Little Caesars Stuffed Crazy Crust Recipes: Recreate the Magic at Home!

Little Caesars has brought back its Stuffed Crazy Crust pizza, and pizza lovers everywhere are rejoicing! The combination of the original Crazy Crust—that buttery, garlicky delight—with a ring of cheese-stuffed crusts is a pizza masterpiece. But what if you could recreate this magic in your own kitchen? This article dives into delicious recipes inspired by the Little Caesars Stuffed Crazy Crust, offering step-by-step instructions to make your homemade pizza a cheesy, garlicky sensation.

## The Allure of Stuffed Crazy Crust

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s understand why the Stuffed Crazy Crust is so beloved. It’s more than just pizza; it’s an experience. The crispy, buttery, garlicky crust, the gooey cheese oozing from the stuffed edges, and the classic pizza toppings create a symphony of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. Little Caesars achieved a perfect balance between convenience and taste, making it a popular choice for a quick and satisfying meal.

Bringing this pizza experience home allows for customization. You can tailor the toppings, the cheese, and even the crust flavors to your liking. You control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and delicious pizza that rivals (or even surpasses) the original.

## Getting Started: The Foundation – The Pizza Dough

The foundation of any great pizza is, of course, the dough. You have a few options here:

* **Store-Bought Dough:** The easiest option is to buy pre-made pizza dough from your local grocery store or pizzeria. This saves time and effort. Look for dough that is fresh, not frozen (unless you plan ahead to thaw it properly).
* **Homemade Dough (Quick Version):** If you want a semi-homemade option, you can use a simplified pizza dough recipe that requires minimal rising time.
* **Homemade Dough (Traditional):** For the most authentic and satisfying result, making your own pizza dough from scratch is highly recommended. It requires some time and effort, but the difference in flavor and texture is significant.

For this article, we’ll include a recipe for a traditional homemade pizza dough.

### Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe

**Ingredients:**

* 3 ½ cups (440g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
* 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling

**Instructions:**

1. **Activate the Yeast:** In a large bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Add the olive oil to the yeast mixture. Then, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
4. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough for 6-8 minutes.
5. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. **Punch Down and Divide:** Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough in half. This recipe makes enough dough for two 12-inch pizzas.

## Recreating the Stuffed Crust: The Cheesy Goodness

The magic of the Stuffed Crazy Crust lies in the cheese-filled edges. Here’s how to achieve that at home.

**Ingredients:**

* String cheese sticks (mozzarella or cheddar, about 8-10 sticks per pizza)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Dough:** After the first rise, divide the dough in half and shape it into a circle on a lightly floured surface.
2. **Place the Cheese:** Arrange the string cheese sticks around the outer edge of the dough, leaving about 1 inch of dough exposed on the edge.
3. **Fold and Pinch:** Fold the outer edge of the dough over the cheese sticks and pinch firmly to seal. Ensure there are no gaps to prevent the cheese from leaking during baking.
4. **Shape the Crust:** Gently shape the stuffed crust into a neat and even ring.

## Crafting the Crazy Crust: The Buttery Garlic Flavor

The “Crazy” in Crazy Crust comes from the generous application of garlic butter. This is what gives the crust its signature flavor.

**Ingredients:**

* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon dried oregano
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. If desired, add the Parmesan cheese.
2. **Brush the Crust:** Generously brush the garlic butter mixture over the entire crust, including the stuffed edges. Be generous – this is what gives the crust its characteristic flavor.

## Assembling the Pizza: Toppings Galore!

Now comes the fun part: adding your favorite pizza toppings. Here are some suggestions, but feel free to get creative!

**Ingredients:**

* Pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
* Shredded mozzarella cheese
* Pepperoni slices
* Cooked Italian sausage
* Sliced mushrooms
* Diced bell peppers
* Sliced onions
* Black olives

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to preheat as well.
2. **Sauce the Pizza:** Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over the dough, leaving the stuffed crust exposed.
3. **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
4. **Add Toppings:** Arrange your desired toppings over the cheese.

