Mini Pizza Pot Pies: A Delightful Twist on Two Classic Comfort Foods
There’s something magical about combining two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible dish. Mini pizza pot pies bring together the cozy warmth of traditional pot pies and the beloved flavors of Italian pizza, creating a unique and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. These individual-sized delights feature a flaky, buttery crust filled with savory pizza sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, all baked to golden perfection. Originally inspired by traditional Italian cuisine and American pot pie recipes, these handheld treats have become increasingly popular among food enthusiasts looking for creative ways to serve classic flavors. For more inspiration, check out this classic cheesy pizza pot pie recipe.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated pie crust | 2 packages (4 crusts total) |
| Pizza sauce | 2 cups |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Pepperoni, diced | 1 cup |
| Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled | 1 cup |
| Green bell pepper, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Red onion, finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 1/2 cup |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Egg (for egg wash) | 1 large |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup |
Instructions
Preparation (30 minutes)
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While traditional pizza pot pies are made in larger dishes, we’ll be using a muffin tin for these mini versions.
2. Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or olive oil.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
4. Add sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture.
Creating the Filling
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked vegetables with:
- Pizza sauce
- Diced pepperoni
- Crumbled Italian sausage
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
6. Mix well and set aside to cool slightly.
Assembling the Pot Pies
7. Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a 4-inch circular cookie cutter or a large cup, cut out 12 circles for the bottoms and 12 slightly larger circles for the tops.
8. Carefully press the smaller circles into the prepared muffin cups, ensuring they reach the sides and bottom.
9. Fill each cup with:
- 2 tablespoons of the prepared filling
- 1 tablespoon shredded mozzarella cheese
10. Cover each filled cup with the larger pie crust circles, pressing the edges to seal with the bottom crust. For more detailed sealing techniques, visit this comprehensive pizza pot pie guide.
Final Touches and Baking
11. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.
12. Brush the top of each pot pie with the egg wash and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
13. Cut small slits in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape.
14. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
15. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before carefully removing from the muffin tin.
Conclusion
These mini pizza pot pies are the perfect combination of convenience and comfort food. They’re ideal for parties, family dinners, or meal prep, as they can be frozen and reheated easily. The versatility of this recipe allows you to experiment with different toppings and cheese combinations to create your perfect pizza pot pie. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers or main courses, these delightful little pies are sure to become a family favorite.
FAQ
Can I make these mini pizza pot pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare these up to 24 hours in advance and store them unbaked in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply brush with egg wash and bake as directed, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Can I freeze these mini pizza pot pies?
Absolutely! These pot pies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag after they’ve completely cooled. To reheat, place frozen pies in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.