There's something magical about breaking through the golden crust of a Pizza Pot Pie, only to discover a bubbling, cheesy, and saucy filling beneath. This comforting twist on a classic pizza has all the flavors you love, but with a fun and unexpected presentation that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.
I first tried this recipe during a snowstorm when traditional pizza delivery wasn’t an option. Using ingredients I had on hand, these adorable pot pies quickly became a household favorite. Let me show you how to make your own mini pizzas in a way that’s equal parts fun and delicious.
Why You'll Love This Pizza Pot Pies Recipe
Get ready to transform pizza night into something extraordinary. This recipe combines the simplicity of pizza with the comforting charm of pot pies, and there’s so much to adore about it.
First, it’s easy and versatile. Whether you’re using store-bought pizza dough or whipping up a batch from scratch, the process is straightforward and customizable to your favorite toppings.
Next, these pot pies are perfectly portioned. Everyone gets their own little pie, making it a great option for serving kids, hosting dinner parties, or simply keeping things fun.
The flavor is out of this world. Each bite features gooey cheese, rich marinara sauce, and your choice of classic toppings, all encased in a tender crust. It's everything you love about pizza, but with a twist.
Finally, these pot pies are a make-ahead dream. Assemble them in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights or entertaining.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of these Pizza Pot Pies is that they rely on simple, accessible ingredients while offering plenty of room for personalization. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Pizza Dough: Store-bought dough works perfectly, but if you have time, homemade dough elevates the dish. Look for dough that’s soft and stretchy for easy handling.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred marinara or make a quick homemade version. The sauce is the heart of the dish, so choose one with bold, robust flavors.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice, but a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone adds depth. Fresh mozzarella provides extra creaminess if you’re feeling fancy.
- Toppings: Pepperoni, cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions—anything you love on pizza works here. Pre-cook any ingredients that release moisture to avoid a soggy filling.
- Butter or Egg Wash: Brushing the tops of the dough with melted butter or an egg wash gives the pot pies a beautiful, golden-brown finish.
Special equipment: You’ll need ramekins or small oven-safe bowls for individual pot pies. These are key for achieving the classic “flip-over” effect when serving.
How To Make These Pizza Pot Pies
Making Pizza Pot Pies is simpler than you think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dinner that wows every time.
- Prepare the Filling
Start by sautéing your toppings. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook your vegetables and meats until tender. This step enhances the flavor and ensures a non-soggy filling. - Assemble the Ramekins
Grease your ramekins or small oven-safe bowls with non-stick spray or a little butter. Add a generous spoonful of marinara sauce to the bottom of each ramekin, followed by your sautéed toppings and shredded cheese. Fill to about three-quarters full to leave room for the dough. - Cover with Dough
Roll out your pizza dough and cut it into circles slightly larger than the ramekins. Drape the dough over the top, pressing gently around the edges to seal. Trim any excess dough, and make a small slit in the center to allow steam to escape. - Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the dough tops with melted butter or egg wash, then bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and puffed. - Serve and Enjoy
Let the pot pies cool for a few minutes before serving. For a dramatic presentation, flip the ramekin onto a plate and lift it to reveal the cheesy filling cascading out.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), these Pizza Pot Pies store beautifully:
- Refrigerator: Cover the ramekins with plastic wrap or transfer the pies to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Assemble the pies, but don’t bake them. Wrap each ramekin tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Reheating: For the best results, reheat in a 350°F oven until the filling is bubbly and the crust is crisp.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative:
- Dough Options: Swap pizza dough for puff pastry for an ultra-flaky crust or use crescent roll dough for a lighter option.
- Sauce Swaps: Alfredo sauce or pesto offers a delicious alternative to marinara for a unique flavor twist.
- Vegetarian: Load up on veggies like spinach, artichokes, and zucchini for a meatless version.
- Spicy: Add a kick with jalapeños or red pepper flakes in the filling.
- Breakfast Twist: Use scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheddar cheese for a fun morning pot pie.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own.
With their crispy crust, gooey filling, and endless customization options, Pizza Pot Pies are destined to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night at home or a fun dinner party, these mini pizzas in a bowl are sure to impress.
Why settle for ordinary pizza night when you can enjoy the magic of Pizza Pot Pies? Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
PrintPizza Pot Pies Recipe
This pizza pot pies recipe combines classic pizza ingredients with a buttery, golden crust for a hearty and flavorful meal. Perfect for pizza lovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni slices
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing ramekins)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease 4 ramekins with olive oil.
- Divide pizza dough into 4 portions, rolling out each to fit the ramekins.
- Layer marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, sausage or pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms in each ramekin. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
- Cover each ramekin with a portion of rolled-out pizza dough, pressing the edges to seal.
- Brush the top of each dough with olive oil and make a small slit for steam to escape.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your pizza pot pies!
Notes
- Customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Use store-bought or homemade pizza dough for convenience.
- Perfect for serving as individual portions at dinner parties
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin (¼ recipe)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880 mg
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