These Chicken Alfredo Crazy Puffs are an irresistible homemade version of the popular Little Caesars treat. Featuring pillowy pizza dough cups filled with creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, tender rotisserie chicken, and crispy bacon, then topped with melty mozzarella and a garlic parmesan butter finish. Each bite delivers the perfect combination of comfort food flavors in an adorable, portable form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family dinner that even picky eaters will devour
• Made with easy-to-find ingredients and simplified steps that deliver restaurant-quality results
• Customizable with various proteins and flavor combinations to suit your preferences
• Can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining
• The homemade Alfredo sauce is far superior to store-bought versions and can be used for other recipes

Ingredients

• Pizza Dough: Use Pillsbury classic pizza crust for convenience, or substitute with homemade pizza dough for a more artisanal touch.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds wonderful flavor. You can substitute with grilled chicken breast or leftover roasted chicken.
• Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and flavor. For a lighter option, turkey bacon works well too.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for both the Alfredo sauce and garlic butter topping to control the salt content.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves provide the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic can work in a pinch.
• Heavy Cream: This creates the rich base for the Alfredo sauce. For a lighter version, half-and-half can be substituted.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese will melt smoothly into the sauce, while pre-grated varieties may result in a grainier texture.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle kick to the Alfredo sauce and butter topping. Adjust according to your spice preference.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens the garlic butter topping with color and flavor. Dried parsley can be used at a reduced amount if fresh isn’t available.

Variations

Buffalo Chicken Puffs

Transform these puffs into a spicy buffalo treat by replacing the Alfredo sauce with buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing. Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce before adding to the puffs, and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles on top instead of part of the mozzarella.

Vegetarian Garden Puffs

Skip the meat and load these puffs with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. The creamy Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with the vegetables, creating a satisfying meat-free option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Mediterranean Puffs

Give these puffs a Mediterranean twist by using sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and spinach as fillings. Replace some of the mozzarella with crumbled feta, and add a sprinkle of oregano to the garlic butter topping for an authentic flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about one minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking to combine with the butter. Let the cream simmer for about 5 minutes to begin thickening. Add the parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until completely melted and incorporated. Continue simmering for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste, then set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Muffin Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F (or 400°F for thin crust). Combine butter and minced garlic in a small microwave-safe bowl and heat until partially melted. Thoroughly brush this garlic butter mixture into the bottom and sides of each muffin cup, ensuring they’re well greased to prevent sticking. To the remaining garlic butter, add parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes for your finishing butter.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Puffs

Roll out the pizza dough to approximately a 10×15 inch rectangle and cut into 12 equal-sized circles (a drinking glass works perfectly as a cutter). Press each dough circle into a muffin cup, working the dough up the sides. Layer each cup with a small amount of mozzarella at the bottom (this creates a barrier against sogginess), followed by diced chicken, a generous dollop of Alfredo sauce, and bacon pieces. Top each puff with a substantial amount of mozzarella cheese, creating a “roof” that will melt beautifully.

Step 4: Bake and Finish

Bake the puffs in the preheated oven for 10-14 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even cooking. Look for golden-brown dough and bubbly, melted cheese as indicators of doneness. Once baked, reheat the reserved garlic parmesan butter until partially melted and brush it over the tops of the hot puffs. Serve immediately with extra warm Alfredo sauce for dipping.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• For extra flavor in your Alfredo sauce, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of white wine before adding the cream
• When cutting the dough circles, dip the rim of your glass in flour to prevent sticking
• Don’t overfill the muffin cups – leave about 1/4 inch of dough at the top to allow for expansion during baking
• For a time-saving shortcut, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce, but the homemade version truly elevates the dish
• If your mozzarella isn’t melting to a golden color, switch the oven to broil for the last minute of cooking (watching carefully to prevent burning)
• Allow the puffs to cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes before removing to help them set up and maintain their shape

How to Serve

These Chicken Alfredo Crazy Puffs are best served warm, fresh from the oven with the garlic parmesan butter brushed on top. Offer a small bowl of the remaining Alfredo sauce on the side for dipping. For a complete meal, pair them with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the puffs. They make an impressive appetizer for parties when arranged on a platter garnished with fresh parsley, or can be the star of a casual dinner when served with roasted vegetables or a simple soup.

Make Ahead

These pizza puffs can be prepared in advance in several ways to make entertaining easier. The Alfredo sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator—simply reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore the consistency. The garlic parmesan butter can also be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.

For the puffs themselves, you can assemble them in the muffin tin up to 4 hours before baking and keep refrigerated. Allow the muffin tin to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking. Alternatively, you can fully bake the puffs, cool completely, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until warmed through, then brush with reheated garlic butter.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of dough?

Yes! While Pillsbury pizza crust is recommended for its consistency and ease, you can also use crescent roll dough, biscuit dough, or homemade pizza dough. Just note that baking times may vary slightly depending on the type of dough used.

How do I prevent the bottoms from getting soggy?

The key is creating a cheese barrier at the bottom before adding wet ingredients. Make sure to put a thin layer of mozzarella on the dough first, then add your fillings. Also, avoid overfilling with sauce, as this can lead to sogginess.

Can I freeze these pizza puffs?

Absolutely! Once baked and cooled completely, place the puffs on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a combination of whole milk and half-and-half. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk can work, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor. Note that alternative milks will produce a thinner sauce, so you may need to increase the simmering time.

Conclusion

These Chicken Alfredo Little Caesars Crazy Puffs bring together the irresistible combination of pizza dough, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon in perfect handheld packages. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, planning a family dinner, or just craving something indulgent, these flavorful puffs are sure to impress. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its versatility—feel free to experiment with different fillings and make it your own. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be enjoying these restaurant-worthy treats in the comfort of your home in no time!

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