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Here's one for all you pizza fanatics! I've nailed the secret behind those addictive Little Caesars Pizza Puffs! Now you can make these tasty bites at home whenever you want. Imagine biting into soft, warm dough filled with melty cheese and your top-pick toppings, all baked till they're golden and crispy. Each bite feels like a tiny pizza celebration!
What Makes These Irresistible
You'll fall for these little pockets of yumminess whether you're crazy about pizza or just want something fun to munch on. They're super easy to tweak - throw in some pepperoni, load them with veggies, or mix in whatever ingredients make you happy. They're just what you need for watching movies, hanging with friends, or when you're craving something tasty without much fuss.
Key Components For Great Results
- Pizza Dough: 24 oz (680g) warmed to 70°F (21°C), with 11-13% protein. It should stretch without tearing and feel smooth when touched. Cut into 12 pieces of 2-oz (57g) each.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 oz (113g) at 65°F (18°C), preferably European-style containing 82% butterfat, melted then 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 shoots.
- Parmesan Cheese: 2 oz (56g) of newly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, aged at least 24 months, with under 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, torn into 1/4-inch pieces, containing 45-52% moisture.
- Turkey Pepperoni: 4 oz (113g) cut to 1/16-inch thickness, each piece 1-inch across.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (3g) of mixed dried herbs, crushed right before using.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (8g) cut into 1/8-inch tiny bits.
Detailed Making Process
- Setting Up Your Kitchen
- Get your oven hot at 375°F (190°C), check with another thermometer to be sure. Put the rack in the middle. Keep room at 68-72°F (20-22°C) with humidity under 60%. Get a regular 12-cup muffin tin ready.
- Making Flavor-Packed Butter
- Mix your melted butter at 110°F (43°C) with the tiny garlic bits, 1 oz (28g) Parmesan, and parsley. Make sure everything blends smoothly. Brush a bit into each muffin spot.
- Getting Your Dough Ready
- Split your room-temp dough (70°F/21°C) into 12 equal 2-oz (57g) balls. Roll them until smooth with no lines showing. Put in your buttered muffin spots. Let them puff up for 30-45 minutes at 75°F (24°C) until they're twice as big.
- Forming Your Cups
- Use a small glass to push down the middle of each puffy dough ball, making a 1/2-inch thick bottom with 1-inch walls around it. Brush the inside with your warm garlic butter mix at 100°F (38°C).
- Putting It All Together
- Fill each cup with: 1. 1 tablespoon (15ml) of 70°F (21°C) marinara 2. 1 tablespoon (7g) of mozzarella 3. 3 pepperoni slices 4. Another tablespoon of marinara 5. 2 tablespoons (14g) more mozzarella Sprinkle the last bit of Parmesan and Italian herbs on top.
- Cooking Time
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-17 minutes until they reach 190°F (88°C) inside. The cheese should look golden brown and bubbly, while the dough edges turn a nice golden color.
- Cooling Down
- Let them sit in the pan for 5 minutes until they cool to 140°F (60°C). Then gently take them out and put on a wire rack for 5 more minutes before eating.
Secrets To Amazing Puffs
Let your dough rise completely for extra fluffiness. Don't skimp on the top layer of mozzarella if you want those tasty crispy edges. Want them even crunchier? Try sprinkling some cheese at the bottom of each muffin cup before adding your dough.
Best Ways To Eat Them
These Pizza Puffs taste best warm with some ranch or extra marinara for dipping. They make great snacks, starters, or can fix your pizza cravings fast. Feel free to mix in whatever toppings you love most.
What Dough To Use
Making dough from scratch gives the best results, but you can also grab some from Trader Joe's or use thawed Rhode dinner rolls in a pinch. Just remember to give store-bought frozen dough extra time to rise properly.
Mix It Up Your Way
Not into turkey pepperoni? Throw in some bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for a meat-free option. You can also play around with different cheeses like cheddar or provolone to create your own unique flavor.
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More Cheesy Treats To Try
If you love these, you'll want to check out other tasty options like Cheesy Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread, Cheese Stuffed Garlic Naan, or Hasselback Pizza Rolls. Serve them with your favorite dips for the ultimate cheese-filled snack fest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep the dough in advance?
Yep! Make the dough beforehand and chill it overnight. Just let it warm up before giving it time to rise.
- → Why do the finished cups sink?
Make sure the dough rises well and mold it into sturdy cups. Cool them down before popping them out of the tray.
- → Are other toppings an option?
Totally! Experiment with meats, veggies, or even just loads of cheese. Just avoid anything too juicy to keep them crisp.
- → What's the best way to tell when they're ready?
Watch for browned edges and bubbly cheese on top. The base should feel cooked, not doughy.
- → Can I store and reheat these?
Absolutely! Freeze when cooled. Crisp them back up in the oven until warm and cheesy.