’ve got tons of swap ideas. I’ll toss on bacon and jalapeños when we need some heat. My veggie-loving kid piles hers up with peppers and mushrooms. Summer means basil and cherry tomatoes sprinkled on top after they bake. Want breakfast? Scrambled eggs and cheese work, too!

Stay Tasty

Eat these fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still stretchy. If you wanna prep ahead, just get everything ready but wait to bake ‘til go time. Leftovers will hang out in the fridge a couple days—pop 'em in the oven again to keep that crunchy outside spot-on.

Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat Homemade Save
Pizza Puffs – Little Caesars Copycat Homemade | recipesclare.com

Trying to copy the originals turned into something even better at home. It’s proof you don’t have to order out when you can add your favorite toppings and control every bite. When I put these out, everyone’s happy—there’s always empty plates at the end.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ready-made dough?
Absolutely, pre-made dough works just fine.
→ Why proof the dough?
It helps make the dough airy and super soft.
→ Can I switch up the toppings?
Sure, use whatever pizza toppings you love most.
→ How should I store extras?
Keep in a sealed container in the fridge, then reheat in the oven.
→ Why use garlic butter twice?
The first layer goes in the dough, the second boosts flavor and keeps it from drying out.

Little Caesars Pizza Puffs

Soft dough cups stuffed with marinara, gooey cheese, and pepperoni. Garlic butter and Italian seasoning complete this baked treat.

Preparation Time
60 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Total Time
75 min

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 12 Serves (12 mini pizza cups)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Garlic Butter

01 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
02 ½ teaspoon black pepper
03 ½ teaspoon salt, adjust as needed
04 ¼ cup parmesan, grated
05 1 tablespoon garlic, finely minced
06 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped up
07 ½ cup butter, melted and unsalted

→ For Assembly

08 Italian seasoning for sprinkling
09 8 ounces turkey pepperoni
10 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
11 1 cup marinara sauce
12 1 pound dough for pizza

Steps

Step 01

Combine melted butter, parsley, minced garlic, grated parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small dish. Keep this ready.

Step 02

Coat each section of a cupcake tray with a little of the garlic butter mixture.

Step 03

Cut the dough into same-sized balls, roughly ping pong ball-size (or just under).

Step 04

Drop a dough ball into each cupcake slot. Cover everything tightly, and let it sit somewhere warm until the dough doubles.

Step 05

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Gently press down the risen dough in the middle to make a little cup shape. Paint the inside with more garlic butter.

Step 06

Spoon in marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, two slices of pepperoni, more marinara, a final slice of pepperoni, and top everything with cheese. Sprinkle seasoning on top.

Step 07

Bake for about 15 minutes or until the tops are bubbly and crispy golden.

Step 08

Let the finished cups cool for 5 minutes after baking, then enjoy with a side of ranch!

Helpful Notes

  1. Feel free to swap the toppings for others you like!
  2. Proper rising time makes a big difference in the dough.
  3. These turn out best when still warm from the oven.

Required Tools

  • Cupcake baking tray
  • Small bowl for mixing
  • Cooking brush

Allergen Info

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Dairy present (cheese and butter)
  • Contains gluten, as it's made with pizza dough.