Pizza Pot Pies

There’s something so satisfying about classic pot pie – a flaky crust, a warm, comforting filling, and a meal that feels like a big hug. But what if you could take all the delicious elements of a traditional pot pie and give it a pizza-inspired twist? Enter the Pizza Pot Pie! This fun, creative dish combines the best of both worlds – the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza and the cozy, hearty nature of a pot pie.

Perfect for family dinners, parties, or a cozy night in, these Pizza Pot Pies are customizable, easy to make, and baked right in individual ramekins or muffin cups for a fun and convenient serving style. You get a rich, tomato-based sauce, melty cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, all wrapped in a crispy, golden crust.

In this detailed recipe, we’ll guide you through how to make these delicious Pizza Pot Pies step by step, with all the tips and tricks you need for perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love Pizza Pot Pies

1. A Unique Twist on Pizza: These pot pies combine the classic pizza flavors you love with the fun, interactive experience of a personal pie.
2. Perfect for Parties or Family Meals: The individual servings make these pot pies ideal for serving at parties or for a fun family dinner.
3. Easy to Customize: Whether you’re a fan of classic pepperoni, a veggie lover, or craving a meat-lover’s feast, you can tailor the fillings to suit your taste.
4. Kid-Friendly: These mini pies are a hit with kids! They’re easy to hold and eat, and kids can even help with assembling them.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep these pot pies ahead of time, freeze them, and bake when ready, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Makes 6 individual pizza pot pies
• Serving Size: 1 pizza pot pie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbs: 35g
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Pizza Pot Pies:

For the Dough:

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing the dough)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For the Pizza Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

For Toppings:

• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or your favorite pizza toppings like sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese, for sprinkling on top

Special Equipment:

• 6 small ramekins (or a muffin tin for smaller portions)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease your ramekins or muffin tin with non-stick spray or olive oil.

2. Roll Out the Dough:

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. You’ll need enough dough to line the ramekins and create a top crust, so roll it out into a large rectangle.

3. Cut the Dough Circles:

Using a knife or a large round cutter (you can use a glass or bowl for this), cut out dough circles that are big enough to cover the inside of each ramekin, with a bit of extra dough hanging over the edges. Then, cut slightly smaller circles for the top crusts of the pot pies.

Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Filling

1. Season the Pizza Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix together the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can use homemade or store-bought pizza sauce, but feel free to add extra seasoning to make it your own.

2. Prep the Toppings:

Prepare your desired toppings, such as slicing pepperoni, dicing bell peppers, or sautéing mushrooms if needed. Feel free to use your favorite pizza toppings!

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Pot Pies

1. Line the Ramekins with Dough:

Carefully press the larger dough circles into the greased ramekins, making sure the dough lines the sides and bottom. Let a bit of the dough hang over the edges to help seal the pot pie later.

2. Layer the Pizza Filling:

Start by adding a spoonful of pizza sauce to the bottom of each dough-lined ramekin. Next, add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by your chosen pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, olives, or bell peppers. Continue layering with more sauce, cheese, and toppings until the ramekin is about 3/4 full.

3. Top with Parmesan:

Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of sauce and toppings. This adds an extra cheesy, crispy finish to the filling.

Step 4: Add the Top Crust

1. Cover with Dough:

Place the smaller dough circles over the top of each pot pie, pressing the edges to seal the top crust to the bottom dough that’s hanging over the ramekin. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a tight seal.

2. Brush with Egg Wash:

Brush the top of each pot pie with the beaten egg. This gives the crust a golden, shiny finish as it bakes.

3. Cut Vents:

Using a sharp knife, cut a small slit or “X” in the center of each top crust. This allows steam to escape while the pot pies bake.

Step 5: Bake the Pizza Pot Pies

1. Bake in the Oven:

Place the filled and sealed ramekins on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

2. Add Extra Cheese (Optional):

If you want an extra cheesy top, you can sprinkle more shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of each pot pie during the last 5 minutes of baking. This creates a gooey, melty layer of cheese over the crust.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cool Slightly:

Once baked, let the pot pies cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be hot and bubbly, so allowing them to cool a bit helps the filling set and makes them easier to eat.

2. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish each pizza pot pie with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese. Serve them right in the ramekins for an interactive, personal pizza experience.