## Baking the Pizza: Golden Brown Perfection

**Instructions:**

1. **Bake the Pizza:** Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone (or a baking sheet). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade Stuffed Crazy Crust pizza!

## Recipe Variations: Customize Your Crust!

The beauty of homemade pizza is the ability to customize it to your liking. Here are some variations you can try.

### Spicy Stuffed Crazy Crust

* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
* Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for the stuffed crust.
* Add jalapenos or banana peppers to your toppings.

### Herb-Infused Stuffed Crazy Crust

* Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary to the garlic butter mixture.
* Use a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese for the stuffed crust.
* Top with fresh tomatoes, spinach, and ricotta cheese after baking.

### Vegan Stuffed Crazy Crust

* Use vegan pizza dough.
* Use vegan mozzarella sticks for the stuffed crust.
* Make a vegan garlic butter using vegan butter and nutritional yeast.
* Top with your favorite vegan pizza toppings.

### Garlic Herb Stuffed Crust with Pesto Drizzle

**Ingredients:**

* Pizza dough (recipe above or store-bought)
* String cheese (mozzarella or provolone)
* ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
* ½ teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Pizza sauce
* Mozzarella cheese, shredded
* Toppings of your choice
* Pesto for drizzling (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Dough:** Follow steps 1-6 of the Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe or use store-bought dough.
2. **Prepare Garlic Herb Butter:** In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. **Stuff the Crust:**
* Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle.
* Place string cheese around the edge of the dough, leaving about 1 inch of bare dough at the outer edge.
* Fold the dough over the cheese to create a stuffed crust. Pinch the edges to seal.
4. **Brush with Garlic Herb Butter:** Generously brush the garlic herb butter over the entire crust, including the stuffed edges.
5. **Add Toppings:**
* Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough inside the crust.
* Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
* Add your favorite toppings.
6. **Bake:**
* Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
* Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Drizzle with Pesto (Optional):** Once out of the oven, drizzle with pesto for added flavor.
8. **Slice and Serve:** Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.

### Pepperoni Stuffed Crazy Crust Pizza with Hot Honey

**Ingredients:**

* Pizza dough (recipe above or store-bought)
* String cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
* ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Pizza sauce
* Mozzarella cheese, shredded
* Pepperoni slices (regular and mini pepperoni)
* Hot honey for drizzling (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Dough:** Follow steps 1-6 of the Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe or use store-bought dough.
2. **Prepare Garlic Butter:** In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. **Stuff the Crust:**
* Roll out the pizza dough into a large circle.
* Place string cheese around the edge of the dough, leaving about 1 inch of bare dough at the outer edge.
* Fold the dough over the cheese to create a stuffed crust. Pinch the edges to seal.
4. **Brush with Garlic Butter:** Generously brush the garlic butter over the entire crust, including the stuffed edges.
5. **Add Toppings:**
* Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough inside the crust.
* Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
* Add a layer of regular pepperoni slices.
* Top with mini pepperoni for extra pepperoni goodness.
6. **Bake:**
* Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
* Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the pepperoni is crispy.
7. **Drizzle with Hot Honey (Optional):** Once out of the oven, drizzle with hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
8. **Slice and Serve:** Let the pizza cool slightly before slicing and serving.

## Tips for Pizza Perfection

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the pizza. Use fresh, high-quality cheese, sauce, and toppings.
* **Don’t Overload the Pizza:** Too many toppings can make the crust soggy. Be mindful of the quantity of toppings you use.
* **Preheat Your Pizza Stone:** A preheated pizza stone helps to create a crispy crust.
* **Use a Pizza Peel:** A pizza peel makes it easier to transfer the pizza to and from the oven.
* **Let the Pizza Rest:** Letting the pizza rest for a few minutes after baking allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to slice.

## Conclusion: Stuffed Crazy Crust at Home

The return of Little Caesars’ Stuffed Crazy Crust is a cause for celebration. But with these recipes, you can enjoy this cheesy, garlicky delight anytime you want, right in your own kitchen. Experiment with different toppings, cheese, and flavor combinations to create your own signature Stuffed Crazy Crust pizza. Happy baking! And more importantly… Happy eating!