Pizza pot pies are a fun twist on two classic favorites—pizza and pot pie! Picture a flaky, golden crust hugging all your favorite pizza toppings, like gooey cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and savory pepperoni or veggies, all tucked inside a little pie that’s perfect for holding in your hands. They’re bite-sized pockets of pizza goodness that make mealtime extra exciting.
I love making these because they’re so easy to customize. You can load them up with whatever toppings you like, from mushrooms and olives to sausage and extra cheese. One tip I always follow is to make sure the crust is nice and crispy on the outside but soft and melty inside—that’s the perfect combo. I find they’re great for when I want to serve something easy but still special, especially for a casual dinner or a fun snack at a party.
When I serve pizza pot pies, I usually bring out a big bowl of marinara for dipping, which makes the flavors even better. They’re also fantastic warm or even at room temperature, so they’re perfect for packing in lunches or bringing to gatherings. Every time I make them, they disappear quickly—everyone seems to agree that these little pies are something special and totally satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Pizza Dough
- Using store-bought dough saves time, but homemade dough gives a fresher, chewier texture. You can also use biscuit dough for a quicker option, though it will be softer and less crisp.
- Pizza Sauce
- Marinara or any tomato-based sauce works well. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of chili flakes to your sauce. For a creamier option, try pesto or Alfredo sauce instead.
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but shredded mozzarella is easier to use. Feel free to add a blend like provolone or cheddar for extra flavor.
- Pepperoni and Toppings
- Pepperoni is classic, but sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives are great choices. Make sure toppings are pre-cooked if needed to avoid extra moisture inside the pot pie.
How Do I Get a Crispy Crust Without Soggy Bottoms?
The secret to a crispy crust is to preheat your oven well and grease your baking dishes. Pressing the dough evenly along the rim helps crust cook uniformly.
- Use a well-oiled ramekin or pan to prevent sticking.
- Don’t overload with sauce or wet toppings; too much moisture softens the crust.
- Brush the top crust with olive oil for a pretty golden finish and extra crunch.
- Make small slits on top so steam escapes and doesn’t make the dough soggy inside.
Letting the pot pies rest a few minutes after baking helps the filling settle, so it’s not too runny when you cut into it.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe ramekins or small cast-iron skillets – perfect for shaping and baking individual pot pies with even heat.
- Rolling pin – helps you roll out pizza dough evenly to fit your ramekins or skillets.
- Baking sheet – to place the ramekins on for easy handling and catching any drips in the oven.
- Pastry brush – great for brushing olive oil on the crust to get that nice golden color and crisp texture.
- Sharp knife or kitchen scissors – for cutting dough rounds and making slits for steam to escape.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pepperoni for cooked Italian sausage or bacon for a different meaty flavor that’s just as tasty.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies and a fresh twist.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for a stronger cheesy taste everyone will love.
- Try adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano inside the filling for a burst of bright, aromatic flavors.
How to Make Pizza Pot Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough and Crust:
- 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
For The Filling:
- 1 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni (or preferred pizza toppings like sausage, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley or basil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to bake. After baking, let the pot pies cool for around 5 minutes before serving. In total, expect about 35 minutes from start to table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Ramekins:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease 4-6 oven-safe ramekins or small cast-iron skillets to prevent sticking.
2. Shape the Dough:
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut dough rounds slightly larger than your ramekins or skillets. Press the dough into each ramekin, shaping it so it goes up the sides like a little dough cup.
3. Add the Filling:
Inside each dough cup, spoon a few tablespoons of pizza sauce. Next, add half of the mozzarella cheese and your choice of toppings such as pepperoni. Add a bit more sauce on top, then the remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle grated Parmesan and dried Italian seasoning evenly over the top.
4. Seal and Bake:
Cover each ramekin with another dough round, sealing the edges by pinching or folding the dough over the base layer. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to let steam escape while baking. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil for a golden finish.
Bake in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese bubbles inside.
5. Cool and Serve:
Take the pot pies out of the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you like. Serve warm, with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping if desired. Enjoy your cheesy, delicious pizza pot pies!
Can I Use Frozen Pizza Dough for Pizza Pot Pies?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before using. Bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to handle.
What Are Good Substitutes for Pepperoni?
Feel free to swap pepperoni with cooked sausage, ham, mushrooms, or any veggies you like. Just make sure any raw toppings are pre-cooked to avoid excess moisture inside the pot pies.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza Pot Pies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy, or microwave for convenience but expect a softer crust.
Can I Make Pizza Pot Pies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the pot pies, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake them directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time as needed.