Pizza Pot Pies Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a fun twist on pizza night, this Pizza Pot Pies Recipe is exactly what you need. These individual pot pies combine all your favorite pizza flavors wrapped snugly in golden, flaky dough—perfect for those nights when you want something handheld yet hearty. I love making these when the weather cools down or for casual gatherings because they’re easy to personalize and just so satisfying.
What makes this Pizza Pot Pies Recipe truly special is its ease and versatility—you can whip it up with store-bought dough for a quick fix or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Plus, each pot pie is like a mini pizza adventure, packed with gooey cheese, zesty marinara, and your favorite toppings all bubbling together. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pizza Pot Pies Recipe plays a key role in that classic pizza flavor profile, while also working beautifully inside a crispy crust. Using quality cheese and a flavorful sauce really brings this meal to life, and having a good dough base holds everything together perfectly without sogginess.
- Pizza Dough: I usually grab refrigerated pizza dough for ease, but homemade pizza dough adds an extra tasty touch if you have the time.
- Marinara Sauce or Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce, or make a simple one at home to keep it fresh and flavorful.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts best—pre-shredded can be fine but sometimes doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Pepperoni Slices (or toppings): Pepperoni is classic, but feel free to switch it up with sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives depending on what you like.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a punch of salty, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella beautifully.
- Dried Oregano and Basil: These herbs bring that authentic pizza seasoning right into your pot pie.
- Garlic Powder: Gives a subtle depth and warmth to the filling.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): I sprinkle some in when I want a little heat, but it’s totally up to you.
- Olive Oil (for brushing): Brushing the dough tops with olive oil helps achieve a golden, shiny finish.
Variations
I like to tweak this Pizza Pot Pies Recipe often depending on the mood or what’s in my fridge. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—adding different veggies, trying other cheeses, or making it spicier—you really can’t go wrong.
- Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped out regular dough for a gluten-free crust mix with great success. Just watch the baking time a bit as it may vary.
- Vegetarian: Instead of pepperoni, I love adding things like spinach, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms for a veggie-packed option.
- Extra Cheese: Sometimes I go full cheese lover mode and add a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for a richer filling.
- Spicy Kick: Adding hot Italian sausage or more red pepper flakes turns these pot pies into a fiery delight.
How to Make Pizza Pot Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Dough and Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness so it’s easy to cut into rounds. For the filling, mix together your marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This combo gives you that classic pizza flavor packed into every bite.
Step 2: Assemble Your Pot Pies
Cut dough rounds slightly larger than your muffin tins or ramekins, then gently press them in. Spoon a generous amount of the sauce and cheese mixture into each, top with pepperoni or your chosen toppings, then seal with another dough round. Trim and pinch the edges tightly to avoid leaks—this step makes a big difference to keep your pot pies tidy and the filling inside!
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Brush the tops with olive oil for a beautiful golden color, then pop them in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they turn a lovely golden brown and the filling starts bubbling—this tells you they’re perfectly cooked. Let them cool a bit before digging in; the filling will be piping hot!
How to Serve Pizza Pot Pies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of green and fresh aroma, which brightens the rich tomato and cheese flavors beautifully. A little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add a nice finishing touch, too.
Side Dishes
Serve these pot pies with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies on the side to balance out the richness. Garlic breadsticks or a light pasta salad also complement the pizza flavors nicely without being too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging these Pizza Pot Pies Recipe on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra toppings or dipping sauces like ranch or spicy marinara. Kids especially enjoy them if I cut them into “mini sliders” to share easily. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy your meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for about 3 days, making for an easy next-day lunch that feels special but doesn’t take any extra prep.
Freezing
I’ve frozen assembled but unbaked Pizza Pot Pies Recipe wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to bake, I just thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as usual—super convenient for busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftovers back in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to crispen the crust again. Microwaving works if you’re in a rush but tends to make the crust soft, so baking is my preferred method for the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade pizza dough for Pizza Pot Pies Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade dough adds wonderful flavor and texture to these pot pies. Just make sure your dough is rolled out evenly and not too thick so it bakes through properly without soggy spots.
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What other toppings work well in Pizza Pot Pies Recipe?
Feel free to get creative! Sausage, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and spinach all make fantastic additions. Just be mindful not to overload so the dough seals properly.
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Can I make Pizza Pot Pies Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies or use a plant-based meat substitute. The cheese and sauce carry plenty of flavor on their own.
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How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Make sure to pinch the edges of the dough tightly and avoid overfilling your pies. Brushing the edges with a little water before sealing can help them stick better too.
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What’s the best way to reheat Pizza Pot Pies?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crispy and the cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent a soggy crust.
Final Thoughts
This Pizza Pot Pies Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it’s the perfect blend of childhood pizza night nostalgia with a cozy, new twist. It’s a recipe that invites creativity and feels celebratory yet totally approachable for busy weeknights. I hope you give it a try—you might just find it becoming your family’s new favorite way to enjoy pizza in a handheld, fun form!
PrintPizza Pot Pies Recipe
These Pizza Pot Pies are an easy and fun twist on traditional pizza, featuring a flaky pizza dough crust filled with marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian herbs. Perfect for an individual serving or as a creative appetizer, these pot pies combine the comforting flavors of pizza with a convenient handheld pie format.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 individual pot pies 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough)
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings such as sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing
- Olive oil for brushing (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your surface and roll out the pizza dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the dough into circles large enough to fit into small ramekins or muffin tins with some overhang.
- Fill the pot pies: Place each dough circle into the ramekin or muffin cup, pressing down gently. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce into each dough base. Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, then pepperoni slices or your chosen toppings. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Top the pies: Place another dough circle over the filling. Pinch the edges of the top and bottom dough circles to seal the pot pie firmly. Cut a small slit on the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
- Brush and bake: Optionally brush the tops with olive oil for a golden finish. Bake the pot pies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pot pies from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before removing from the ramekins or muffin tins. Serve warm as a delicious handheld treat or appetizer.
Notes
- Use your favorite pizza toppings to customize these pot pies to your liking.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough cups for 5 minutes before adding the filling.
- These pot pies can be made ahead and refrigerated; simply reheat in the oven before serving.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- Ensure the filling is not too wet to avoid soggy crusts.
Keywords: pizza pot pies, mini pizza pies, baked pizza, individual pizzas, appetizer, easy pizza recipe, handheld pizza
