Name: Pizza Pot Pies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough); 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); Olive oil for brushing (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you love all things pizza but are craving a cozy, comforting twist, then Pizza Pot Pies are about to become your new favorite meal. Imagine all the classic flavors of a pizza packed into a personal pot pie, featuring a flaky, golden crust hugging bubbling mozzarella, tangy marinara, and your favorite toppings. It’s the perfect handheld dinner that’s both fun and flavorful, ideal for satisfying pizza cravings with a delightful homemade touch. Pizza Pot Pies bring the best of both worlds straight to your table, making every bite an irresistible adventure.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a delicious harmony of flavor and texture. Each one plays a key role in making your Pizza Pot Pies irresistibly cheesy, saucy, and perfectly seasoned.

Refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade pizza dough): Provides a tender, flaky crust that encases all the yummy fillings.
Marinara sauce or pizza sauce: Adds a rich, tangy tomato base bursting with classic Italian flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, delivering that signature pizza cheesiness.
Pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings): Gives a savory punch and a bit of spice, but feel free to customize with mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish that elevates every bite.
Dried oregano and dried basil: Infuse an herby depth that’s foundational to authentic pizza flavor.
Garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic undertone that complements the tomato and cheese.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat for those who love a gentle kick.
Olive oil for brushing (optional): Creates a golden, crisp crust with a subtle richness on top.

How to Make Pizza Pot Pies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ramekins

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a perfectly baked crust and bubbly cheese later on. Meanwhile, lightly grease 4 to 6 small ramekins or oven-safe bowls to keep your pizza pot pies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Roll Out and Shape the Dough

Roll your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. This thinness will help the crust bake evenly and get delightfully crispy. Cut out circles or squares slightly larger than the diameter of your ramekins, leaving about an inch of dough to hang over the edges. This overhang is key for folding over and sealing your pie like a gift waiting to be opened.

Step 3: Form the Crust in Each Ramekin

Gently press the dough circles into the bottoms and up the sides of each ramekin, creating a homemade crust with walls to hold all the delicious fillings. This step shapes your vessel for the fantastic pizza flavors coming next.

Step 4: Layer the Classic Pizza Flavors

Spoon 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce into the bottom of each crust, spreading it slightly to coat. Top with 2 to 3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese, then add a few pepperoni slices or your preferred toppings like mushrooms or olives. Sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for depth and a hint of spice.

Step 5: Top and Seal Your Pizza Pot Pies

Add a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top of the fillings. Then take the dough overhang and fold it partially over the cheese, sealing in all those amazing flavors while still showing off a peek of your cheesy filling beneath. Brush the crust with olive oil for a gorgeous golden finish after baking, if you like.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy

Place the filled ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Let the pies cool for about 5 minutes—this rest time helps everything settle in perfectly. Serve your hot, luscious Pizza Pot Pies with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping, and get ready to indulge in a fun, cozy meal.

How to Serve Pizza Pot Pies

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or a little extra dried oregano on top for an aromatic finish that brightens each bite. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a flavorful pop if you want to mix it up.

Side Dishes

These hearty little pies pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the richness. Garlic breadsticks or a simple Caesar salad also complement Pizza Pot Pies beautifully, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving these pot pies in colorful ramekins to match your dinnerware theme or place them on rustic wooden boards for a cozy, cafe-style presentation. Offering dipping sauces like spicy marinara, creamy ranch, or even a tangy blue cheese dressing invites everyone to customize their meal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Pizza Pot Pies, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place them in airtight containers to keep them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften a bit, but the flavor remains wonderful.

Freezing

Pizza Pot Pies freeze beautifully. Assemble them but do not bake, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, place the pies in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different dough for Pizza Pot Pies?

Absolutely! While refrigerated pizza dough is convenient, homemade pizza dough, biscuit dough, or even puff pastry can work wonderfully depending on your texture preference.

What are some great alternative toppings?

Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, caramelized onions, or even pineapple can add exciting flavors to your Pizza Pot Pies.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Making sure to lightly grease your ramekins, rolling the dough thin, and baking until golden helps, but also avoid overloading with sauce. A thicker pizza sauce can reduce sogginess as well.

Can I make Pizza Pot Pies vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies like spinach, mushrooms, olives, and various cheeses for a delicious vegetarian version anyone will love.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pizza dough available at many grocery stores or make your own gluten-free dough to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Pizza Pot Pies are such a joyful way to enjoy familiar flavors in a fun, new form. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, their ease and versatility make them a standout dish any night of the week. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your next favorite comfort food!

Pizza Pot Pies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 individual pot pies 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Pizza Pot Pies combine the flavors of classic pizza with the comfort of savory pot pies. These individual servings feature a crispy pizza dough crust filled with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian seasonings, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a fun, customizable dinner or snack.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking golden, bubbly pot pies.
Prepare Ramekins: Lightly grease 4-6 small ramekins or oven-safe bowls depending on their size to prevent the dough from sticking.
Roll Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness for a thin, crisp crust.
Cut Dough: Cut the dough into circles or squares that will fit into each ramekin, leaving about 1 inch of dough overhanging the sides to fold over the filling.
Form Crust: Gently press the dough into the bottom and sides of each ramekin, creating a sturdy base and walls for the filling.
Add Sauce: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of marinara or pizza sauce into the bottom of each crust for a flavorful base layer.
Layer Cheese: Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce to add gooey, melting cheese texture.
Add Toppings: Place a few slices of pepperoni or your preferred toppings evenly over the cheese layer.
Season: Sprinkle grated Parmesan, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes over the toppings for an extra burst of Italian flavor.
Top and Seal: Add more mozzarella cheese on top, then fold the overhanging dough partially over the filling to create a rustic pot pie top.
Brush with Olive Oil: Optionally brush the dough tops with olive oil to achieve a golden, glossy finish once baked.
Bake: Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool: Allow the pot pies to cool for about 5 minutes to set and make them easier to serve.
Serve: Serve hot, optionally with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Feel free to customize toppings with any pizza favorites such as sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
Keep an eye on the pot pies during baking to prevent burning, as ovens vary.
If making homemade dough, ensure it is rolled to an even thickness for uniform baking.
Optional olive oil brush enhances crust color and texture but can be omitted for a lighter finish.
Leftover pizza pot pies can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American