Pin This savory pizza pot pie transforms classic pizza flavors into a hearty, inverted dish that both kids and adults will love. The pepperoni forms a unique crust that crisps up beautifully while the gooey cheese and savory sauce create the perfect filling. I developed this recipe when my teenagers were going through a phase of being bored with regular pizza, and it's been a requested favorite for family movie nights ever since.
I first created this recipe during a snowstorm when we couldn't get delivery pizza. My family was skeptical at first but now they request it regularly, especially when friends are coming over. The look on people's faces when you flip over the pot pie to reveal the pepperoni crust is priceless.
Ingredients
- Pepperoni slices: enough to line your baking dishes completely. Choose thicker cut pepperoni for better structure and flavor
- Refrigerated pizza dough: provides a quick solution without sacrificing taste. Look for all butter varieties for best flavor
- Mozzarella cheese: use low moisture whole milk mozzarella for best melting properties and flavor
- Mushrooms: adds earthy flavor and meaty texture. Fresh cremini mushrooms work best
- Bell peppers: adds sweetness and color. Mix red and green for visual appeal
- Black olives: provides briny counterpoint. Kalamata olives can be substituted for more intense flavor
- Italian sausage: optional but adds wonderful savory notes. Remove from casings and precook
- Pizza sauce: the foundation of flavor. Use good quality or homemade for best results
- Parmesan cheese: adds nutty depth. Always use freshly grated for optimal flavor
- Dried oregano: essential for authentic pizza flavor. Crush between fingers before adding to release oils
- Garlic powder: provides even garlic flavor throughout. Fresh minced garlic can be used instead
- Red pepper flakes: adds pleasant heat. Adjust according to your spice preference
Instructions
- Prep Your Baking Dishes:
- Thoroughly grease your ramekins or pie dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Carefully arrange the pepperoni slices so they overlap slightly, completely covering the bottom and sides of your dish. Make sure there are no gaps between slices as this forms the structural foundation of your pot pie.
- Create Your Filling Mixture:
- Combine all your vegetables and seasonings in a large bowl, tossing them together until evenly distributed. The vegetables should be cut to similar sizes for even cooking. If using sausage, make sure it's fully precooked and drained of excess fat before adding. This mixture should be well seasoned as it forms the heart of your dish.
- Layer Your Ingredients:
- Start with a thin layer of sauce spread evenly across the pepperoni base. This creates a moisture barrier that helps prevent sogginess. Add a generous layer of mozzarella, followed by your vegetable mixture, distributing evenly. Top with another layer of cheese and remaining sauce. The layering creates distinct flavors in each bite.
- Prepare The Dough Topping:
- Roll out your pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut circles slightly larger than your ramekins to allow for overhang. Gently place the dough over your filled dishes and press around the edges to seal. Cut several small slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake To Golden Perfection:
- Place your pot pies on a baking sheet to catch any potential overflow. Bake in your preheated oven until the crust turns a deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F for food safety if you're using meat ingredients.
Pin The pepperoni crust is my favorite innovation in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when trying to use up extra pepperoni from a party platter. The way the edges crisp up while the inside remains tender creates a textural contrast that regular pizza just cannot match. My youngest son now refuses to eat pot pies made any other way.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza pot pie is substantial enough to stand alone as a complete meal, but it pairs wonderfully with accompaniments that balance its richness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery, acidic counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the cheese and pepperoni. For a heartier meal, garlic bread sticks make excellent dipping tools for any sauce that might escape during serving.
For an Italian inspired dinner party, serve smaller individual portions as a first course before a lighter main dish of grilled fish or chicken. The presentation of these individual pot pies makes them particularly suitable for casual entertaining, especially when served on wooden boards or colorful plates that showcase their rustic appeal.
Make Ahead Options
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights because several components can be prepared in advance. The vegetable filling mixture can be prepared up to two days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the entire pot pie up to the point of adding the dough top, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
For completely assembled pot pies, add an additional 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator. The dough top may be frozen separately and added just before baking for maximum freshness. Allow frozen dough to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe welcomes adaptation based on what you have available. No pizza dough? Use puff pastry for an extra flaky top, or even refrigerated biscuit dough in a pinch. Vegetarians can replace the pepperoni with thin slices of eggplant brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with Italian seasoning.
For dairy sensitive individuals, plant based cheese alternatives work well, though they won't stretch quite like traditional mozzarella. The pizza sauce can be replaced with crushed tomatoes seasoned with Italian herbs if you're watching sodium levels. For a lower carb option, consider using a cauliflower based pizza dough for the top crust.
Kid Friendly Variations
Children love helping to create these pizza pot pies, and the recipe can be easily adapted to suit their preferences. Set up a "pot pie bar" where kids can choose their own fillings from small bowls of prepped ingredients. Mini ramekins allow each child to create a personalized pot pie with their favorite toppings.
For picky eaters, consider hiding finely diced vegetables in the sauce layer where they'll cook down and blend in. Using cookie cutters to create fun shapes from the dough top adds visual appeal that encourages hesitant eaters to try something new. Stars, hearts, or even dinosaur shapes transform an ordinary dinner into an exciting experience.
Pin Always preheat your oven completely before baking for the best crust development. Let the pot pies rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set.
Recipe Questions
- → What kind of baking dish works best?
Oven-safe ramekins or a deep pie dish work well. Choose a dish that can handle bubbling cheese and sauce while maintaining structure for the pepperoni crust.
- → Can I use other meats besides pepperoni?
Yes, bacon or cooked ham can be layered on the crust, or you can add sausage or other proteins to the filling.
- → How do I make it vegetarian-friendly?
Simply skip the sausage and add extra vegetables like spinach, onions, or roasted zucchini for a hearty meatless version.
- → Should the pot pie be served inverted or in the dish?
You can invert for a pepperoni-topped finish or serve straight from the baking dish for a rustic presentation. Both ways taste great!
- → How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Seal dough edges tightly, cut steam vents, and avoid overloading with sauce to maintain a crisp, flaky topping.
- → What sides pair nicely with this dish?
A fresh green salad and a glass of red wine, like Chianti, complement the bold flavors perfectly.