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Hey pizza fans! I've figured out how to make those tasty Little Caesars Pizza Puffs at home! You can now create these yummy bites in your kitchen without any fuss. Think about biting into soft, warm dough filled with melty cheese and topped with whatever you love. Each one's like a tiny pizza explosion in your mouth!
What Makes These So Good
If you're crazy about pizza or just want something fun to munch on, these little dough pockets will definitely do the trick. They're super easy to tweak—throw in some pepperoni, load them with veggies, or mix in whatever ingredients you fancy. They're great for watching movies, having friends over, or when you need a quick, tasty snack.
Key Ingredients You'll Need
- Pizza Dough: 24 oz (680g) warmed to 70°F (21°C), with 11-13% protein. Make sure it stretches thin without breaking and feels smooth. Cut into 12 pieces of 2-oz (57g) each.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 oz (113g) at 65°F (18°C), European-style containing 82% butterfat, melted and cooled down to 110°F (43°C).
- Fresh Garlic: 4 cloves (20g) chopped into tiny 1/16-inch bits, make sure they're fresh with no green parts.
- Parmesan Cheese: 2 oz (56g) newly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged at least 24 months, with less than 32% moisture.
- Marinara Sauce: 1 cup (240ml) at 70°F (21°C), thick enough to stick to a spoon, pH between 4.0-4.4.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (226g) whole milk low-moisture type, cut into 1/4-inch shreds, moisture between 45-52%.
- Turkey Pepperoni: 4 oz (113g) cut 1/16-inch thick, each piece 1-inch across.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (3g) dried herbs, crushed just before using to get more flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (8g) cut into small 1/8-inch pieces.
Making Your Pizza Puffs
- Getting Ready
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C), check with another thermometer to be sure. Put the rack in the middle. Keep your kitchen between 68-72°F (20-22°C) with humidity under 60%. Get a standard 12-cup muffin tin ready.
- Making Flavor Butter
- Mix your melted butter at 110°F (43°C) with the chopped garlic, 1 oz (28g) of Parmesan, and parsley. Stir until everything's mixed well with no separate parts. Brush some into each muffin cup.
- Working With The Dough
- Split your room temp dough (70°F/21°C) into 12 2-oz (57g) balls. Roll them smoothly so you can't see any lines. Put them in your muffin cups. Let them grow for 30-45 minutes at 75°F (24°C) until they're twice as big.
- Forming Your Puffs
- Push the middle of each puffy dough ball with a 2-inch glass to make a 1/2-inch thick bottom and 1-inch high sides. Brush inside with your garlic butter mix at 100°F (38°C).
- Filling Them Up
- Fill each cup like this: 1. 1 tablespoon (15ml) of room temp marinara 2. 1 tablespoon (7g) of mozzarella 3. 3 slices of pepperoni 4. Another tablespoon of marinara 5. 2 tablespoons (14g) more mozzarella Sprinkle leftover Parmesan and Italian seasoning on top.
- Cooking Time
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-17 minutes until they reach 190°F (88°C) inside. The cheese should turn golden brown and bubble. The dough edges should be medium gold colored.
- Cooling Down
- Let them sit in the pan for 5 minutes until they cool to 140°F (60°C). Then take them out carefully and rest them on a wire rack for another 5 minutes before eating.
Secrets For Amazing Results
Let your dough get nice and puffy by giving it enough time to rise. Don't skimp on the mozzarella on top—it makes those crispy edges everyone loves. Want them even crunchier? Throw some cheese on the bottom of each muffin cup before adding your dough ball.
Best Ways To Eat Them
These Pizza Puffs taste best warm with some ranch or extra marinara for dipping. They work great as snacks, party food, or when you just want pizza without the hassle. Feel free to add whatever toppings you like best.
What Dough To Use
Making your own dough gives the best results, but you can definitely use store brands like Trader Joe's pizza dough or thawed Rhode dinner rolls too. Just remember that if you're using frozen dough, you'll need to let it rise longer.
Ways To Switch Things Up
Don't eat meat? Replace the turkey pepperoni with bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions. You can also try different cheeses like cheddar or provolone to create your own unique flavor combo.
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More Cheesy Treats To Try
If you love these, you'll probably enjoy stuff like Cheesy Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread, Cheese Stuffed Garlic Naan, or Hasselback Pizza Rolls too. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a complete cheesy feast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep the dough earlier?
Sure! Shape the dough balls, pop them in the fridge overnight, and allow them to warm up to room temperature before proofing.
- → Why do the cups fall apart?
Double-check that you've fully proofed the dough and shaped sturdy cups. Cooling them a bit before moving can also stop breakage.
- → Can I switch up the toppings?
Totally! Add meats, veggies, or go all cheese if you like. Just skip watery options to prevent soggy dough.
- → How can I tell if they're baked?
Watch for a golden crust around the edges and bubbling, melted cheese on top. The dough inside should feel cooked, not raw.
- → Can I store these in the freezer?
For sure! Let them cool fully after baking, then freeze. Warm them in the oven when you're ready to eat.