Pizza Pot Pies

Pizza pot pies are a delightful twist on two beloved classics. These savory treats combine the heartiness of pot pies with the rich flavors of pizza, making them perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Whether you serve them as appetizers at a party or enjoy them as a fun family meal, pizza pot pies are sure to impress with their flaky crusts and gooey fillings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these delicious bites in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of cheese, pepperoni, and spices creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
• Customizable: Feel free to change up the fillings! Add veggies or different meats to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These mini pot pies are great for parties, game day snacks, or even casual dinners.
• Fun Presentation: The individual servings make for an attractive dish that’s easy to serve and eat.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your pizza pot pies, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment not only makes cooking easier but also ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin Tins (or tin foil muffin cups)
• Mixing Bowl
• Fork
• Brush (for applying butter mixture)
• Cooking Spray or Oil

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin Tins: These create the perfect shape for your pizza pot pies, ensuring even cooking.
• Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without any mess.
• Fork: Useful for pricking biscuits and mixing ingredients when needed.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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 Pepperoni (chopped)
– 7-8 ounces Shredded Mozzarella

How to Make Pizza Pot Pies

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients and tools before starting. This will streamline your cooking process.

Step 2: Combine Butter Mixture

1. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, olive oil, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F while you prepare the muffin tins.

Step 4: Prepare Muffin Tins

1. Lightly spray or oil your muffin pan.
2. Use a paper towel to remove any excess oil from the bottoms of the tins.

Step 5: Mold Biscuit Dough

1. Open the biscuit package and separate each biscuit.
2. Place one biscuit in each muffin cup, pressing down gently to mold it into shape.

Step 6: Prick Biscuit Bases

Use a fork to poke several holes in the bottoms and sides of each biscuit. This helps prevent bubbling during baking.

Step 7: Brush with Butter Mixture

Brush the inside surfaces of each biscuit with your prepared butter mixture for added flavor.

Step 8: Add Sauce and Fillings

1. Spread about half a teaspoon of pasta sauce inside each biscuit.
2. Fill with one heaping tablespoon of mozzarella cheese followed by half a tablespoon of chopped pepperoni.
3. Repeat this layering process until all biscuits are filled.

Step 9: Season and Bake

Sprinkle optional Italian seasoning on top if desired.
1. For foil cups, place them on a sheet pan before baking for support.
2. Bake for about 20-23 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Step 10: Serve Your Pizza Pot Pies

Carefully remove from muffin tins after baking and arrange on a platter or serve directly in their cups for convenience. Enjoy this tasty twist on classic flavors!

How to Serve Pizza Pot Pies

Pizza pot pies make for a delightful appetizer that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a family meal, these tasty treats are sure to impress your guests.

Casual Snack

• Serve them warm straight from the oven for a cozy snack.
• Pair with marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the pizza flavor.

Game Day Treat

• Arrange them on a platter during game days.
• Create a fun atmosphere by serving with beer or soda.

Party Appetizer

• Place them on a buffet table as finger foods.
• Offer variety by including different toppings like veggies or sausage.

Kid-Friendly Option

• Serve alongside fruit or veggie sticks for a balanced meal.
• Let kids customize their own fillings using toppings of their choice.

Picnic Delight

• Pack them in a cooler for outdoor picnics.
• They are easy to transport and can be enjoyed cold or warm.

How to Perfect Pizza Pot Pies

Creating the perfect pizza pot pies is all about attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh mozzarella and high-quality pepperoni make all the difference in flavor.
• Don’t overfill – Avoid overstuffing the biscuits; it can cause spills and uneven cooking.
• Preheat the oven – Always preheat your oven for even baking and perfectly golden crusts.
• Experiment with flavors – Try different sauces, cheeses, and toppings to create your unique twist on pizza pot pies.
• Serve immediately – These are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is gooey and delicious.
• Store properly – If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat before serving for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Pizza Pot Pies

Pairing side dishes with pizza pot pies elevates your meal experience. Here are some ideas that complement these savory delights.

1. Caesar Salad – A classic choice with crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing.
2. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter make a perfect sidekick.
3. Vegetable Platter – A mix of fresh veggies adds crunch and color, served with ranch dip.
4. Coleslaw – The tangy flavor of coleslaw balances well with the richness of pizza pot pies.
5. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad brings freshness and sweetness, providing a nice contrast.
6. Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips paired with zesty salsa offer a fun twist on traditional sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Using Cold Biscuits: Starting with cold biscuits can make them hard to mold. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before use.
• Overfilling the Cups: It might be tempting to add more filling, but overfilling can lead to messy spills while baking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven before placing your pizza pot pies inside.
• Skipping the Greasing Step: Not greasing muffin tins can cause the pies to stick and break apart when removing. Use cooking spray or oil generously.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Each oven is different. Keep an eye on your pizza pot pies and adjust cooking time as needed for golden-brown crusts.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pizza Pot Pies

• Place cooled pizza pot pies in a freezer-safe container.
• 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 high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to prevent sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Pizza Pot Pies?

Absolutely! You can swap out pepperoni for veggies or different meats and cheese varieties.

How do I ensure crispy crusts on my Pizza Pot Pies?

Make sure you grease your muffin tin well and don’t skip preheating the oven.

What is the best sauce for Pizza Pot Pies?

While pizza sauce is traditional, any tomato-based pasta sauce works great too!

Can I make Pizza Pot Pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them and refrigerate before baking. Just adjust baking time if they are cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Pizza pot pies are a delightful treat that combines two favorite dishes into one easy-to-make snack. Their versatility means you can customize fillings to suit everyone’s tastes, making them perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Don’t hesitate to try this fun recipe; it’s sure to impress!