Pizza pot pies
Pizza pot pies are little pockets of happiness filled with all the best pizza flavors—think gooey cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings all wrapped up in a flaky…
Tip: save now, cook later.Pizza pot pies are little pockets of happiness filled with all the best pizza flavors—think gooey cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings all wrapped up in a flaky crust. They’re like a personal pizza and a pot pie had a delicious baby, perfect for when you want something fun and comforting.
I love making these because they’re so versatile. You can load them with pepperoni, veggies, or even keep it simple with just cheese and sauce. I like to make a batch ahead of time and bake them up whenever a pizza craving hits, which keeps everyone happy and avoids the delivery wait.
They’re great for sharing at family dinners or taking to a party, since they’re a perfect hand-held snack that doesn’t get messy. I often serve them with a little side of salad or some crunchy garlic knots, which makes the meal feel complete but still casual and easygoing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian sausage or ground beef: This adds meaty flavor and richness. For a vegetarian option, try cooked mushrooms or plant-based sausage. I sometimes skip meat to keep things lighter.
Pizza sauce: A good-quality pizza or marinara sauce sets the base flavor. If you’re in a pinch, tomato sauce with some garlic and Italian seasoning works great.
Mozzarella cheese: Use shredded mozzarella for the melty, cheesy layer inside and on top. You can swap in provolone or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a different twist.
Puff pastry or pie crust: Puff pastry makes a flaky, golden crust, but pie crust works well too. For gluten-free options, try gluten-free pie crusts available in stores.
Italian seasoning: Blends oregano, basil, and thyme for that classic pizza flavor. Fresh herbs work nicely if you have them, but dried herbs are super convenient.
How Do You Get the Crust Perfectly Flaky and Golden?
Getting that golden, flaky crust is key! Here’s how I make it happen:
- Keep your puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. Warm dough won’t puff up as well.
- Brush the dough with beaten egg before baking. This gives it a beautiful shiny, golden finish.
- Cut small vents in the dough top to allow steam to escape. This helps prevent soggy crust and keeps it crisp.
- Bake the pies on the middle rack for even heat, and watch for that golden color—usually about 20-25 minutes.
These little touches make the crust a delicious contrast to the saucy filling inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Small cast iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins – perfect for making individual pies that cook evenly and look great served straight from the pan.
- Sharp knife – for cutting vents in the dough so steam escapes and your crust stays crisp.
- Pastry brush – helps you brush the egg wash on the dough for a shiny, golden crust.
- Mixing bowl – to stir meat, sauce, and cheese together before filling the pies.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely handling hot skillets coming out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Italian sausage for cooked chicken or meatballs for a different protein boost that still pairs well with pizza flavors.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach inside for extra veggie goodness and color.
- Mix in different cheeses like provolone or Parmesan alongside mozzarella for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the filling for a spicy kick when you want a little heat.
How to Make Pizza Pot Pies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage or ground beef (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 cup (120 g) sliced pepperoni
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 sheet refrigerated puff pastry or pie crust dough (enough to cover 4 small cast iron skillets or ramekins)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 20-25 minutes to bake, and a few minutes to cool before serving. So, plan for around 35-40 minutes total to enjoy warm, cheesy pizza pot pies fresh from the oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Filling:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage or ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until fully cooked and browned, then drain any excess fat. Stir in the pizza sauce and dried Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
2. Prepare the Pies:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half the shredded mozzarella cheese and the sliced pepperoni. Lightly grease four small cast iron skillets or ramekins. Divide the meat and sauce mixture evenly between them. Next, cut the puff pastry or pie crust dough into four circles, each large enough to cover a skillet with some extra to seal around the edges.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top of each filling, then add a few more pepperoni slices if you like. Cover each skillet with a dough circle, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Brush the dough tops with the beaten egg to give a beautiful golden color during baking. Using a sharp knife, cut small slits in the dough tops to let steam escape. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is puffed and golden brown.
4. Serve:
Carefully remove the pot pies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, then serve warm right in the skillet for a comforting and fun meal. Enjoy your personal pizza pot pies!
Can I Use Frozen Meat for the Filling?
Yes, you can use frozen Italian sausage or ground beef, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better texture in your filling.
Can I Make Pizza Pot Pies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the pies up to the point before baking, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, brush with egg wash and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza pot pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the crust crisp, or microwave if short on time (though the crust may soften).
Can I Customize the Fillings?
Definitely! Feel free to swap in your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or cooked chicken. Just adjust the quantities to fit the size of your skillets and keep the filling balanced for the best bake.
