Craving those iconic Little Caesars Pizza Puffs but don't want to run out to the store? You're in luck! This guide will walk you through making your own delicious, cheesy, and perfectly portable pizza puffs at home. While replicating the exact Little Caesars recipe is impossible without their secret formula, this recipe gets remarkably close to that satisfying taste and texture.
What You'll Need: Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you get started, gather these ingredients. Precise measurements will depend on how many pizza puffs you want to make, so feel free to adjust accordingly.
For the Dough:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Pizza Puff Filling:
- 1 (15-ounce) can pizza sauce (your favorite brand!)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds a nice salty bite)
- Dried oregano and basil (to taste, for that classic pizza flavor)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter or sharp knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Pizza Puffs
Follow these steps carefully to create delicious, homemade pizza puffs that will rival your favorite pizza chain.
Step 1: Making the Dough
- In your large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
- Stir in the olive oil, salt, and 2 cups of flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Gradually add the remaining cup of flour, kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, and cover with plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Shaping and Filling the Pizza Puffs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out to about ⅛-inch thickness.
- Use a 2-3 inch cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut out circles.
- Place a spoonful of pizza sauce in the center of each circle. Don't overload!
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, followed by a dash of oregano and basil.
Step 3: Baking to Perfection
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape, pinching the edges to seal. Make sure the filling is securely enclosed.
- Place the pizza puffs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Once they're out of the oven, let the pizza puffs cool slightly before enjoying. They're best served warm, but they are delicious even when they've cooled down.
Tips for Pizza Puff Success
- Don't overfill: Too much filling can cause the pizza puffs to burst open during baking.
- Experiment with flavors: Add pepperoni, sausage, or other favorite pizza toppings.
- Use high-quality cheese: The cheese is a key component of the flavor, so choose a good quality mozzarella.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your pizza puffs and adjust the baking time as needed.
Now you can enjoy the taste of Little Caesars Pizza Puffs anytime you want! This recipe is a great way to satisfy those cravings quickly and easily. Let us know in the comments how your homemade pizza puffs turned out!
