Pizza Pot Pies

You know those cozy comfort foods that just make you feel like a kid again? That’s exactly what these Pizza Pot Pies are all about. Imagine all the gooey, cheesy, saucy goodness of your favorite pizza—but baked upside down in little bowls that flip out into bubbly, golden pockets of joy. It’s pizza, but with a fun twist that’ll make everyone at the table grin from ear to ear.

Trust me, once you pull these out of the oven and catch that melty cheese stretch, you’ll wonder where these have been all your life. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or even date night when you want something playful yet comforting.

Recipe Origin

This recipe is a quirky, delicious spin on two classics: the cozy comfort of a pot pie and the all-time favorite—pizza. By combining the best of both, you get something that feels a little fancy (because hello, individual portions!) but still has that casual, nostalgic pizza vibe we all crave.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Oven-safe ramekins or small bowls
• Baking sheet
• Rolling pin (optional if using pre-rolled dough)
• Mixing spoon or ladle
• Pastry brush (if brushing with olive oil)

Why You’ll Love Pizza Pot Pies

Fun Twist on Pizza: It’s pizza… but upside down and inside out! Kids and adults will love the surprise of flipping these out onto their plates.

Customizable: Use any toppings you love—pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, veggies, olives… the sky’s the limit.

Comforting & Cozy: Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want warm, bubbly comfort food.

Easy to Make: With store-bought pizza dough and sauce, these come together quickly, but you can make everything homemade if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Individual Servings: No fighting over slices—everyone gets their own little pot pie!

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Grease Your Ramekins: A quick swipe of olive oil will help the pot pies release beautifully when flipped.
• Don’t Overfill: Leave some room for the dough to puff and seal—otherwise, things might get messy.
• Let Them Rest: After baking, let the pot pies sit for 2–3 minutes before flipping so the cheese sets slightly.
• Extra Golden Crust: Brush the tops of the dough with olive oil before baking for a glossy, golden finish.

Ingredients in Pizza Pot Pies

Here’s what makes these little pies so irresistible:

Pizza Dough: The foundation of the crust—whether store-bought or homemade, it puffs up golden and crisp around the edges.

Marinara or Pizza Sauce: Rich, tomatoey, and spiced with Italian herbs—this brings all the classic pizza flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy, gooey perfection. This is the heart of the pizza pie.

Pepperoni (or toppings of your choice): Adds salty, savory bites of flavor. You can swap with sausage, mushrooms, peppers, or whatever toppings make you happiest.

Parmesan Cheese: A nutty, salty sprinkle that boosts flavor and adds a little sharpness.

Oregano & Basil: Classic pizza herbs that make everything taste like it came straight from a pizzeria.

Garlic Powder: For that subtle garlicky kick.

Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A little heat for spice lovers.

Olive Oil: Optional but perfect for brushing the crust to give it shine and flavor.

(Note: the full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place ramekins on a baking sheet for easy handling.

Layer the Fillings: Lightly grease each ramekin, then spoon in some marinara sauce, followed by mozzarella cheese, pepperoni (or your chosen toppings), and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat layers until nearly full.

Season It Up: Sprinkle oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the top for extra flavor.

Seal with Dough: Roll out your pizza dough and cut into rounds slightly larger than the ramekins. Stretch gently over the top, pressing the edges to seal. Brush with olive oil if desired.

Bake to Golden Perfection: Pop the baking sheet with ramekins into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and puffed.

Cool & Flip: Let the pot pies rest for 2–3 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edge and flip onto a plate. The cheesy, saucy goodness will spill out like magic.

Serve & Enjoy: Slice into your personal pot pie and savor every gooey, bubbly bite.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350–400 (depending on toppings)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Pizza Pot Pies

With a Side Salad: Balance the richness with a crisp Caesar or garden salad.

With Garlic Bread: Because you can never have too much bread with pizza.

On Game Night: Serve alongside wings, chips, and dips for the ultimate spread.

Kid-Friendly Dinner: Let kids pick their own toppings before baking—it makes dinnertime extra fun.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Assemble up to 4 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Leftovers: Store cooled pot pies in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crisp.
• Freezer Friendly: Wrap unbaked pot pies tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze up to 2 months, then bake from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to cook time.

Variations to Try

• Veggie Lovers: Swap meat for mushrooms, spinach, peppers, and onions.
• BBQ Chicken Pot Pie: Use BBQ sauce instead of marinara, and chicken + red onion as toppings.
• Breakfast Version: Scramble eggs, add cheese, sausage or bacon, and bake with the dough on top.
• White Pizza Pot Pie: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara with spinach and ricotta.

Additional Tips

• Cut small slits in the dough to let steam escape if you’re using lots of wet toppings.
• Try mini versions in muffin tins for party snacks.
• Add fresh basil after baking for a bright, herby finish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use homemade dough?
A1: Absolutely! Homemade dough makes these extra special.

Q2: What size ramekins should I use?
A2: 8-ounce ramekins are perfect for individual servings.

Q3: Can I make this vegetarian?
A3: Yes! Just load up with veggies instead of meat.

Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
A4: Use a gluten-free pizza dough—it works great.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Pop them in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes.

Q6: Can I add more cheese?
A6: Of course. There’s no such thing as too much cheese.

Q7: Can I use a muffin tin instead of ramekins?
A7: Yes, just cut the dough smaller to fit the cups.

Q8: Do I need to flip them out?
A8: You don’t have to—you can serve straight from the ramekins if you prefer.

Q9: Can kids help make these?
A9: Definitely! They’ll have fun adding their own toppings.

Q10: How crispy will the crust get?
A10: Brushing with olive oil ensures a golden, crispy crust every time.

Conclusion

These Pizza Pot Pies are comfort food with a playful twist. They’re everything you love about pizza—melty cheese, flavorful sauce, and endless topping possibilities—tucked into a golden, puffy crust. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends, or just craving something cozy and fun, these little pies are guaranteed to bring smiles. Go ahead and try them—you’ll never look at pizza the same way again.

Print