Crazy Good Pizza Puffs

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

Recreate Little Caesars Crazy Puffs with pizza dough, creamy garlic sauce, chicken, and bacon. Topped with mozzarella and garlic butter for a bite-sized delight.
Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sun, 04 May 2025 12:23:04 GMT
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I stumbled upon Little Caesars Crazy Puffs during a football watch party last autumn and quickly decided I needed to make them at home instead of driving across town whenever I wanted some. After many test runs (and lots of happy friends testing them), I've nailed my own version that many buddies actually think tastes better than what you'd buy.

When I brought a huge batch to my sister's new home celebration last month, three guests cornered me in the kitchen asking how to make them before the party ended. Now my brother-in-law specifically asks for them whenever we have family meals together.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Ready-made pizza dough cuts down prep time without losing quality - I've tried making it from scratch, but honestly, the Pillsbury stuff from the fridge works amazingly and nobody can spot any difference
  • Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds that soft, juicy texture and rich taste that goes perfectly with the smooth alfredo sauce
  • Making your own alfredo sauce is a must - I tried using bottled sauce once when rushed, and everyone immediately noticed the downgrade
  • Cheese you grate yourself gives you that amazing stretchy pull that makes eating these so fun - pre-shredded bags have additives that stop proper melting
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Crafting Your Delicious Puffs

Sauce Building

Begin with a rich homemade alfredo sauce - I've found that constant whisking stops any lumps and creates that smooth texture that wraps around all the chicken and bacon bits. Through lots of practice, I've learned letting the sauce cool a bit before putting everything together keeps the dough from getting soggy.

Assembly Tips

Putting garlic butter in the muffin cups before adding dough creates an amazing flavor base - I found this trick by accident when trying to stop sticking. My early attempts taught me that pushing the dough evenly up the sides makes perfectly shaped cups.

Filling Strategy

Add your ingredients carefully - I've learned starting with a tiny bit of sauce, then chicken and bacon, more sauce and topped with cheese makes everything spread out nicely in each bite. My first tries had all the good stuff stuck at the bottom!

Finishing Moves

The garlic butter brushed on top isn't just fancy - it turns the edges into crunchy, tasty bites that might be the best part. I've watched my guests always eat around the edges first before going for the middle.

These became my go-to party food after bringing them to a neighborhood potluck where they vanished so fast folks were asking if I had extras in my car. Now I can't show up anywhere without them.

Pairing Ideas

Enjoy these with a basic green salad for a full meal, or make them the highlight of your snack table at game day parties. When I host Italian-themed dinners, I serve them with antipasto skewers and a simple pasta salad.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

These puffs warm up great, so they work for meal prep or next-day eating. Keep them in a sealed container in your fridge up to three days. An air fryer does wonders for warming them - just 4-5 minutes at 400°F and they'll taste fresh-made.

Chicken Alfredo Pizza Puffs Recipe Save
Chicken Alfredo Pizza Puffs Recipe | lilicooks.com

Smart Cooking Tricks

  • Take one puff out to check if they're done by looking at the bottom - golden brown means they're just right
  • If the tops are getting too brown while bottoms need more time, cover with foil for the final few minutes
  • Let them cool just enough to touch - they taste way better when they're still warm

What began as trying to copy a fast-food item has turned into my trademark dish. There's something special about that mix of buttery crust, creamy sauce, soft chicken, and crispy bacon that makes everyone grab one more. Whether you're feeding sports fans or wanting comfort food on a cold night, these crazy puffs will hit the spot every time.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prep the sauce early?
Totally! Store the alfredo sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
→ What’s a substitute for rotisserie chicken?
Use any cooked chicken you like—grilled, roasted leftovers, or even canned options!
→ Are these good frozen?
Yep! Let them cool, place in a container, and freeze for 2 months. Heat them at 350°F when you're ready to enjoy.
→ What if I lack a muffin tin?
No worries! Make a larger version in a baking dish or shape small calzones directly on a tray.
→ Can I play around with toppings?
Of course! Toss in stuff like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to mix things up.

Little Caesars Crazy Puffs

Soft pizza bites stuffed with garlic cream sauce, shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese, brushed with buttery garlic parmesan.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Party & Snacks

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Output: 12 Serves (12 mini pizza pockets)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Base Layer

01 1 tube (12.4 oz) Pillsbury pizza crust dough
02 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
03 8 crisp bacon slices, crumbled
04 2 1/2 cups grated mozzarella

→ Creamy Alfredo Sauce

05 1 stick of butter (8 tablespoons)
06 6 diced garlic cloves
07 2 1/2 cups thick cream
08 3/4 cup parmesan, finely grated
09 1-2 tsps crushed red pepper flakes
10 Season with salt and black pepper (to your preference)

→ Parmesan Garlic Spread

11 6 tablespoons softened butter
12 3 cloves garlic, chopped up
13 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
14 1/4 cup finely shaved parmesan
15 A sprinkle of red pepper flakes (optional)

Steps

Step 01

In a skillet over medium heat, let the butter melt. Stir in garlic, letting it cook just until it smells amazing. Whisk in the cream slowly and let it bubble gently for around 5 minutes. Stir in parmesan until it's melted and smooth. Let it cook another 2 minutes to thicken. Add salt, pepper, and spice to taste.

Step 02

Set the oven to 425°F (or 400°F for thin dough). Mix 6 tablespoons butter with 3 chopped garlic cloves in a microwave-proof bowl. Heat until it's soft and partially melted. Use a brush to coat your muffin tray cups. Add parsley, parmesan, and maybe some red pepper flakes to the leftover butter.

Step 03

Roll out the pizza dough into a 10 by 15-inch rectangle. Using a glass as a guide, cut it into a dozen circles. Press each one gently into a muffin tin, making sure it lines the sides well.

Step 04

Start layering by sprinkling a little cheese at the bottom of each cup, then add chicken and spoon some alfredo sauce over. Add bacon bits and finish with a thick layer of mozzarella on top.

Step 05

Pop the tray into the oven for 10 to 14 minutes. Turn the pan halfway to cook evenly. When done, warm up your leftover parmesan garlic butter and brush it over the tops. Serve with extra alfredo on the side.

Tips

  1. Alfredo sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  2. Lower the oven temp to 400°F for thinner pizza crusts.
  3. Chop enough garlic ahead of time for both the sauce and butter.

Required Tools

  • Tray for muffins
  • Cooking pan (skillet)
  • Butter brush
  • Bowl for microwave use

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Includes dairy (milk, cheese, cream)
  • Contains gluten (pizza dough)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 475
  • Fats: 37 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 19 g