Let me tell you about my absolute favorite twist on pizza: Pizza Pot Pies! Imagine all the flavors you love about traditional pizza, but tucked away in a flaky, golden crust and baked to perfection. These little beauties are not just delicious; they’re super fun to make and even more fun to eat! Each pot pie is perfectly portioned, making them a hit for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up—just roll out some pie crusts, fill them with your favorite toppings, and let the oven do the magic. Trust me, once you take that first bite and feel the gooey cheese and savory toppings melt in your mouth, you’ll be hooked. So, are you ready to dive into this scrumptious adventure?
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delectable Pizza Pot Pies:
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (you can find these in the baking aisle)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (the gooier, the better!)
- 1 cup diced pepperoni (or any other protein you love)
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (I love using a mix of colors for that pop!)
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned work well)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that extra cheesy goodness on top)
- 1 egg, beaten (this will be your egg wash to give that lovely golden finish)
Don’t hesitate to get creative—these pies are perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some olives, spinach, or even a drizzle of pesto for a unique twist. Just remember to keep an eye on your ingredient amounts so that everything fits snugly into those adorable crusts! Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Pizza Pot Pies
Preparing these Pizza Pot Pies is a delightful journey! Follow these simple steps to create individual crusty delights that’ll have everyone coming back for more. Let’s get started!
Preheat the Oven
First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your pies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden brown. A hot oven helps create that irresistible flaky crust while cooking the filling just right. So don’t skip this step; your pies will thank you!
Prepare the Pie Crusts
Next, let’s roll out those pie crusts! Take your package of refrigerated pie crusts and gently unroll them on a clean surface. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles that are about 4–5 inches in diameter. You’ll need about 24 circles total—enough for the bottom and top of each pie. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; a little rustic charm makes them even cuter!
Assemble the Filling
Now comes the fun part—filling those crusts! Place each round pie crust into a muffin tin, making sure they sit snugly. Start by spooning a generous amount of pizza sauce into each crust, just enough to cover the bottom. Then, sprinkle a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by a layer of diced pepperoni, sliced bell peppers, and mushrooms. Be careful not to overfill them; you want to leave a little room at the top to avoid any spills while baking. Finally, top it off with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra cheesy goodness!
Sealing the Pies
It’s time to seal those delicious pockets of goodness! Take another round of pie crust and place it on top of the filled crusts. Make sure to press the edges together firmly to seal them well. To ensure that they don’t pop open while baking, you can crimp the edges with a fork or pinch them with your fingers. Just be sure there are no gaps—nobody wants a cheesy mess in the oven!
Baking Instructions
Now, let’s bake these beauties! Before popping them in the oven, brush the tops with your beaten egg to give them that lovely golden finish. Bake your Pizza Pot Pies for about 20–25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and puffed up. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes—your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll want to make sure they don’t over-bake. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving—trust me, the wait is worth it!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your Pizza Pot Pies turn out absolutely perfect? Here are my top tips! First, don’t be afraid to customize your toppings—try adding some cooked sausage, olives, or even fresh basil for a burst of flavor. The beauty of these pies is their versatility! If you’re short on time, using store-bought pizza sauce is a total lifesaver and still tastes great. Also, if you want to prep ahead, these pot pies freeze beautifully before baking. Just assemble them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Easy peasy! Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Can I use different fillings?
Absolutely! One of the best things about Pizza Pot Pies is their flexibility. You can mix and match your favorite fillings based on what you love or have on hand. Try adding cooked sausage for some extra protein, or go veggie-heavy with spinach, zucchini, or artichokes. You can even experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist! The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any Pizza Pot Pies left over (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. This way, you’ll enjoy that crispy crust again without losing any of the deliciousness!
Can I make these ahead of time?
You bet! These Pizza Pot Pies are perfect for making ahead. You can assemble them and freeze them before baking. Just wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. It’s a great way to have a quick and tasty meal ready to go whenever you need it!
Nutritional Information Section
Curious about what’s in these delightful Pizza Pot Pies? Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per pie. Each serving contains about 250 calories, with 12 grams of fat and 8 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 30 grams of carbohydrates, along with 2 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fiber. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and toppings. So go ahead, indulge a little—these pot pies are a delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Customizable with your favorite toppings, so everyone can enjoy their own personal pie.
- Individual servings make them fun for gatherings or family dinners.
- Deliciously gooey cheese and savory fillings wrapped in a flaky crust—what’s not to love?
- They freeze beautifully, making them a great make-ahead meal option!
Serving Suggestions
To create a truly delightful meal, pair your Pizza Pot Pies with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple mixed greens salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect complement, adding a refreshing crunch to balance the savory pies. You might also consider serving them with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—oh wow, that’s a game changer! For drinks, a chilled sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a light Italian red wine can elevate your meal. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a side of garlic bread never hurts. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Pizza Pot Pies: 7 Cheesy Bites to Satisfy Your Cravings
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
Description
A delicious twist on traditional pizza, baked in individual pie form.
Ingredients
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the pie crusts and cut them into circles.
- Place the circles into muffin tins.
- Fill each crust with pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with another pie crust circle and seal the edges.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Use store-bought pizza sauce for convenience.
- These can be frozen before baking for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Pizza Pot Pies