Name: Pizza Pot Pies: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up 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 have a soft spot for comfort food, then you are absolutely going to adore Pizza Pot Pies: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up. Imagine the cozy warmth of a classic pot pie combined with the bold, cheesy, and savory flavors of your favorite pizza. Each bite delivers a golden, buttery crust hugging melted mozzarella, zesty marinara, and your choice of toppings, all baked to bubbly perfection. This dish transforms pizza night into something extra special and comforting, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging in a solo treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Pizza Pot Pies: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential, bringing together the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The dough offers a soft, flaky base, while the cheeses melt delectably to create that irresistible pizza gooeyness. The herbs and spices bring in earthiness and a touch of zest, making each pie sing with flavor.

Refrigerated pizza dough: Convenient and easy to work with, it forms the perfect crust for these pot pies.
Marinara or pizza sauce: Bursting with tomato goodness, it’s the tangy foundation that keeps every bite juicy.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, stringy heart of the dish that brings cheesy comfort.
Pepperoni slices (or other toppings): Adds a savory punch; feel free to swap with mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or sausage for your personal twist.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a delightful sharpness for depth of flavor.
Dried oregano: A classic herb that adds that unmistakable Italian aroma.
Dried basil: Sweet and slightly peppery, perfect for layering flavor.
Garlic powder: Infuses the filling with a subtle garlicky warmth.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Just the right kick of heat if you like things spicy.
Olive oil: For brushing the crust to achieve a gorgeous golden finish.

How to Make Pizza Pot Pies: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ramekins

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, grease your small ramekins or oven-safe bowls with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking because no one wants a crust that refuses to come out after all that effort.

Step 2: Roll and Shape the Dough

Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness—it should be thin enough to crisp up but sturdy enough to hold the fillings. Cut the dough into circles or squares big enough to line your ramekins with about an inch hanging over the edges.

Step 3: Build the Crusts

Gently press dough pieces into each ramekin, cushioning the bottom and sides like you’re cradling a treasure. This crust is going to hold all the warm, melty goodness, so be sure to make it nice and even.

Step 4: Layer the Flavor

Spoon roughly 2 tablespoons of your marinara sauce into the bottom of each crust. Next, sprinkle a thick layer of shredded mozzarella over the sauce to create a cheesy bed. Then, add your pepperoni slices or chosen toppings on top, ensuring a good balance of ingredients in every pie.

Step 5: Season and Top Off

Scatter a modest amount of grated Parmesan, oregano, basil, and garlic powder over the toppings, adding red pepper flakes if you want a little fire. Finally, crown each pie with extra mozzarella cheese, then fold the overhanging dough partially over the filling for that classic pot pie look.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Give the tops a light brush with olive oil to encourage a golden, crispy finish. Arrange the ramekins on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for bubbling cheese and a beautifully browned crust—that’s your green light.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

After baking, let the pies sit for about 5 minutes to settle and cool just enough to enjoy without burning your mouth. Serve hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping — it’s the perfect way to elevate every bite.

How to Serve Pizza Pot Pies: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up

Garnishes

Finish your pizza pot pies with some fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. A dash of grated Parmesan on top right before serving amps up the cheesy goodness, making every serving look irresistible.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pies. Garlic bread sticks or roasted veggies also complement the flavors well and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these pies in their individual ramekins straight from the oven for a charming rustic appeal. For a fun twist, try mini versions as party appetizers or add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet-savory contrast that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the pies tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftover filling and dough components to airtight containers. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ready to be enjoyed again without losing their charm.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze assembled but unbaked pot pies in tightly sealed containers or wrapped snugly in foil. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw them overnight before baking to ensure even cooking.

Reheating

Reheat your pizza pot pies in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warm and bubbly. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crisp crust; the oven method preserves the delightful textures you fell in love with.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade dough adds a personal touch and can make the pot pies even more special. Just make sure it’s rolled out to the right thickness so it cooks evenly inside the ramekins.

What toppings work best in Pizza Pot Pies: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up?

The options are endless! Pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even fresh spinach all work wonderfully. Just remember to chop larger ingredients into smaller pieces to fit nicely in the pies.

Is it possible to make these pies vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply skip the meat toppings and load up on vegetables and cheeses. You can also add plant-based sausage or pepperoni for the same comfort without the meat.

Can I prepare these pot pies in advance?

Yes, you can assemble them a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge, to ensure they’re heated through properly.

Why are these called Pizza Pot Pies?

Because they brilliantly combine the cozy, hand-held nature of pot pies with all the beloved flavors of pizza. The result is Pizza Pot Pies: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up you’ll want to make again and again.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magically satisfying about Pizza Pot Pies: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up. They bring together the best of both worlds — comforting, warm pockets of pizza goodness that are just begging to be shared. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner to wow your family or a unique dish for entertaining friends, these pot pies will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making this delightful comfort food mash-up today!

Pizza Pot Pies: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 5 reviews

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

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Description

Pizza Pot Pies combine the comforting flavors of classic pizza with the cozy presentation of a pot pie. Using refrigerated or homemade pizza dough filled with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Italian herbs, these individual pies bake to golden, cheesy perfection—a fun and delicious twist perfect for any pizza lover craving a warm, satisfying meal.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure proper baking temperature for the dough and toppings.
Prepare Ramekins: Lightly grease 4-6 small ramekins or oven-safe bowls, depending on their size, to prevent sticking and ease removal of the pot pies.
Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness to create a pliable crust.
Cut Dough Shapes: Cut the rolled dough into circles or squares large enough to fit inside your ramekins, allowing about 1 inch of dough to hang over the edges for sealing.
Form Crusts: Gently press the dough into the bottoms and sides of each ramekin, shaping it into a crust base for the filling.
Add Sauce Layer: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of pizza or marinara sauce into the bottom of each crust to provide a saucy base.
Layer Cheese: Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce in each ramekin.
Add Toppings: Place a few slices of pepperoni or other desired toppings on top of the mozzarella cheese.
Season Filling: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the fillings for added flavor.
Top and Seal: Add more mozzarella cheese on top, then fold the overhanging dough over part of the filling to create a partially covered pot pie top.
Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the tops with olive oil to help achieve a golden-brown and crispy finish during baking (optional).
Bake: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the dough is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool Slightly: Let the pot pies cool for about 5 minutes to allow fillings to settle and prevent burning when eating.
Serve: Serve the pizza pot pies hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Feel free to customize the toppings by adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for variety.
If making homemade dough, ensure it is chilled before rolling for easier handling.
The olive oil brush is optional but helps create a beautifully browned crust.
Use oven mitts when removing ramekins as they will be very hot.
These pot pies can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American