Irresistible Pizza Pot Pie Recipe: A Delicious & Comforting Twist for Pizza Lovers

Pizza Pot Pie: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite

Love pizza? Love pot pie? Then this Pizza Pot Pie recipe is for you! This dish combines the best of both worlds—gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings, baked under a flaky, golden crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make at home. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

History of Pizza Pot Pie

While pizza pot pie are both beloved dishes, their combination isn’t as common as you’d think. The Pizza Pot Pie was popularized in Chicago, where deep-dish pizza reigns supreme. This dish takes inspiration from that famous deep-dish style, but instead of a solid crust on the bottom, it’s served upside-down—baked in a bowl and flipped onto a plate for a dramatic, cheesy reveal!

Ingredients Needed

To make the perfect Pizza Pot Pie, you’ll need:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (or any preferred protein)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Crust:

• 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook in a skillet the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. and then drain excess grease.
3. Add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, and sauté until softened.
4. Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Assemble the Pot Pie

1. Grease four oven-safe bowls or ramekins.
2. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese at the bottom of each bowl.
3. Add the prepared filling on top of the cheese layer.

Step 3: Cover with Dough

1. Roll out the pizza dough and cut circles slightly larger than the bowls.
2. Place the dough over each bowl, pressing it along the edges to seal.
3. Brush with olive oil or egg wash for a golden crust.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Place the bowls on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
2. Let cool for 5 minutes, then carefully flip the bowls onto plates to reveal the gooey, cheesy filling!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Pizza Pot Pie with:

• A simple Caesar salad for a fresh contrast
• Garlic bread for extra indulgence
• A glass of red wine or a chilled soda

Variations and Customizations

Want to mix things up? Try these variations:

• Meat Lovers: Add pepperoni, bacon, or ham.
• Vegetarian: Use spinach, zucchini, and roasted red peppers.
• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
• Low-Carb Option: Use a cauliflower-based dough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the bowls: Too much sauce can cause a soggy crust.
• Not sealing the dough properly: This prevents a good crust.
• Forgetting to grease the bowls: This makes flipping the pot pies tricky.

Health Considerations

• Use whole wheat dough for added fiber.
• Swap regular cheese for low-fat mozzarella.
• Reduce sodium by making a homemade marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It’s good to prepare the filling in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake when ready.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Assemble the pot pies, cover them tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.

What if I don’t have ramekins?

You can use a large baking dish and scoop out servings instead of flipping individual portions.

Conclusion

Now you know how to make the ultimate Pizza Pot Pie! Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Try it out, experiment with different toppings, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!