Pizza pot pies
Pizza pot pies are a fun and tasty twist on your favorite classic pizza. Imagine all the flavors you love—melty cheese, zesty tomato sauce, pepperoni or veggies—wrapped up in a…
Tip: save now, cook later.Pizza pot pies are a fun and tasty twist on your favorite classic pizza. Imagine all the flavors you love—melty cheese, zesty tomato sauce, pepperoni or veggies—wrapped up in a flaky, golden crust that’s like a little personal pie. They’re perfect for when you want something comforting but with a playful, cozy feel.
I love making pizza pot pies because they’re so easy to customize. You can use whatever toppings you like, and everyone can have their own little pie just the way they want it. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients, and I always enjoy how the crust soaks up all that delicious sauce and cheese, making every bite super satisfying.
My favorite way to enjoy pizza pot pies is fresh out of the oven, with a crisp side salad or some veggies. They’re great for a casual dinner or even for a fun lunch. Plus, they’re the kind of meal that brings smiles, whether you’re eating with family or friends. Whenever I make these, I always feel like I’m sharing a little warm, cheesy happiness with everyone at the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza dough: Store-bought dough is a time saver, but homemade adds a special touch. You can also use refrigerated biscuit dough for a quicker crust, though it’s less traditional.
Pizza sauce: I like using a good-quality sauce for rich flavor. If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara or even a simple tomato sauce with Italian seasoning works well.
Cheese: Mozzarella is key for that stretchy, melty feel. Parmesan adds a nice sharp note on top. You can try provolone or cheddar if you want a different twist.
Meats & veggies: Pepperoni and sausage are classic, but these pies are very flexible. Use cooked chicken, ham, or veggies like bell peppers and olives. Just skip anything too watery to avoid sogginess.
How Do I Get a Crispy, Golden Crust Without Burning?
Getting the crust just right can be tricky. Here’s how:
- Pre-grease your pan well with olive oil so the dough won’t stick and helps crisp the edges.
- Roll dough evenly to about 1/4 inch—too thick can stay doughy, too thin may burn.
- Seal edges tightly so no sauce leaks and ruins the crust.
- Cut small slits on top crust to let steam escape, keeping crust crisp.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden—not too long or it can burn.
- If edges brown too fast, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.
Following these tips makes your pizza pot pies come out perfectly golden, crispy, and delicious every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe ramekins or small cast iron skillets – perfect for baking individual pot pies and getting a nice crust.
- Rolling pin – helps you roll out the dough evenly to the right thickness.
- Pastry brush – handy for brushing the crust with oil to ensure a golden finish.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – for cutting dough circles and slits on the crust.
- Mixing bowl – to combine or toss your toppings before layering.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked chicken and add barbecue sauce for a BBQ chicken pot pie twist.
- Add sliced black olives and green peppers for a veggie-rich Mediterranean flavor.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses to get a sharper taste and more melting stretch.
- Stir in fresh basil or spinach for a fresh, herby boost that balances the richness.
How to Make Pizza Pot Pies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni or your choice of meat/vegetables
- ½ cup cooked sausage, crumbled (optional)
- ¼ cup finely chopped onions
- ¼ cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional: thyme or rosemary)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So you’ll need around 35-40 minutes total from start to finish, perfect for a quick and tasty homemade meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dishes and Dough:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease your individual ramekins or small skillets with olive oil to prevent sticking. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface about ¼-inch thick. Cut dough circles large enough to line and cover your dishes with some overhang.
2. Assemble the Pot Pies:
Press one dough circle into each greased dish, molding it to the bottom and sides to form a crust shell. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce evenly in the bottom of each. Add half the mozzarella cheese, then layer with your pepperoni, cooked sausage, onions, mushrooms, and any other toppings you enjoy. Sprinkle oregano and basil on top, then add the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
3. Seal and Bake:
Cover the filling with the second dough circle, pressing edges firmly together to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to let steam escape during baking. Place your pot pies in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like and enjoy warm!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the dough completely in the fridge overnight before rolling it out. This helps prevent tearing and makes it easier to work with.
Can I Make Pizza Pot Pies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the pot pies, cover them tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza Pot Pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Toppings?
You can easily swap pepperoni and sausage for cooked chicken, veggies like bell peppers or spinach, or even use different cheeses like provolone or cheddar to change the flavor.