Little Caesars Crazy Puffs Copycat Recipe
Course Appetizer, Italian, Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Author Catherine’s Plates
Equipment
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12-cup muffin pan (original size)
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medium bowl
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measuring cups & spoons
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pastry brush
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sheet pan (deep)
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rolling pin or another small rounded kitchen tool
Ingredients
- 12 each frozen thaw-and-rise dinner rolls (such as Rhodes)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 small jar pizza sauce
- 1 pkg pepperoni slices
- 1 pkg mozzarella cheese, shredded
- dried parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter with the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Use a pastry brush to coat the inside of each cup in a 12-cup muffin pan with the seasoned butter. Reserve the remaining butter mixture for later.
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Place one frozen thaw-and-rise dinner roll into the center of each buttered muffin cup. Set the filled muffin pan on a deep sheet pan and leave it in the oven with only the oven light on for 2–3 hours to allow the rolls to thaw and rise. Do not turn the oven on — the light provides enough gentle warmth.
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After the rolls have thawed and risen, remove the pan from the oven. Press down the center of each roll with the end of a rolling pin or another small rounded kitchen tool to release air and push the dough toward the edges, creating a well to hold the filling.
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Brush the inside of each dough well with the remaining butter mixture. If the butter has solidified, warm it briefly in the microwave until it is spreadable.
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Spoon about 2 teaspoons of pizza sauce into each well on top of the butter. Sprinkle roughly 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella over the sauce. Add several quarters of pepperoni, then top with more mozzarella. Finish with a sprinkle of dried parsley and a whole pepperoni slice on top for presentation.
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Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
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After baking, brush the tops once more with the remaining butter mixture. Let the puffs rest in the pan for a few minutes before removing. Serve warm with extra marinara or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.