Pizza Pot Pies

Pizza pot pies are a delightful blend of comfort food that bring together the best elements of pizza and pot pies. Their flaky crusts and savory fillings make them perfect for parties, game days, or cozy family dinners. These mini pot pies are not only fun to make but also allow for lots of customization, ensuring that everyone at the table gets a taste they love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These pizza pot pies take just 20 minutes to prep and bake, making them an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner.
• Customizable Fillings: You can swap out the turkey pepperoni for any protein or veggie you prefer, tailoring each pie to your tastes.
• Perfect for Sharing: Their individual portions make them great for gatherings; everyone can enjoy their own mini pie!
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping to assemble these pot pies, making it a fun cooking activity for the whole family.
• Deliciously Satisfying: With gooey mozzarella and flavorful spices, each bite is packed with taste, satisfying everyone’s cravings.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious pizza pot pies, gather a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin Tin
• Mixing Bowl
• Brush (for spreading butter)
• Fork
• Cooking Spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin Tin: This is crucial for shaping your pizza pot pies. It ensures even baking and helps maintain their form.
• Mixing Bowl: A sturdy bowl is important for combining ingredients without spilling, keeping your workspace neat.
• Brush: Use this to evenly apply butter and sauce inside the biscuit cups, enhancing flavor while ensuring they don’t stick.
• Fork: Pricking the biscuit bottoms allows steam to escape during baking, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

To make these tasty pizza pot pies, you’ll need:

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

How to Make Pizza Pot Pies

Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tin

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Lightly spray or oil your muffin tin using cooking spray or oil. Ensure it’s evenly coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Butter Mixture

• In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients.

Step 3: Shape the Biscuits

1. Open the refrigerated biscuits package and separate them.
2. Place one biscuit in each muffin cup.
3. Press gently to mold it into the shape of the cup by pressing it down on the bottom and up along the sides.

Step 4: Add Flavorings

1. Use a fork to prick each biscuit on the bottom and sides a few times.
2. Brush about half a teaspoon of the prepared butter mixture inside each biscuit cup.
3. Spread about half a teaspoon of pasta sauce over the buttered area.

Step 5: Fill with Cheese and Pepperoni

1. Place one heaping tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese into each cup followed by half a tablespoon of chopped turkey pepperoni.
2. Repeat this layering with another tablespoon of mozzarella cheese and another half tablespoon of turkey pepperoni.

Step 6: Bake

• If using individual foil cups, place them on a sheet pan for support before baking.
• Bake in preheated oven for about 20-23 minutes until golden brown around the edges and cheese is melted.

Step 7: Serve

• Carefully lift out of muffin tins once baked and arrange on a plate or platter. Enjoy these delightful pizza pot pies hot from the oven!

How to Serve Pizza Pot Pies

Pizza pot pies are a versatile appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these delightful bites can be served with a variety of accompaniments to enhance the experience.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Marinara Sauce – A classic choice, marinara adds a zesty flavor that complements the pizza filling.
• Ranch Dressing – Creamy ranch provides a cool contrast and is a favorite for many.
• Garlic Butter – Drizzling melted garlic butter over the top adds richness and depth of flavor.

Create a Salad Bar

• Mixed Greens – Offer fresh mixed greens topped with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a refreshing side.
• Caesar Salad – A simple Caesar salad pairs well, adding crispness to balance the warm pot pies.

Serve with Appetizer Platters

• Cheese Platter – Include assorted cheeses like cheddar and gouda for guests to enjoy alongside the pot pies.
• Vegetable Crudité – Fresh veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and celery add crunch and color to your spread.

How to Perfect Pizza Pot Pies

To create the best pizza pot pies, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish is both delicious and visually appealing.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese enhance flavor significantly.
• Don’t Overfill – Be cautious not to overstuff each pie; too much filling can lead to messy results.
• Preheat the Oven – Always preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.
• Experiment with Fillings – Feel free to try different toppings like vegetables or different meats for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Pizza Pot Pies

Serving pizza pot pies becomes even more delightful when you pair them with tasty side dishes. Here are some great options that complement their flavors wonderfully.

1. Garlic Bread – Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
2. Caprese Salad – A refreshing blend of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil adds brightness to your meal.
3. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges offer an extra crunch alongside the soft pot pies.
4. Coleslaw – This crunchy side provides a nice contrast in texture while adding a tangy flavor.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms – These savory bites can serve as an elegant addition to your spread.
6. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad offers sweetness and freshness that balances the richness of the pot pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pizza pot pies can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the Pricking Step: Not pricking the biscuit bases can lead to soggy bottoms. Make sure to pierce them to allow steam to escape while baking.
• Overfilling with Sauce: Adding too much sauce can make the biscuits soggy. Stick to about ½ heaping teaspoon of sauce per biscuit.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect how well the biscuits rise and cook. Let your butter come to room temperature and use room-temperature cheese.
• Not Greasing Properly: Failing to grease the muffin tin can result in sticking. Lightly spray or oil the muffin cups before adding the dough.
• Ignoring Baking Time: Baking for too long or too short can ruin your pot pies. Keep an eye on them and remove when edges are golden brown.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pizza pot pies in an airtight container.
• They will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pizza Pot Pies

• Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pizza Pot Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm for 5-7 minutes until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about pizza pot pies that you might have:

Can I customize my Pizza Pot Pies?

Yes! You can add different toppings like vegetables or use different types of cheese based on your preference.

What type of sauce works best for Pizza Pot Pies?

Any meatless pasta or pizza sauce works well. Feel free to try homemade sauces for added flavor!

How do I prevent my Pizza Pot Pies from being soggy?

Ensure you prick the biscuit base and don’t overfill with sauce. This will help maintain a crispy crust.

Can I make these Pizza Pot Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them beforehand, store them in the refrigerator, and bake just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Pizza pot pies are a delightful fusion of flavors that everyone will love. Their versatility allows you to experiment with various fillings and toppings. Whether you’re serving them as appetizers or snacks, these mini delights are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try, and feel free to customize it according to your taste!