Copycat Little Caesars Crazy Puffs Recipe (Cheesy, Buttery, and Easy to Make)

If you've been craving the ooey-gooey, garlic-butter loaded goodness of Little Caesars Crazy Puffs, you've come to the right place. These bite-sized pizza bombs are making waves as one of the chain’s most addictive snacks, and for good reason. With a buttery crust, melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and a punch of Italian seasoning, they’re everything you love about pizza in one handheld bite. The best part? You can make them right at home with just a handful of ingredients and in five easy steps.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ll be honest—when I first saw the Little Caesars Crazy Puffs commercial, I wasn’t sure they’d live up to the hype. But after trying them, I knew I had to reverse-engineer the recipe.

And let me tell you, this homemade version is spot on. It's one of those recipes that disappears from the plate faster than it took to make. These are perfect for pizza nights when you want something different but still crave that cheesy, garlicky hit. Plus, the garlic-herb butter brushed on both the pan and the inside of the dough gives each puff that signature flavor that everyone goes, well, "crazy" for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these copycat Little Caesars Crazy Puffs, you’ll need just a few grocery store staples. Each one plays a role in delivering the rich, cheesy flavor and buttery crust you expect from the real deal.

• 8 oz pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup marinara sauce (use your favorite brand or leftover homemade sauce)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup garlic and herb butter (melted; can be made by mixing butter with garlic powder, parsley, and Italian seasoning)
• 4 oz pepperoni (sliced thin for layering)
• Italian seasoning, for topping
• *Optional add-ins: red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of parmesan for added flair.

How to Make Little Caesars Crazy Puffs

Again, just 5 easy steps are all you have to follow to make these homemade Little Caesars Crazy Puffs.

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush each cup of a standard cupcake or muffin tin with garlic butter. Divide your pizza dough into 8–10 equal portions—each about the size of a ping pong ball. Place one dough ball in each muffin cup, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm area until puffed up and doubled in size (about 30–45 minutes).

Step 2: Form the Pizza Cups

Once risen, gently press the center of each dough ball down and use your fingers to push the edges up the sides of the muffin cup, forming a small bowl shape. Brush the insides with more garlic butter to coat the dough thoroughly.

Step 3: Add the Sauce and Fillings

Start building your homemade Crazy Puffs by adding a spoonful of marinara sauce into each dough cup. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella on top.

Add two slices of pepperoni, followed by another spoonful of marinara, one more pepperoni slice, and a final layer of mozzarella cheese. Top with Italian seasoning for that classic finish.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling on top. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.

Step 5: Serve with Extra Sauce and Enjoy

Let the Crazy Puffs cool for a couple of minutes, then gently remove them from the muffin tin. Serve with warm marinara or ranch on the side for dipping. They’re perfect as a snack, party bite, or fun twist on pizza night.

What Are Little Caesars Crazy Puffs, Really?

Little Caesars Crazy Puffs are essentially mini pizza bombs baked in a muffin tin. Each one features a buttery garlic crust, stretchy mozzarella, layers of pepperoni, and a touch of sauce.

What sets them apart from regular pizza bites or rolls is the flavor-packed dough and layered filling that mimics both Crazy Bread and pepperoni pizza in one bite.

This copycat recipe replicates all the best parts: the garlic-herb butter flavor baked into the crust, multiple layers of cheese and sauce, and crispy edges with a soft, cheesy center.

Variations and Add-Ons

Want to customize your Little Caesars Crazy Puffs at home? Here are some fun ways to make them your own:

Cheese Lovers’ Puff: Add a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan

Spicy Style: Add sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or spicy Italian sausage

Veggie Option: Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives

BBQ Chicken Puffs: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara and chopped cooked chicken with cheddar

What to Serve With Crazy Puffs

These are fantastic on their own, but even better when paired with dipping sauces and sides:

• Extra marinara or pizza sauce
• Garlic ranch or creamy Italian dressing
• A side salad to balance the richness
• Mozzarella sticks or Crazy Bread for the full Little Caesars experience

FAQs About Little Caesars Crazy Puffs

Can I make Crazy Puffs ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dough cups and fillings in advance and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 12 hours before baking. Bake straight from the fridge—just add 1–2 minutes to the bake time.

You can also freeze baked puffs and reheat them in the oven or air fryer.

What kind of dough should I use?

Use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, or make your own if you have a favorite recipe. You want a soft, elastic dough that rises well and holds its shape in the muffin tin.

Do I need to pre-cook any ingredients?

Nope! Everything goes in raw, including the pepperoni. Just make sure your sauce isn’t too watery and your cheese is shredded finely for easy melting.

How do I keep the Crazy Puffs from sticking?

Brushing the muffin tin with garlic butter does double duty: it prevents sticking and adds flavor. You can also use nonstick spray if you're skipping the butter (though we don’t recommend skipping it!).

Are these exactly like the ones from Little Caesars?

They’re very close! The flavor, texture, and structure are incredibly similar—if not better—because you’re using fresh ingredients and can customize every bite. You might even end up preferring these over the fast-food version.

My Final Thoughts

These Little Caesars Crazy Puffs are everything you love about pepperoni pizza and Crazy Bread rolled into one irresistible bite. They're buttery, cheesy, loaded with flavor, and incredibly easy to make in your own kitchen. Whether you're feeding kids, prepping party snacks, or just indulging in a weekend treat, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Make a batch, dip them in sauce, and enjoy a true copycat experience—right from your oven. Oh, and as always, if you do end up making them, leave a review below and let me know what you thought of 'em.

More Copycat Recipes to Try Next

• Bojangles biscuits
• Bojangles fried chicken
• Cava's chicken
• Cava's pita chips
• Raising Cane's chicken and sauce
• Costco chicken bake