Pizza Pot Pies

Pizza Pot Pies are a delightful fusion of two beloved dishes: pizza and pot pies. Perfect for parties, game days, or cozy family meals, these savory treats are easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Their flaky crust and gooey cheese make them irresistible. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a fun way to serve pizza in individual portions that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Pizza pot pies are a hit at any gathering, making them a perfect choice for parties.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick prep time, you’ll have these tasty treats ready in no time.
• Customizable Fillings: Personalize each pie with various toppings—add veggies, different meats, or even extra cheese.
• Portable Snack: Great for on-the-go munching, these mini pot pies can be enjoyed anywhere—perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.
• Fun Presentation: Serving individual portions adds a touch of excitement to your meal, making it feel special.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin Tin (or tin foil muffin cups)
• Mixing Bowl
• Brush (for butter mixture)
• Fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin Tin: This is crucial for shaping your pizza pot pies into the perfect round crusts that hold all the delicious fillings.
• Mixing Bowl: A good mixing bowl is key for combining your butter mixture evenly.
• Brush: Using a brush helps you apply the butter mixture evenly inside the biscuits for enhanced flavor.
• Fork: A fork allows you to prick the biscuit bottoms before baking, ensuring they cook evenly without puffing up too much.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your pizza pot pies:

For the Dough

• 1 tablespoon Butter (softened (not melted))
• ½ tablespoon Olive Oil
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
• ¼ teaspoon Italian Seasoning (plus extra as topping (optional))
• Pinch of Black Pepper
• Cooking Spray (or oil to grease the tins)
• 8 Refrigerated Biscuits (16 ounce package)

For the Filling

• ¼ cup Pasta Sauce (or Pizza Sauce, use a meatless variety)
• 3 ounces Pepperoni (chopped)
• 7-8 ounces Shredded Mozzarella

How to Make Pizza Pot Pies

Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tins

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Lightly spray or oil your muffin pan using cooking spray.
3. Use a paper towel to remove excess oil from the bottom of each cup.

Step 2: Make the Dough Base

1. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir well until combined.
2. Open the biscuit package and separate each biscuit.
3. Place one biscuit into each muffin cup and press gently along the bottom and sides until molded securely.

Step 3: Add Flavorful Layers

1. Use a fork to prick holes in the bottom and sides of each biscuit cup several times.
2. Brush the inside of each biscuit with the prepared butter mixture for added flavor.
3. Spread about ½ heaping teaspoon of pasta sauce inside each cup.

Step 4: Fill with Cheese and Toppings

1. Add 1 heaping tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese into each biscuit cup.
2. Top with ½ heaping tablespoon of chopped pepperoni.
3. Repeat by adding another layer of cheese followed by more pepperoni on top.

Step 5: Bake Your Pizza Pot Pies

1. If using individual foil cups, place them on a sheet pan before baking for easier handling.
2. Bake for 20–23 minutes or until edges are golden brown and cheese is melted.
3. Let cool slightly before lifting out of muffin cups and serving on a plate or platter.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade pizza pot pies!

How to Serve Pizza Pot Pies

Pizza pot pies are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served in various ways to suit different occasions, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively party.

For a Casual Dinner

• With a Side Salad: Pair your pizza pot pies with a fresh garden salad to balance the richness.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer marinara or ranch dressing for dipping to enhance the flavor experience.

At a Party

• Mini Skewers: Serve alongside mini skewers of veggies or meats for easy snacking.
• Buffalo Wings: Complement the pizza pot pies with spicy buffalo wings for a fun flavor contrast.

As Appetizers

• Individual Portions: Serve them directly in their muffin cups for an easy grab-and-go option.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: Add cheesy garlic bread as a side to elevate the appetizer experience.

For Kids’ Parties

• Fruit Cups: Offer colorful fruit cups that appeal to kids and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Veggie Sticks: Pair with hummus or ranch dip for a healthy addition kids will enjoy.

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How to Perfect Pizza Pot Pies

Creating the perfect pizza pot pies involves more than just following the recipe. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out great every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and high-quality pepperoni enhance the overall flavor of your pot pies.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling with sauce and toppings; this keeps the crust from becoming soggy.
• Preheat Properly: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for an even cook.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding different toppings like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for variety.
• Cool Before Serving: Allow them to cool slightly before serving; this helps them hold their shape when removed from the tin.

Best Side Dishes for Pizza Pot Pies

When serving pizza pot pies, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options you can consider.

1. Garlic Knots: Soft and buttery knots infused with garlic flavor make an excellent addition.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing adds freshness and crunch.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an elegant touch that’s sure to impress.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs complement the flavors of pizza well.
5. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light and refreshing side.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that balances the richness of pizza pot pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pizza pot pies, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients – Cold butter and cheese can lead to uneven baking. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better results.
• Overfilling the cups – Stuffing too much filling can cause overflow during baking. Stick to recommended amounts for a perfect pie.
• Not greasing the muffin tins – Skipping this step can result in sticking. Always grease your muffin tins or use cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
• Ignoring baking time – Baking them for too long can dry them out. Keep an eye on them and remove them when the edges are golden brown.
• Skipping the fork pricking step – Not pricking the biscuits can lead to soggy bottoms. Use a fork to create small holes for steam to escape.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pizza pot pies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pizza Pot Pies

• Place cooled pies in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pizza Pot Pies

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat on high for 30-60 seconds per pie, but they may become soggy.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about pizza pot pies that you might find helpful.

What are Pizza Pot Pies?

Pizza pot pies are a fun twist on traditional pizza, combining the flavors of pizza with a comforting pot pie format. Perfect as a snack or appetizer!

Can I customize my Pizza Pot Pies?

Absolutely! You can add different toppings like vegetables or switch up the cheese according to your preference.

How do I make Pizza Pot Pies vegetarian?

Simply omit meat toppings like pepperoni and use your favorite veggies along with mozzarella cheese and sauce.

What dipping sauces pair well with Pizza Pot Pies?

Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic butter make great dips that enhance the flavor of these delicious treats.

Final Thoughts

Pizza pot pies are not only delightful but also versatile. You can customize them based on personal preferences, making them a fantastic option for gatherings or family dinners. Try your hand at this recipe and enjoy the comforting flavors!