Many keto recipes claim to be “just like the real thing,” but rarely deliver the same indulgent satisfaction. These low-carb pizza puffs actually come close. Packed with bubbling mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and aromatic herbs, they deliver all the comforting flavors of classic pizza rolls—without the carb-heavy crust. If you’re missing Little Caesars Crazy Puffs but watching your carbs, this homemade version offers the familiar pull-apart, gooey interior and golden edges in an easy, customizable bake.
Baked in muffin tins for perfect individual portions, these keto-friendly puffs work equally well as game-day appetizers, family-friendly snacks, or even a casual dinner paired with a crisp salad. Best of all, you control the ingredients—no mystery additives, just real cheese, bold marinara, and classic pizza spices. They’re simple to make but impressive enough to serve to guests who won’t guess they’re low carb.
Why Make Homemade Keto Pizza Puffs
Forget takeout and frozen keto snacks that often miss the mark. Making your own pizza puffs lets you customize flavors, manage sodium, and avoid hidden sugars in commercial products. Homemade means:
- Fresher, richer taste: Real mozzarella and your choice of pepperoni.
- Adaptable fillings: Swap in sausage, mushrooms, or olives.
- Diet-friendly: Perfect for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free needs (with the right tortillas).
- Better texture: Chewy, melty, and crisp where you want it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For these keto pizza puffs, you don’t need anything complicated. Look for low-carb tortillas at your grocery store (often labeled keto or carb-conscious) and use your favorite sugar-free marinara. Here’s a clear list:
- 5 low-carb tortillas (any brand with around 4–6g net carbs each)
- ½ cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend)
- Pepperoni slices (about 30–40 small rounds or as desired)
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Garlic salt (optional)
- Garlic butter: unsalted butter melted with garlic salt and Italian seasoning
Pro tip: Make your own garlic butter for extra depth. Melt butter gently and stir in garlic salt and Italian herbs. It soaks into the puffs during baking for real pizzeria-style flavor.
Choosing Low-Carb Tortillas
Not all tortillas marketed as “low-carb” are the same. Choose one with:
- 4–6g net carbs per serving
- Soft, pliable texture that rolls without cracking
- Minimal added sugars
Brands vary by region, so check nutrition labels carefully. A good tortilla ensures the rolls hold their shape in the muffin tin without becoming soggy or tough.
Preparing the Garlic Butter
The garlic butter is essential—it bastes the tops and edges so they turn golden, savory, and fragrant in the oven. For a small batch:
- Melt 3–4 tablespoons unsalted butter over low heat.
- Stir in ½ teaspoon garlic salt (or to taste).
- Add ½–1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
Brush or spoon this mixture over the puffs before and after baking for extra richness.
Rolling and Filling Tips
Lay out your tortillas one at a time:
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning directly onto the tortilla.
- Spread a thin layer of sugar-free marinara. Don’t overdo it; too much sauce can lead to soggy rolls.
- Add shredded mozzarella generously.
- Layer on pepperoni slices evenly.
Roll the tortillas snugly but not too tight (you want filling to stay in, but not squeeze out). Slice each roll into four equal sections—these will fit neatly into the muffin tin.
Assembling in the Muffin Tin
This technique transforms the rolls into pull-apart, layered puffs:
- Prep the pan: Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin pan or line with silicone cups.
- Bottom layer: Sprinkle a little mozzarella and Italian seasoning into each muffin cup. This creates a cheesy, flavorful base.
- Insert rolls: Place a cut tortilla roll into each prepared muffin cup, cut side up so the layers show.
- Topping: Add more shredded mozzarella and drizzle or brush with garlic butter.
This layering guarantees gooey interiors and cheesy tops, with edges that crisp under high heat.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven: 350°F (175°C).
- First bake: 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and the tortilla edges start to turn golden.
- Press gently: Use the back of a spoon to press rolls down slightly, making space for more cheese.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle additional cheese and garlic butter.
- Final broil: Turn oven to broil and heat for 3–5 minutes, watching carefully. Broiling gives that classic browned, bubbly cheese top.
Watch the broil closely—cheese can go from golden to burnt quickly.
Customization Ideas
This recipe is flexible. Try these variations:
- Meat lovers: Add crumbled cooked sausage or bacon.
- Veggie version: Include sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
- Cheese blend: Mix in provolone or sharp cheddar for extra complexity.
Because you control every layer, you can match your favorite pizza flavors or adapt to what’s in your fridge.
Storing and Reheating
These pizza puffs keep surprisingly well:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp, or microwave in short bursts (though microwave can soften the edges).
- Freeze: Flash-freeze on a baking sheet, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes.
They’re ideal for meal prep or quick, satisfying snacks when cravings hit.
Serving Suggestions
These low-carb pizza puffs work as:
- Appetizers for game nights or parties.
- Kid-friendly snacks with familiar pizza flavors.
- Easy dinners served with a green salad.
- Lunchbox fillers for adults or kids avoiding carbs.
Pair with extra marinara for dipping, a crisp side salad with Italian dressing, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade keto pizza puffs is simpler than you might think—and far tastier than most store-bought low-carb snacks. By baking in muffin tins, you get perfect individual servings with chewy centers, golden tops, and big pizza flavor. Whether you’re keto, low-carb, or just looking to lighten up your pizza night, these puffs are a customizable, satisfying answer that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Low-Carb Pizza Puffs | Keto-Friendly, Cheesy, Easy Copycat Crazy Puffs
Ingredients
For the Pizza Puffs
- 5 pieces low-carb tortillas about 4–6g net carbs each
- 0.5 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 30 slices pepperoni or as desired
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning divided, for filling and topping
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt optional, for extra flavor
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted for garlic butter
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic salt for garlic butter
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning for garlic butter
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How to Make the Low-Carb Pizza Puffs
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin pan.
- Prepare the garlic butter by melting unsalted butter and stirring in garlic salt and Italian seasoning. Set aside.
- Lay out each tortilla. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread a thin layer of sugar-free marinara sauce on each tortilla. Top with shredded mozzarella and pepperoni slices.
- Roll up each tortilla snugly, then slice into four equal pieces.
- Sprinkle a little shredded mozzarella and Italian seasoning into each muffin cup. Place a tortilla roll cut side up in each prepared cup.
- Top each roll with more shredded mozzarella and drizzle or brush with prepared garlic butter.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and edges start to brown.
- Remove and gently press rolls down with a spoon to flatten slightly. Add extra cheese and more garlic butter if desired.
- Set oven to broil. Broil for 3–5 minutes, watching carefully until tops are golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with extra marinara if desired.
Notes
- Use your favorite low-carb tortilla brand for best results.
- Watch the broil stage closely to avoid burning the cheese.
- Customize fillings with cooked sausage, sautéed veggies, or different cheeses.
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