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Pizza Pot Pies Recipe

If you love pizza and pot pie, why not combine the best of both worlds? This Pizza Pot Pies Recipe is one of my go-to comfort meals, especially when I want something cozy but still packed with those classic pizza flavors. It’s like having a personal mini pizza wrapped in golden, flaky dough, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.

What makes this recipe stand out, in my opinion, is how versatile and fuss-free it is. You get all those delicious pizza toppings and melty cheese inside a warm, doughy pocket that feels like it’s made just for you. Trust me, once you try these little pot pies, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really makes the magic happen in these Pizza Pot Pies. I always keep a package of refrigerated pizza dough handy – it saves so much time and still bakes up beautifully. Plus, using a good-quality marinara or pizza sauce sets the flavor foundation for the whole dish.

  • Pizza Dough: Refrigerated dough works great if you want a shortcut, but homemade dough adds an amazing fresh texture if you have time.
  • Marinara or Pizza Sauce: Pick your favorite sauce – homemade or store-bought. It’s the saucy heart of your pot pie!
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Go for whole milk mozzarella for creamy meltiness.
  • Pepperoni Slices: Classic topping, but feel free to switch it up with sausage, mushrooms, or veggies.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice salty kick and deeper flavor.
  • Dried Oregano: A little herb magic to give that authentic pizza vibe.
  • Dried Basil: Complements oregano beautifully – don’t skip it!
  • Garlic Powder: Simple addition that amps up the savory notes.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a bit of heat, this is your friend.
  • Olive Oil (for brushing): Helps the crust turn golden and crisp when baked.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Pizza Pot Pies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste buds. I like to swap toppings just to keep things fresh – maybe mushrooms one day, bell peppers the next. You can really make it your own adventure!

  • Vegetarian Version: I often load these up with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, and spinach for a veggie-packed twist that’s just as satisfying.
  • Spicy Kick: Adding more red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños turns up the heat to satisfy my spicy cravings.
  • Gluten-Free Dough: If you’re avoiding gluten, store-bought gluten-free pizza dough works well here too – just watch baking times carefully.
  • Cheese Lover’s Dream: Extra mozzarella, maybe some cheddar or provolone mixed in for all the gooey cheese joy.

How to Make Pizza Pot Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Dough and Filling

Start by preheating your oven – I recommend about 400°F (200°C) so the dough gets nice and crispy. While that’s warming, roll out your pizza dough just enough to divide it into individual circles or squares that fit your baking dish or muffin tin. For the filling, mix together the marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, Parmesan, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This mix is your flavor jackpot, so give it a good stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 2: Assemble Your Pot Pies

Line your muffin tin or small oven-safe bowls with the rolled-out dough, pressing gently to form little crust cups. Spoon the filling generously into each dough cup – don’t be shy here, the more filling, the better! Then cover each with another piece of dough, pinching the edges tight to seal in all that cheesy goodness. Before popping them in the oven, I love brushing the tops lightly with olive oil to encourage that beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Melty

Place your pot pies in the oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes, but keep an eye on them starting at 15 minutes – every oven is a little different! You’re looking for dough that’s puffed up and beautifully golden with some bubbling sauce peeking through. Let them cool for a few minutes before digging in – trust me, that molten cheese can surprise you!

How to Serve Pizza Pot Pies Recipe

Pizza Pot Pies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh basil or chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness – it really brightens these up. A light dusting of extra Parmesan doesn’t hurt either if you’re feeling cheese-happy like me.

Side Dishes

Serve these alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the cheesy richness. Sometimes I whip up some roasted garlic broccoli or a simple Caesar salad – the greens add a fresh contrast that makes the whole meal feel balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or family dinner, I’ve tried stacking these on a rustic wooden board, garnished with fresh herbs and little bowls of extra marinara sauce for dipping. Kids love eating them like little handheld pies, and for adults, it’s fun to pair with a glass of red wine for a casual but delicious evening.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though I admit, that rarely happens), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for lunch the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these pot pies successfully wrapped individually in foil and then placed in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them again, just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake heated through to refresh the crust and melt the cheese perfectly.

Reheating

Reheating in the oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for 10-15 minutes works best to bring back that crispy crust and warm filling. Microwaving is faster but can make the dough a bit soggy, so I save that for when I’m in a real hurry.

FAQs

  1. Can I use homemade pizza dough for this Pizza Pot Pies Recipe?

    Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a wonderful fresh texture and flavor, though it takes a bit more time. If you have the extra hour to make and proof your dough, it makes the pot pies feel extra special.

  2. What are some good topping alternatives for Pizza Pot Pies?

    Feel free to mix it up with sausage, cooked ground beef, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or spinach. You can really customize these pot pies to whatever pizza toppings you enjoy most!

  3. How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?

    Brushing the dough with olive oil before baking and making sure your filling isn’t overly wet helps a lot. Also, don’t overload the sauce – a thicker marinara works best to keep things crisp.

  4. Can I make these Pizza Pot Pies ahead of time?

    Yes! Assemble them and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. You can also freeze them pre-baked for a quick meal later.

  5. What’s the best way to reheat leftover pot pies?

    Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy. About 10-15 minutes at 350°F should do the trick perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Pot Pies Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines familiar flavors with a fun twist that always delights. Seriously, I love how easy it is to whip up and how everyone’s eyes light up when they see these cute little pies ready to be devoured. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—you won’t regret it! It’s perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or anytime you want a hug on a plate.

Print

Pizza Pot Pies Recipe

These Pizza Pot Pies are a fun and delicious twist on traditional pizza, featuring a flaky pizza dough crust filled with a savory blend of marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Italian herbs. Perfect as an individual serving or for sharing, these pot pies combine the best flavors of a classic pizza in a convenient, handheld format.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 individual pot pies 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Dough

  • 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)

Filling

  • 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)

Finishing

  • Olive oil for brushing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the refrigerated or homemade pizza dough on a floured surface to fit your pot pie containers or muffin tins.
  2. Assemble Crust Base: Line your pot pie dishes or muffin cups with the dough, pressing it firmly to shape the base and sides, ensuring there are no air pockets.
  3. Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the marinara or pizza sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add pepperoni slices and shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing gently.
  4. Fill Pot Pies: Spoon the sauce and cheese mixture evenly into each dough-lined dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the filling for an extra cheesy top layer.
  5. Top and Seal: Roll out remaining dough to create the top crusts. Place each crust over the filled pies and seal the edges by pinching or crimping. Cut a few small slits on top for steam to escape.
  6. Brush with Olive Oil: Optionally, brush the tops of each pie with olive oil to promote browning and add flavor.
  7. Bake: Place the assembled pot pies on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the pot pies to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the filling set and avoid burns.

Notes

  • You can customize fillings with your favorite pizza toppings such as sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
  • Use a muffin tin for smaller, individual pot pies or ramekins for larger servings.
  • For a crispier crust, prebake the bottom dough shell for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
  • These pot pies can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Pizza pot pie, individual pot pies, pizza dough recipe, easy pizza, savory pot pies, Italian comfort food

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