Pizza Pot Pies: A Delicious Twist on Classic Comfort Food

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, pizza is undoubtedly a top contender. But what if we could take the flavors of a classic pizza and transform them into a unique, savory pie? Enter Pizza Pot Pies, a delightful twist on traditional pizza that combines the best elements of a pot pie and a deep-dish pizza. This dish is perfect for an individual pizza party, making it a great choice for gatherings, family dinners, or even meal prep.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the origins, preparation, and variations of Pizza Pot Pies, including a nod to the Pizza Pot Pie Chicago style, Mini Pie Tin Recipes, and even a Mini Breakfast Pizza version. Whether you’re looking for a Pie Crust Casserole, the Cheapest Meals Ever, or simply one of the Best Savory Pie Recipes, this guide will provide everything you need to make the perfect Pizza Pot Pie at home.

What is a Pizza Pot Pie?

A Pizza Pot Pie is essentially an inverted deep-dish pizza. It’s baked in a bowl or mini pie tin with layers of sauce, cheese, and toppings, covered with a buttery, flaky crust, and flipped onto a plate for serving. The result? A rich, cheesy, and perfectly golden-brown pie that oozes flavor with every bite.

This dish gained popularity in Chicago, where the Pizza Pot Pie Chicago style is known for its gooey cheese and hearty fillings. However, the concept can be customized in many ways, from a Mini Breakfast Pizza to a Fry Bread Pizza variation.

Why You Should Try Pizza Pot Pies

• Perfect for Individual Servings – Ideal for an individual pizza party or a family meal where everyone gets their own mini pie.
• Easy to Customize – Use your favorite pizza toppings to make it your own.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make them in advance and reheat them when needed.
• Budget-Friendly – One of the cheapest meals ever, as you can use leftover ingredients.
• Deliciously Unique – A fun alternative to classic pizza with a rich, flaky crust.

Ingredients for Pizza Pot Pies

To make Pizza Pot Pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough (Pie Crust Casserole Style)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tbsp ice-cold water

OR

• Pre-made pie crust (for a shortcut)

For the Filling

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef
• 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• ½ cup sliced pepperoni or any other favorite topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

If making homemade dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix using a pastry cutter or food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Slowly add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

If using pre-made pie crust, simply roll it out and cut it to fit your mini pie tins or ramekins.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add ground sausage or beef, cooking until browned and fully cooked.
4. Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Pot Pies

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease mini pie tins, ramekins, or oven-safe bowls.
3. Place a generous amount of mozzarella cheese at the bottom of each dish.
4. Spoon the prepared pizza filling over the cheese.
5. Add pepperoni, mushrooms, or other desired toppings.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7. Roll out the pie crust dough and cut it slightly larger than the opening of your dishes.
8. Place the dough over each dish, pressing the edges against the rim to seal.
9. Make a few small slits in the top of the dough for ventilation.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza Pot Pies

1. Place the prepared pot pies on a baking sheet.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
4. Carefully flip each dish onto a plate so the crust is on the bottom and the filling oozes out.

Variations of Pizza Pot Pies

1. Mini Breakfast Pizza Pot Pies

• Swap out the pizza sauce for scrambled eggs.
• Use breakfast sausage, bacon, or ham as the filling.
• Add shredded cheese and diced potatoes for a heartier option.

2. Fry Bread Pizza Pot Pie

• Instead of a traditional pie crust, use fry bread dough for a crispy, deep-fried variation.
• Flatten and fry the dough separately, then place it over the pot pie before serving.

3. Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza Pot Pie

• Use a thicker dough for a more traditional Pizza Pot Pie Chicago style.
• Layer cheese first, then meat, and finally sauce on top before baking.

4. Vegetarian Pizza Pot Pie

• Use spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers instead of meat.
• Try a pesto sauce instead of tomato sauce for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Pair with a bowl of tomato soup for extra comfort.
• Sprinkle with fresh basil and grated Parmesan before serving.

Why Pizza Pot Pies Are Among the Best Savory Pie Recipes

Savory pies have been a staple in many cultures, from classic pot pies to shepherd’s pie. What makes Pizza Pot Pies stand out is their ability to blend the richness of a pie crust casserole with the gooey, cheesy goodness of pizza. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner idea, a meal for a mini pie tin recipes collection, or simply one of the cheapest meals ever, this dish checks all the boxes.

Final Thoughts

Pizza Pot Pies are a fun, customizable, and delicious way to enjoy pizza in a savory pie form. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party, or just a cozy meal for yourself, they offer an exciting twist on a beloved classic.

With endless variations, from Mini Breakfast Pizza Pot Pies to Chicago-Style Pizza Pot Pies, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try and experience the ultimate fusion of pizza and pot pie in one amazing dish!

Try It Today!

Have you tried making Pizza Pot Pies before? What are your favorite toppings? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! 🍕🥧