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Mini Pizza Cups

Featured in Irresistible Tasty Bites.

These copycat Little Caesars Pizza Puffs transform pizza dough into individual cups filled with layers of marinara, cheese, and pepperoni. Each bite combines soft, garlic-buttered dough with classic pizza toppings for the perfect snack or appetizer.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:10:01 GMT
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A wooden platter holds several baked pizza rolls topped with melted cheese, pepperoni, and herbs. Pin it
A wooden platter holds several baked pizza rolls topped with melted cheese, pepperoni, and herbs. | recipesbyclare.com

This one is for all my pizza lovers! Guess what? I've cracked the code for Little Caesars' latest hit – Pizza Puffs! Now, you can whip up these mouthwatering bites right in your own kitchen. Picture this: soft dough, gooey cheese, and all your favorite toppings baked to golden perfection. It's like a mini pizza party in every bite!

Why You'll Love This

Whether you're a die-hard pizza lover or just looking for a fun snack, these little pockets of goodness are sure to hit the spot. Easy to customize, they can be made with pepperoni, vegetarian toppings, or your own favorite ingredients. Perfect for movie nights, parties, or anytime you want a quick and delicious treat.

Essential Ingredients For Success

  • Pizza Dough: 24 oz (680g) at 70°F (21°C), protein content 11-13%. Should pass windowpane test and have smooth, elastic texture. Divide into 12 2-oz (57g) portions.
  • Unsalted Butter: 4 oz (113g) at 65°F (18°C), European-style with 82% butterfat content, melted and cooled to 110°F (43°C).
  • Fresh Garlic: 4 cloves (20g) minced to 1/16-inch pieces, no green sprouts or discoloration.
  • Parmesan Cheese: 2 oz (56g) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged 24+ months, moisture content below 32%.
  • Marinara Sauce: 1 cup (240ml) at 70°F (21°C), viscosity should coat back of spoon, pH 4.0-4.4.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (226g) low-moisture whole milk, shredded to 1/4-inch pieces, moisture content 45-52%.
  • Turkey Pepperoni: 4 oz (113g) sliced to 1/16-inch thickness, 1-inch diameter.
  • Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (3g) dried herb blend, freshly crushed to release oils.
  • Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (8g) finely chopped to 1/8-inch pieces.

Step By Step Instructions

Environment Preparation
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), verified with separate thermometer. Position rack in center. Room temperature 68-72°F (20-22°C) with humidity below 60%. Prepare standard 12-cup muffin tin.
Garlic Butter Development
Combine melted butter at 110°F (43°C) with minced garlic, 1 oz (28g) Parmesan, and parsley. Mixture should be uniform with no separation. Brush 1 teaspoon into each muffin cup.
Dough Preparation Protocol
Divide room temperature dough (70°F/21°C) into 12 2-oz (57g) portions. Roll into smooth balls with no visible seams. Place in prepared muffin cups. Proof 30-45 minutes at 75°F (24°C) until doubled in size.
Dough Shaping
Using 2-inch diameter glass, press center of each proofed dough ball to create 1/2-inch thick bottom and 1-inch high walls. Brush interior with garlic butter mixture at 100°F (38°C).
Assembly Specifications
Layer each cup with: 1. 1 tablespoon (15ml) marinara at 70°F (21°C) 2. 1 tablespoon (7g) mozzarella 3. 3 slices pepperoni 4. Additional 1 tablespoon marinara 5. 2 tablespoons (14g) mozzarella Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
Baking Protocol
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-17 minutes until internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Cheese should be golden brown (Pantone 7549 C) and bubbly. Edges of dough should be medium golden (Pantone 7562 C).
Cooling Process
Cool in pan for 5 minutes until internal temperature drops to 140°F (60°C). Remove carefully and rest on wire rack 5 additional minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Puffs

Ensure dough is fluffy by allowing it to rise properly. Use plenty of mozzarella on top for a crispy edge. For extra crispiness, sprinkle cheese on the bottom of each muffin tin before adding the dough.

Enjoying the Pizza Puffs

Serve Pizza Puffs warm with a side of ranch dressing or marinara for dipping. These are perfect for snacking, appetizers, or satisfying a pizza craving. Customize with your favorite toppings to suit your taste.

Dough Options

Homemade dough works best, but store-bought options like Trader Joe's pizza dough or frozen Rhode dinner rolls also work well. Allow frozen dough to proof longer for optimal results.

Variations and Customization

Swap turkey pepperoni for vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different cheese blends, like cheddar or provolone, to customize the flavor.

A tray of mini pizza cups topped with cheese and pepperoni, garnished with herbs. Pin it
A tray of mini pizza cups topped with cheese and pepperoni, garnished with herbs. | recipesbyclare.com

Craving More Cheesy Snacks

Try similar recipes like Cheesy Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread, Cheese Stuffed Garlic Naan, or Hasselback Pizza Rolls for more indulgent treats. Pair with your favorite dips for the ultimate cheesy experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough balls and refrigerate overnight. Let them come to room temperature before proofing.

→ Why do my puffs collapse after baking?

Make sure to proof the dough fully and create a good cup shape. Also, let them cool slightly before removing from the tin.

→ Can I use different toppings?

Absolutely! Try different meats, vegetables, or keep them plain cheese. Just avoid wet toppings that could make the cups soggy.

→ How do I know when they're done?

Look for golden brown edges and bubbly, melted cheese on top. The dough should be cooked through, not doughy.

→ Can I freeze these pizza puffs?

Yes, freeze after baking and cooling completely. Reheat in the oven until warm and cheese is melted.

Pizza Puffs

Soft, garlicky dough cups filled with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni, baked until golden. These pizza puffs are perfect bite-sized versions of your favorite pizza.

Prep Time
60 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes

Category: Tasty Bites

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 12 Servings (12)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted.
02 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped.
03 1 tablespoon minced garlic.
04 ¼ cup grated parmesan.
05 ½ teaspoon salt.
06 ½ teaspoon black pepper.
07 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
08 1 pound pizza dough.
09 1 cup marinara sauce.
10 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded.
11 8 ounces turkey pepperoni.
12 Italian seasoning.
13 Ranch dressing for serving (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Mix garlic butter ingredients in a bowl.

Step 02

Brush cupcake tin with garlic butter.

Step 03

Divide dough into ping pong-sized balls.

Step 04

Place dough balls in tin cups.

Step 05

Cover and let the dough rise until doubled.

Step 06

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 07

Press centers of dough balls down to form cups.

Step 08

Brush dough cups with garlic butter.

Step 09

Layer sauce, cheese, and pepperoni in the cups.

Step 10

Add more sauce, pepperoni, and cheese on top.

Step 11

Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Step 12

Bake for 15 minutes until golden.

Step 13

Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Best served warm.
  2. Can customize with different toppings.
  3. Makes perfect party appetizers or snacks.
  4. Serve with ranch dressing if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cupcake tin.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Pastry brush.
  • Measuring cups.
  • Kitchen towel.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Wheat (dough).
  • Milk (cheese, butter).
  • Eggs (possible in dough).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 24 g
  • Protein: 12 g