If you love pizza and you love pot pies, then get ready for a recipe that brings the best of both worlds together—Pizza Pot Pies! Imagine the flaky, buttery crust of a classic pot pie filled with all your favorite pizza toppings—pepperoni, cheese, veggies, and a rich tomato sauce. These individual-sized pies are comforting, fun to eat, and perfect for when you’re craving pizza with a twist. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want them on repeat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Who doesn’t love pizza? Now, imagine that same comforting combination of melty cheese, savory sauce, and delicious toppings, but in a hearty, individual pot pie form. These Pizza Pot Pies are the ultimate comfort food. They’re customizable with whatever pizza toppings you adore, and the golden, flaky crust adds the perfect crunch. Whether you’re feeding the family or looking for a fun twist on pizza night, these pot pies are a hit!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at the basic ingredients you’ll need for this recipe, but check below for the full list:
- Pre-made pie crusts (or homemade if you prefer)
- Cooked chicken or ground beef (optional for extra protein)
- Pizza sauce
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Pepperoni slices (or any toppings you like!)
- Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms (optional veggies)
- Dried oregano, garlic powder, and basil for seasoning
- Olive oil or butter for greasing
For the complete ingredient list and exact measurements, scroll down below.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot to get that golden, crispy crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crusts
If you’re using store-bought pie crusts, roll them out and cut them into circles large enough to fit into your mini pie dishes or ramekins. You’ll need two for each pie—one for the bottom and one to top. Lightly grease the dishes with butter or olive oil to prevent sticking, then place the bottom crust into each dish, pressing gently to fit.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine your pizza sauce, cooked chicken or ground beef (if using), and shredded mozzarella cheese. Add your preferred pizza toppings—sliced pepperoni, chopped bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or even olives. Season with garlic powder, dried oregano, and basil for that classic pizza flavor. Stir everything together to make a chunky, cheesy filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Pot Pies
Spoon the pizza filling into each pie dish, dividing it evenly. Then, take your second pie crust and place it over the top of the filling, gently pressing the edges down around the sides of the dish to seal. Use a knife to make a few slits in the top crust so the steam can escape while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Pot Pies
Place the pot pies on a baking sheet (just in case any filling bubbles over) and bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling up. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure the crust doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the pot pies cool for a few minutes before serving—trust me, the filling will be hot! Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil if you want to add a little extra flavor. Then, grab a fork and dig in!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use leftovers: These are a great way to use up leftover pizza toppings or rotisserie chicken! Just chop everything up and toss it in the filling.
- Homemade crust: If you have time, making your own pie crust from scratch will elevate these pot pies even more!
- Add a kick: For a spicy twist, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Mini pot pies: If you want to serve individual portions, use muffin tins instead of pie dishes. They’ll bake quicker and be easier to serve!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and load up on vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or eggplant for a veggie-packed version.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure your pizza sauce and toppings are gluten-free if needed.
- Cheese substitutions: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, swap it out for cheddar, provolone, or even gouda for a smoky flavor.
- Different meats: Try sausage, bacon, or pepperoni if you want to switch things up from chicken or beef.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Pizza Pot Pies are filling enough to be a meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a light salad or a side of garlic bread for that ultimate pizza dinner experience. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed veggies.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but the crust won’t be as crispy.
4 FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?
Yes! Puff pastry will create a lighter, flakier top that’s absolutely delicious. Just make sure to bake it long enough for it to puff up and turn golden brown.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the pot pies, assemble them, and refrigerate them before baking. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve, but note that you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if they’re cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze these pot pies?
Yes! Assemble the pot pies, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is hot.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the meat and load up on your favorite veggies like mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. You can also add some fresh spinach or even olives for more flavor.
Conclusion
Pizza Pot Pies are the perfect way to satisfy your pizza cravings in a fun and filling way. With layers of flaky crust, cheesy pizza goodness, and all your favorite toppings, these little pies are an instant hit. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a fun weekend meal, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your house. Enjoy!
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Pizza Pot Pies: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings (1 pot pie per person) 1x
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food, Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pizza Pot Pies are a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza. These individual, portable pies are filled with all your favorite pizza toppings, nestled in a flaky, golden crust. Perfect for a family dinner, party appetizer, or meal prep, these savory pies are customizable and sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings such as sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Olive oil for brushing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease 4-6 small ramekins or oven-safe bowls (depending on the size of your pies).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into circles or squares large enough to fit into your ramekins, leaving about 1 inch of dough hanging over the sides.
- Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of each ramekin to form a crust.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce into the bottom of each crust.
- Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add a few slices of pepperoni or any other desired toppings.
- Sprinkle a little grated Parmesan, dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes over the filling.
- Top each pot pie with more mozzarella cheese and fold the overhanging dough over the top to partially cover the filling.
- Brush the tops with a little olive oil for a golden finish (optional).
- Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the pies to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Customize your pizza pot pies with your favorite toppings—vegetables, meats, or even different cheeses!
- If you don’t have ramekins, you can also use muffin tins or mini pie pans.
- For a crispy bottom, you can bake the pies directly on a pizza stone or inverted baking sheet.
- These can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pot pie
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg