What the heck is this?
Imagine your favorite pepperoni pizza got together with a puff pastry and had the most delicious, gooey, cheesy baby. That’s a Crazy Puff. Inspired by the internet-breaking snack from Little Caesars, these little pockets of joy are loaded with melty mozzarella, bold pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce—all wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. They’re like a pizza roll that went to culinary school.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Buttery, crispy puff pastry in every bite
– Stuffed with stretchy cheese, spicy pepperoni, and zesty sauce
– Easier to make than you’d think—your oven does most of the work
– Perfect for parties, game day, or late-night cravings
– Customizable with your favorite pizza toppings
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
– 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
– ½ cup pizza sauce (or marinara)
– ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 12–16 slices pepperoni
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional, for heat)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 4 equal squares.
Step 2: Fill ‘em up
In the center of each square, add a spoonful of pizza sauce, a small mound of mozzarella, and 3–4 slices of pepperoni. Don’t overstuff—you need room to seal the edges.
Step 3: Fold and seal
Bring the corners of each puff up toward the center like a little bundle and pinch them together to seal. You can also twist slightly to close, but make sure there are no open gaps. Place each puff on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Egg wash + bake
Whisk the egg with a splash of water and brush over the tops of the puffs. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Step 5: Garlic butter finish
While they bake, melt the butter and mix in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. As soon as the puffs come out of the oven, brush them with the seasoned butter and sprinkle Parmesan over the top. Optional: add crushed red pepper for a little kick.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve with extra pizza sauce or ranch for dipping
– Great as a party snack, lunchbox surprise, or movie night treat
– Pair with a Caesar salad to balance out the cheesy goodness
Switch It Up
– Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, bacon, or mushrooms
– Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar
– Try buffalo chicken filling for a spicy variation
– Make them mini-sized for a bite-sized party tray
Make-Ahead Tips
– Assemble the puffs, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking
– Or freeze unbaked puffs and bake straight from frozen—just add 5–7 minutes to bake time
– Reheat baked puffs in the air fryer or oven to bring back the crispiness
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use crescent dough instead of puff pastry?
A: You can! They’ll be softer and more bread-like, but still delicious.
Q: What’s the best way to keep them sealed?
A: Use a dab of egg wash as “glue” where you pinch the pastry shut, and don’t overfill.
Q: Can I air fry these instead?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Little Caesars Crazy Puffs (Copycat Recipe): Flaky, Cheesy, Pizza-Lover Heaven in a Bite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 Crazy Puffs
Description
Imagine your favorite pepperoni pizza got together with a puff pastry and had the most delicious, gooey, cheesy baby. That’s a Crazy Puff. Inspired by the internet-breaking snack from Little Caesars, these little pockets of joy are loaded with melty mozzarella, bold pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce—all wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. They’re like a pizza roll that went to culinary school.
Ingredients
– 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
– ½ cup pizza sauce (or marinara)
– ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 12–16 slices pepperoni
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 4 equal squares.
Step 2: Fill ‘em up
In the center of each square, add a spoonful of pizza sauce, a small mound of mozzarella, and 3–4 slices of pepperoni. Don’t overstuff—you need room to seal the edges.
Step 3: Fold and seal
Bring the corners of each puff up toward the center like a little bundle and pinch them together to seal. You can also twist slightly to close, but make sure there are no open gaps. Place each puff on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Egg wash + bake
Whisk the egg with a splash of water and brush over the tops of the puffs. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Step 5: Garlic butter finish
While they bake, melt the butter and mix in garlic powder and Italian seasoning. As soon as the puffs come out of the oven, brush them with the seasoned butter and sprinkle Parmesan over the top. Optional: add crushed red pepper for a little kick.
Notes
Serve with extra pizza sauce or ranch for dipping
– Great as a party snack, lunchbox surprise, or movie night treat
– Pair with a Caesar salad to balance out the cheesy goodness
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~280 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Protein: ~10g