Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today, I’m beyond excited to share a recipe that’s not just delicious, but a delightful twist on a classic favorite. I call it Pizza Pot Pies! Imagine all the wonderful flavors of pizza, but in a cute little pie that’s perfect for sharing (or not, I won’t judge). Finding yourself craving pizza while also wanting some comfort food? This recipe hits that sweet spot!
The first time I made these, I had some friends over for a movie night—it was chilly outside, and I wanted something warm and cozy to complement our binge-watching. As the aroma of bubbling cheese and savory sausage filled my kitchen, I knew I had struck gold! Let me tell you, these Pizza Pot Pies were a hit! We devoured them faster than I could keep track of how many I made. Trust me; this recipe is going to become a favorite in your kitchen too!
What’s in Pizza Pot Pies?
Let’s take a closer look at the star ingredients that make these little treasures oh-so-delicious:
Refrigerated Pizza Dough: The backbone of our pot pies. It’s easy to work with and creates that perfect flaky crust. I usually go for the classic brand, but whatever you have works great!
Marinara Sauce: This is where the sauce magic happens! You can’t have pizza without a good sauce. Feel free to use your favorite jarred variety, or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The cheesy goodness that holds everything together! I love a generous handful or two – the more, the merrier! Go for whole milk mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Mini Pepperonis: Because who doesn’t love a little pepperoni pop? They add that classic pizza flavor; regular chopped pepperoni is fine if you can’t find the minis.
Cooked Italian Sausage (optional): If you want to amp up the flavor, crumbled Italian sausage is a fantastic addition. It adds a wonderful savory note that’s hard to resist.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: This elevates the whole dish with a punchy, nutty flavor that really completes the dish!
Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: These spices give our pot pies that genuine Italian flair! Seriously, don’t skip them; they bring everything together.
Salt and Pepper: Just a pinch of these brings out all the flavors beautifully!
Cooking Spray: We can’t have these beauties sticking to the pan, can we? A little cooking spray goes a long way!
Is Pizza Pot Pie Good for You?
Now, let’s talk a bit about health. While Pizza Pot Pies might not win any “health food” awards, they do have some bright spots!
The mozzarella cheese and Italian sausage provide a good amount of protein, which is great for energy. On the flip side, though, they can also be a bit heavy on the calories and fats, especially if you’re indulging in a few too many!
I always say balance is key; you can enjoy these in moderation and pair them with a refreshing salad for a more balanced meal. And hey, cooking at home usually means you’re in control of what goes in, and can always tailor this recipe to lighten it up if you want!
Ingredients List
– 1 can of refrigerated pizza dough
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup mini pepperonis (or regular pepperoni, chopped)
– 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled (optional)
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray (for greasing)
*Serves: 4-6 (or just 2 if you’re feeling extra hungry!)*
How to Make Pizza Pot Pies?
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or use mini aluminum tart pans; we want these pies to come out easily!
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to flatten it a bit. Cut the dough into circles big enough to fit into your muffin tin cups.
3. Gently press each dough circle into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin tin cups. No gaps, please!
4. Spoon about a tablespoon of marinara sauce into each dough-lined cup—this is where the flavor starts!
5. Sprinkle a healthy layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Because, cheese.
6. Add another layer of mini pepperonis and crumbled Italian sausage if you’re using it. Don’t be shy; pile it on!
7. Top with more mozzarella cheese until the cups are nearly full—cheese dreams coming true!
8. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on top of each pot pie.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is all bubbly—our cue that these are ready!
10. Carefully remove from the oven, allow to cool for a few minutes, and then pop those lovely pot pies out of the muffin tin.
11. Serve warm, and watch them disappear!
Delicious Variations and Tips!
Let’s get creative, shall we? Here are some fun variations you could try:
– **Veggie Delight:** Swap out the meat for your favorite veggies, like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms.
– **Cheesy Stuff:** Try adding ricotta or a blend of different cheeses for oozing goodness!
– **Herb It Up:** Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can give a pop of fresh flavor.
Oh, and if you’re feeling particularly fancy, serve them with a side of ranch or garlic dipping sauce—because why not indulge a bit more?
I can’t wait for you to try these Pizza Pot Pies! They’re such a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza with a twist. Let me know how yours turn out or any unique variations you come up with. Happy cooking! 🍕
