🍕 Pizza Pot Pie Recipe – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Love pizza? Love pot pie? Combine the two for the ultimate cozy, cheesy, crave-worthy dish. This Pizza Pot Pie brings together all your favorite pizza flavors in a flaky, golden pie crust. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s bound to become a family favorite.

🧀 Ingredients:

• 1 lb (16 oz) pizza dough – store-bought or homemade

• 1 cup marinara sauce – use your favorite brand or make your own

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup pepperoni slices

• ¼ cup sliced black olives

• ¼ cup diced bell peppers – any color

• ¼ cup diced onions – red or yellow

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil (optional) – for brushing the top crust

🥣 Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Grease a 9-inch pie dish or deep dish with nonstick spray or a light coating of olive oil.

3. Roll out half the pizza dough and gently press it into the pie dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.

4. Spread the marinara sauce evenly over the dough base.

5. Layer with:

   • Mozzarella cheese

   • Pepperoni

   • Olives

   • Bell peppers

   • Onions

   • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top

6. Season the filling with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

7. Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the top. Pinch the edges together to seal.

8. Optional: Brush the top crust with olive oil for a shiny, golden finish.

9. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

10. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.

11. Cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm!

🔢 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings):

• Calories: 320

• Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 38g

• Protein: 15g

❓ 20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use store-bought dough?
   Yes! Pre-made pizza dough works great and saves time.

2. What kind of cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?
   Provolone, cheddar, or an Italian blend are great alternatives.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. How do I make it vegetarian?
   Omit the pepperoni and add mushrooms, spinach, or extra veggies.

5. Can I freeze it?
   Yes, freeze before or after baking. Reheat from frozen at 350°F until hot.

6. How do I make the crust crispier?
   Pre-bake the bottom crust for 5–7 minutes before adding fillings.

7. Can I use puff pastry or crescent dough instead of pizza dough?
   Absolutely! These alternatives work well and add flakiness.

8. What kind of pie dish should I use?
   A deep 9-inch ceramic or glass pie dish is ideal.

9. Can I add sausage or bacon?
   Yes. Cook them first and then add them with other fillings.

10. Why did my crust get soggy?
    Try reducing sauce or pre-baking the crust slightly.

11. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
    Yes! Use 3x the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

12. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual slices.

13. Can I make mini versions?
    Yes, use muffin tins or ramekins for single-serve pot pies.

14. What’s the best sauce to use?
    Marinara or pizza sauce, but feel free to try pesto or alfredo.

15. Can I use gluten-free dough?
    Definitely – just follow package instructions closely.

16. What vegetables work well in this?
    Try mushrooms, spinach, artichokes, corn, or zucchini.

17. Is this kid-friendly?
    Very! Kids love it – especially when they help make it.

18. Can I make this spicy?
    Add red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni or hot sauce.

19. What if I don’t have a pie dish?
    Use a cast-iron skillet, deep cake pan, or casserole dish.

20. How do I store leftovers?
    Wrap in foil or place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

🧑‍🍳 20 Expert Tips for the Perfect Pizza Pot Pie:

1. Roll dough evenly to avoid overly thick or thin spots.

2. Avoid overloading with sauce, or the crust may become soggy.

3. Shred cheese yourself for better melting and fewer additives.

4. Use parchment paper under the crust for easy removal.

5. Add cornmeal to the bottom crust for a pizzeria-style crunch.

6. Brush the top crust with egg wash or olive oil for a glossy finish.

7. Add fresh basil after baking for a fresh, herby flavor.

8. Let it cool before cutting – it sets better and is less messy.

9. Use a pizza cutter or sharp serrated knife to slice neatly.

10. Pre-cook watery vegetables (like mushrooms or zucchini) to avoid sogginess.

11. Sprinkle crushed red pepper into the filling for subtle heat.

12. Layer cheese on both bottom and top for gooeyness in every bite.

13. Grate a little Parmesan over the top crust before baking for extra flavor.

14. Try different fillings each time – think taco-style, BBQ chicken, or breakfast!

15. Use leftover roasted veggies or meats to reduce waste.

16. Wrap edges with foil if they’re browning too fast.

17. Make it deep-dish style by doubling filling and using a springform pan.

18. Use a pizza stone to bake for a crispy bottom crust.

19. Top with arugula or salad greens after baking for a fresh finish.

20. Serve with dipping sauce like ranch, garlic butter, or extra marinara.