How to Serve Pizza Pot Pies

• As a Main Dish: These pizza pot pies are filling enough to serve as a main dish. Pair them with a side of Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• At a Party or Gathering: Pizza pot pies are perfect for serving at a party. Make a big batch and let guests enjoy their own individual pies. You can even set up a topping bar and let everyone customize their own fillings.
• For Lunch or Dinner: Serve the pizza pot pies as a fun twist on traditional pizza night. They’re perfect for a cozy, comforting dinner or a casual lunch.
• For Kids: These mini pot pies are a hit with kids, thanks to their handheld size and familiar pizza flavors. Let kids help assemble their own pies for a fun cooking activity.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Store-Bought Dough for Convenience: If you’re short on time, using store-bought pizza dough is a great shortcut. You can usually find pre-made pizza dough in the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
2. Make Your Own Dough for Extra Freshness: If you have the time and want to go the extra mile, making your own pizza dough is always a good option. You can make a big batch and freeze any extra dough for later use.
3. Don’t Overfill the Pies: Be careful not to overfill the pot pies with too much sauce or toppings, as this can cause them to overflow while baking. Fill the ramekins about 3/4 of the way full for the best results.
4. Let the Pies Cool Slightly Before Serving: The filling will be very hot right out of the oven, so let the pot pies cool for a few minutes before digging in.
5. Customize the Fillings: Feel free to get creative with the fillings! You can add anything from basil pesto to grilled chicken or vegan cheese to suit your taste.

Recipe Variations

While the classic pepperoni and cheese combo is always a winner, there are plenty of ways to customize these Pizza Pot Pies. Here are a few delicious variations:

1. Veggie Pizza Pot Pies:

Skip the pepperoni and load up on your favorite veggies. Add a mixture of bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and black olives for a vegetarian-friendly version.

2. Meat Lover’s Pot Pies:

For the carnivores out there, add a variety of meats like Italian sausage, bacon, pepperoni, and ham. You can even toss in some grilled chicken for an extra protein-packed version.

3. Margherita Pizza Pot Pies:

For a lighter, more classic flavor, use fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil in the filling. This creates a fresh, summery version of the pizza pot pie that’s bursting with flavor.

4. BBQ Chicken Pizza Pot Pies:

Swap out the pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and add shredded chicken, red onion, and cheddar cheese for a smoky, sweet BBQ twist.

5. Hawaiian Pizza Pot Pies:

If you’re a fan of pineapple on pizza, you’ll love this variation! Add diced ham and pineapple chunks to the filling for a sweet and savory combo.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftover pizza pot pies, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pot pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the crust may not stay as crispy.

Freezing:

Pizza pot pies freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. To freeze, let the baked pot pies cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating from Frozen:

To reheat frozen pizza pot pies, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but reheating in the oven will give you the best results for a crispy crust.

Special Equipment

• Ramekins or Muffin Tin: You’ll need 6 small ramekins for individual servings. If you don’t have ramekins, a muffin tin works well for smaller pizza pot pies.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pizza dough into thin circles.
• Pastry Brush: For brushing the dough with olive oil and egg wash.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pie crust instead of pizza dough?

Yes! If you prefer a flakier crust, you can use pie crust instead of pizza dough. It will give the pot pies a slightly different texture, but it works just as well.

2. Can I make these pizza pot pies ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the pot pies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent the dough from drying out.

3. What other types of cheese can I use?

While mozzarella is a classic pizza cheese, you can also use cheddar, provolone, gouda, or even goat cheese for different flavors and textures.

4. Can I make these pot pies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free pizza dough to make these pot pies gluten-free. You can usually find gluten-free dough at the store or make your own from scratch.

5. What’s the best way to prevent the pot pies from overflowing?

To prevent the pot pies from overflowing while baking, be careful not to overfill the ramekins with sauce and toppings. Leave a little space at the top to allow room for the filling to bubble without spilling over.

Conclusion

Pizza Pot Pies are a fun, delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a new and exciting form. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, meal prepping for the week, or making them for a party, these individual pot pies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. With their golden, crispy crust, gooey cheese, and customizable fillings, they’re the perfect blend of comfort food and creative cooking.

So, grab your favorite pizza toppings, roll out some dough, and get ready to enjoy these delightful Pizza Pot Pies – the ultimate savory treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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