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.