Pizza Pot Pie Recipe: A Comforting Italian-American Fusion
Pizza pot pie represents the perfect marriage between classic Italian pizza flavors and the comforting essence of an American pot pie. This innovative dish combines the best of both worlds: the rich, savory flavors of pizza toppings encased in a golden, flaky crust. Unlike traditional pizzas that are open-faced, this creation takes your favorite pizza ingredients and transforms them into a hearty, enclosed pie that’s perfect for cold weather dining. If you enjoy creative twists on classic comfort foods (like these delicious Cheeseburger Quesadillas), you’re in for a treat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought) | 2 pounds |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 3 cups |
| Italian sausage, crumbled | 1 pound |
| Pepperoni, sliced | 4 ounces |
| Green bell pepper, diced | 1 medium |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 8 ounces |
| Red onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Italian seasoning | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tablespoon water) | 1 |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure all ingredients are ready and accessible. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While similar to preparing a slow cooker casserole, this recipe requires more hands-on attention.
2. Prepare the Filling
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
– Add crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned (about 8-10 minutes)
– Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened (5-6 minutes)
– Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute
– Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture (5-7 minutes)
– Mix in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning
– Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened
– Remove from heat and let cool slightly
3. Prepare the Crust
– Divide pizza dough into two portions (60% for bottom, 40% for top)
– Roll out the larger portion to fit a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan with overhang
– Carefully place the dough in the pan, pressing into corners
– Roll out the remaining dough for the top crust
4. Assembly
– Layer 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on bottom crust
– Add half the meat sauce mixture
– Layer pepperoni slices
– Add another cup of mozzarella
– Pour remaining meat sauce
– Top with final cup of mozzarella
– Sprinkle Parmesan cheese
5. Final Touches and Baking
– Place top crust over filling
– Trim excess dough and crimp edges to seal
– Cut 4-5 slits in top crust for venting
– Brush entire surface with egg wash
– Sprinkle with additional Parmesan if desired
– Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown
6. Resting and Serving
– Let rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting
– Serve with additional warmed marinara sauce if desired
– Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes
Conclusion
This Pizza Pot Pie recipe offers a unique twist on two beloved comfort foods. The combination of flaky crust, melted cheese, and savory filling creates an impressive dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. While it requires some time and effort, similar to making a make-ahead casserole, the result is well worth it. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations with different toppings and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the pot pie when ready to serve. You can also freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months – just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.
What’s the best type of pizza dough to use?
While homemade pizza dough yields excellent results, quality store-bought dough works well too. Look for fresh dough in your grocery store’s refrigerated section, or ask your local pizzeria if they sell their dough. Just ensure it’s at room temperature before working with it.