Ultimate Comfort Food Mash-Up

This pizza pot pie recipe transforms classic pizza into adorable individual servings that combine the best of pizza and pot pie. The result is a bubbling, cheesy treasure with a golden crust that delights both kids and adults alike. I created these on a rainy weekend when we couldn't decide between pizza night and comfort food, and they've been a requested favorite ever since.

I first made these during a game night with friends, and everyone was fighting over seconds. Now they're our go to option when we want something more special than regular pizza but just as satisfying.

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: Refrigerated or homemade for the perfect vessel to hold all your toppings
• Marinara sauce: Provides the classic pizza base flavor; use a good quality one with herbs
• Mozzarella cheese: The stretchy, melty goodness that makes pizza irresistible
• Pepperoni slices: Add that classic pizza flavor and a hint of spice
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty dimension that elevates the flavor
• Dried oregano and basil: Essential for authentic Italian pizza flavor
• Garlic powder: Infuses the entire dish with aromatic flavor
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but recommended for adults who enjoy a hint of heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Ramekins:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease 4 to 6 ramekins or oven-safe bowls. The size of your ramekins will determine how many pot pies you can make. Ensure they're thoroughly greased to prevent sticking which can ruin the presentation.

Prepare the Dough:

Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until it reaches about 1/8 inch thickness. Work quickly but gently to avoid overworking the dough which can make it tough. The dough should be thin enough to be pliable but thick enough to hold your fillings.

Form the Crusts:

Cut the dough into circles or squares large enough to drape over your ramekins with about an inch of overhang all around. Gently press the dough into each ramekin creating a little pizza bowl. Make sure there are no tears or thin spots that could leak during baking.

Add the Base Layer:

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce into each dough-lined ramekin creating an even layer on the bottom. This first layer of sauce keeps the bottom crust from getting soggy and provides that classic pizza flavor foundation.

Layer the Cheese and Toppings:

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese over the sauce followed by your pepperoni or other toppings of choice. The cheese under the toppings helps them stay in place and ensures proper melting throughout the pot pie.

Add Seasonings and More Cheese:

Sprinkle each pot pie with Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, garlic powder and, if desired, red pepper flakes. These seasonings infuse throughout the pot pie as it bakes. Top with another layer of mozzarella for that perfect cheesy finish.

Create the Pot Pie Top:

Fold the overhanging dough toward the center to partially cover the filling creating that signature pot pie look. Leave some of the filling exposed in the center to allow steam to escape and to showcase the delicious contents within.

Brush and Bake:

Brush the dough tops with olive oil for a beautiful golden finish and place the ramekins on a baking sheet to catch any potential overflow. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbling.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the pot pies to cool for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth on the extremely hot filling.

Save

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment you break through the golden crust with your fork and watch the melted cheese stretch upward. It reminds me of those perfect pizza commercials but it's happening right on your dinner table. My daughter calls it the cheese rainbow moment and waits for it every time.

Make Ahead Magic

These pizza pot pies are perfect for meal prep. You can assemble them completely up to 2 days ahead of time and store covered in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, simply bake as directed adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time. The convenience factor makes these perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have time for full dinner prep.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these pot pies into a complete meal by serving alongside a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. The fresh crisp greens balance the richness of the pot pies perfectly. For a more substantial meal, add garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into any extra marinara sauce. I often serve these with small bowls of additional warmed marinara on the side for those who enjoy extra sauce with every bite.

Freezer Friendly Option

These pot pies freeze beautifully making them perfect for future quick meals. Assemble them completely but do not bake. Freeze them in their ramekins until solid, then wrap each tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight then bake as directed adding about 10 minutes to the baking time. The convenience of pulling these from the freezer makes impromptu pizza nights effortless.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these pizza pot pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pot pies up to 2 days in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

→ What can I use if I don't have ramekins?

If you don't have ramekins, you can use muffin tins for mini versions or even mini pie pans. Just adjust the amount of dough and filling based on the size of your containers.

→ How do I ensure the bottom crust gets crispy?

For a crispier bottom crust, you can place your ramekins directly on a preheated pizza stone or an inverted baking sheet. This helps conduct heat more directly to the bottom of the pies.

→ What are some good topping combinations for pizza pot pies?

Besides the classic pepperoni, try combinations like sausage and mushroom, bell peppers and onions for a veggie option, or ham and pineapple for a Hawaiian twist. You can also experiment with different cheeses like fontina, provolone, or goat cheese.

→ Can I freeze these pizza pot pies?

Yes, these freeze well! Prepare them through assembly, then freeze in the ramekins until solid. Transfer to freezer bags and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

→ How do I know when my pizza pot pies are done baking?

Your pot pies are ready when the dough turns golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and bubbling. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F if you're using meat toppings.