Pizza Pot Pies: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up Recipe
Pizza Pot Pies combine the comforting flavors of pizza with the cozy appeal of individual pot pies, featuring a flaky pizza dough crust filled with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and Italian herbs baked to golden perfection. This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for a fun dinner or party treat.
- Author: lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 individual pot pies 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Crust
- 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)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the pot pies perfectly.
- Prepare Ramekins: Lightly grease 4-6 small ramekins or oven-safe bowls depending on their size to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about 1/8 inch thickness to create a thin yet sturdy crust for the pot pies.
- Cut Dough Shapes: Cut the dough into circles or squares large enough to fit into your ramekins with about 1 inch of dough hanging over the sides to allow for folding over.
- Form Crusts: Gently press the dough into the bottoms and sides of each ramekin to form a crust, making sure it adheres well to the shape.
- Add Sauce: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce into the bottom of each dough-lined ramekin to create a flavorful base.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce for that classic melty pizza texture.
- Add Toppings: Place a few slices of pepperoni or your choice of other toppings like sausage or vegetables evenly over the cheese layer.
- Season the Filling: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes over the filling to enhance the flavor profile.
- Top with Cheese and Fold Dough: Add more mozzarella cheese on top, then fold the overhanging dough to partially cover the filling, creating a sealed top crust.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Brush the top of each pot pie with olive oil if desired for a golden, crispy finish once baked.
- Bake: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool: Allow the pot pies to cool for 5 minutes after baking to set and avoid burning when served.
- Serve: Serve the pizza pot pies hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping to enjoy a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings with your favorite pizza ingredients such as sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
- Brushing the dough with olive oil before baking helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Use small ramekins or oven-safe bowls to create individual servings; adjust the amount of dough and fillings accordingly.
- Let the pot pies cool slightly to prevent burns and help the filling set.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
Keywords: pizza pot pies, individual pot pies, pizza dough recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, baked pizza