Pizza Pot Pies: A Fun and Comforting Twist on a Classic

Pizza pot pies combine the best of both worlds—cheesy, saucy pizza flavors with the warm, comforting appeal of a pot pie. This dish features a rich, tomato-based filling loaded with melty cheese, pepperoni, and other favorite pizza toppings, all baked beneath a golden, flaky crust. It’s an easy-to-make meal that brings excitement to the dinner table, perfect for family nights or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Unique Take on Pizza: Instead of the usual flat crust, these pot pies are baked upside down and flipped for a fun serving experience.
• Customizable Fillings: Choose your favorite pizza toppings, from classic pepperoni to vegetarian options.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and freeze for a quick, satisfying dinner.
• Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: A fun, interactive dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, crumbled (optional)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or other toppings of choice)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Crust:

• 1 sheet refrigerated or homemade pizza dough
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease four ramekins (8-ounce size) with cooking spray or butter.

2. Cook the Filling

• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Add crumbled Italian sausage (if using) and cook until browned.
• Stir in mushrooms, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2 minutes.
• Pour in the pizza sauce, add pepperoni, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Pot Pies

• Place a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese at the bottom of each ramekin.
• Spoon the pizza filling over the cheese, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top.

4. Add the Crust

• Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into circles slightly larger than the ramekins.
• Place a dough circle over each ramekin, pressing the edges to seal.
• Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.

5. Bake

• Arrange ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and puffed.

6. Serve

• Let the pot pies cool for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of each ramekin.
• Carefully invert each ramekin onto a plate, flipping the pot pie upside down so the cheesy, saucy filling is on top.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add extra veggies like spinach, olives, and artichokes.
• Meat Lovers’ Edition: Add cooked bacon, ham, and extra sausage.
• Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage and add jalapeños.
• Cheese-Stuffed Crust: Fold cheese into the edges of the dough before baking.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 individual pot pies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Assemble and freeze unbaked pot pies for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
• Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?

Ensure the filling is not too watery, and let it cool slightly before adding the crust.

Can I make this in a large baking dish instead of ramekins?

Yes! Use an 8×8-inch baking dish and adjust the dough size accordingly.

What’s the best way to flip the pot pie onto a plate?

Place a plate over the ramekin, then carefully flip them together. Let it sit for a few seconds before removing the ramekin.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Absolutely! Any good-quality pizza sauce works well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and a vegan pizza dough.

What’s a good side dish for pizza pot pies?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies pair well with this dish.

Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of pizza dough?

Yes, but the texture will be more like a traditional pot pie rather than a pizza.

Do I need to grease the ramekins?

Yes, to prevent sticking and ensure easy flipping.

Can I add eggs to the filling?

You can! Scramble them lightly before mixing them in for a breakfast-style pot pie.

How do I make the crust extra crispy?

Brush with extra butter and bake a few extra minutes for a golden, crispier crust.

Conclusion

Pizza pot pies are a fun, delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a pizza in a warm, comforting dish. With their crispy crust, gooey cheese, and savory filling, they’re perfect for family meals, game nights, or whenever you crave something unique. Customize them to suit your tastes, and enjoy this cozy, satisfying dish any time!

Print