Mini Pizza Pot Pies

$- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (includes 2 crusts) - 1 cup pizza sauce - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings such as bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) When making Mini Pizza Pot Pies, use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. The cheese should be good quality. I always choose mozzarella because it melts beautifully. You can swap out the pepperoni for other toppings. Try bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for a veggie twist. If you prefer a different cheese, use cheddar or provolone for a unique taste. You can also use store-bought sauce or make your own if you want a fresh touch. Choose a high-quality pizza sauce for great taste. Look for a sauce without added sugars or preservatives. When picking pie crusts, I recommend refrigerated for ease. If you want to make it healthier, consider whole wheat crusts. Fresh basil adds a nice look and flavor, so don’t skip that garnish. First, you need to set up your oven. Preheat it to 425°F (220°C). This heat helps cook the crusts evenly. Grab a muffin tin and grease it lightly with cooking spray. This keeps your pot pies from sticking. Make sure you have a rolling pin, a cookie cutter or glass, and a pastry brush handy. Next, let’s prepare the pie crusts. Take your package of refrigerated pie crusts. Roll them out on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut out six circles. Each circle should be about 4 inches wide. These circles will form the bases for your pot pies. Now, carefully place each circle into the greased muffin tin. Gently press them down to make little cups. This step is key because it holds all the yummy filling. Now it’s time to mix the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1 cup pizza sauce - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings such as bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms) - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Stir the mixture well. Make sure all ingredients are coated with sauce. This mix will make your mini pizza pot pies burst with flavor. Once mixed, you’re ready to fill those pie crust cups! To get that perfect golden crust, keep a close eye on your oven's temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate. Brush the tops with the beaten egg well. This gives a shiny, golden color. You can also sprinkle a bit of salt on top for added crunch. If you want an extra crispy crust, bake a few minutes longer, but watch carefully to avoid burning. Seasonings can truly elevate your mini pizza pot pies. Italian seasoning works great, but you can mix it up. Try adding garlic powder or crushed red pepper for a spicy kick. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also add depth. If you love cheese, consider mixing different types, like cheddar or provolone, with the mozzarella to create a flavor party. If your crusts are soggy, it might be due to too much filling. Be sure not to overfill them. If the tops don’t brown, your oven may not be hot enough. You can also try placing them on the bottom rack to boost browning. If they stick to the tin, let them cool a bit before removing. Use a fork gently to help lift them out. These tips will help you make the best mini pizza pot pies. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! {{image_4}} You can change up the filling to fit your taste. Instead of pepperoni, try cooked sausage, ham, or even grilled chicken. You can also go meatless with roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or onions. For a fun twist, add pineapple for a sweet touch. Mix in different cheeses too, like cheddar or feta, for a unique flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pie crusts. Many brands offer ready-made choices that work well. You can also use puff pastry for a flakier texture. This gives a nice contrast to the filling. If you're feeling adventurous, try phyllo dough for a lighter version. Just be sure to adjust your baking time. Make your pot pies seasonal! For a fall theme, use pumpkin and sage with mozzarella. In summer, a caprese style with tomatoes and basil shines. For a taco night, use taco meat, cheese, and toppings like olives and guacamole. The options are endless, and each theme brings new flavors. Explore your favorites, and have fun with it! To keep your Mini Pizza Pot Pies fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you have more than a few, wrap each one in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. This helps prevent them from drying out. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them in the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pot pies on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes. This step makes the crust crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but the crust won't be as crunchy. Heat each pie for about 1-2 minutes but be careful not to overcook them. To freeze your Mini Pizza Pot Pies, let them cool completely first. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven as mentioned above for the best taste. This method keeps their flavor and texture intact. Yes, you can use homemade crust for these pot pies. Making your own crust lets you control the ingredients and flavors. If you want a flaky and buttery crust, mix flour, butter, and water. Roll it out and cut it into circles, just like the store-bought crust. Homemade crust adds a personal touch to your dish. The best toppings for Mini Pizza Pot Pies include classic favorites. Pepperoni is a top choice, but you can get creative! Here are some ideas: - Bell peppers - Olives - Mushrooms - Onions - Sausage - Spinach Mix and match these toppings to suit your taste. You can also make them vegetarian or add extra cheese for richness. You can prepare Mini Pizza Pot Pies ahead of time in a few easy steps. Make the filling and crust early in the day or even the night before. Store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, assemble the pies and follow the baking instructions. You can also freeze them before baking. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking. For the full recipe, check out the instructions shared above. This article breaks down how to make Mini Pizza Pot Pies. We explored the right ingredients, step-by-step methods, and useful tips. You now know how to choose toppings and crust options. Plus, we covered storage tips and common questions. When you try this recipe, stay creative. Experiment with fillings and flavors. Enjoy making delicious Mini Pizza Pot Pies your own way!$

Craving something delicious and fun? Try these Mini Pizza Pot Pies! This easy recipe combines flaky pie crusts with your favorite pizza toppings for a tasty twist on a classic. Perfect for parties or family dinners, these pot pies are quick to make and packed with flavor. Get ready to impress your guests! Click through for the full recipe and bring this delightful dish to your kitchen today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (includes 2 crusts)

1 cup pizza sauce

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup pepperoni slices (or your choice of toppings such as bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.

Prepare the Pie Crusts: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pie crusts until smooth. Use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut out 6 circles, approximately 4 inches in diameter. These will serve as the bases for your pot pies.

Form the Cups: Carefully place each of the dough circles into a greased muffin tin, gently pressing them down to create little cups that will hold your delicious filling.

Mix the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices (or selected toppings), and Italian seasoning. Stir the mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce.

Fill the Cups: Evenly distribute the pizza filling mixture into each pie crust cup, filling them about three-quarters full to allow space for the top crust.

Create the Tops: Roll out the remaining pie crust and cut out another 6 circles to serve as the tops of your pot pies. Place each circle over the filled cups. Pinch the edges firmly to seal, and make a small slit in the top of each pie to allow steam to escape during baking.

Apply the Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the pot pies with the beaten egg using a pastry brush, ensuring a lovely golden finish once baked.

Bake: Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and puffed up, indicating they're perfectly cooked.

Cool and Release: Once done, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the mini pizza pot pies cool for a few minutes before carefully lifting them out of the tin. Using a fork may help if they seem stuck.

Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish each pot pie with a fresh basil leaf for added flavor and a pop of color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Arrange the Mini Pizza Pot Pies on a rustic wooden board, and serve with additional pizza sauce on the side for dipping. This adds both charm and a delightful extra flavor for your guests!