Easy Pizza Pot Pie Recipe: A Cheesy Family Favorite
As the sun sets, the family comes together at dinner. The smell of cheese and tomato sauce fills the room. It’s not just any pizza night. It’s a special mix of comfort and Italian flavors.
This is the world of pizza pot pie. It’s a delicious blend that will soon be your family’s favorite.
Key Takeaways
- A unique twist on traditional pizza that brings the comfort of a pot pie to the table
- Features layers of cheese, pizza sauce, and toppings enclosed in a flaky crust
- Baked until golden brown for a gourmet pizza experience at home
- Ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners
- Customizable with a variety of pizza toppings to suit your taste preferences
What Makes Pizza Pot Pie Special?
The pizza pot pie comes from the famous Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company. It’s a mix of deep-dish Chicago-style pizza and a savory pot pie. This dish has a crispy crust and a gooey cheese inside, making it a treat for your taste buds.
Origins of Chicago-Style Pizza Pot Pie
The pizza pot pie was introduced in 1972 at the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company. This place has been serving it for nearly 50 years. Their special way of making pizza gives you a crispy crust and a cheesy center.
Why This Recipe Works
This pizza pot pie recipe is great because you can make it in any size. It combines deep-dish pizza with the cozy feel of a pot pie. It’s a dish that everyone can enjoy, with a mix of flavors and textures in each bite.
The Perfect Fusion of Pizza and Pot Pie
The pizza pot pie is a special dish that brings together pizza and pot pie lovers. It has a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and tasty toppings. It’s the perfect comfort food, blending the warmth of a pot pie with the charm of a stuffed pizza.
“The pizza pot pie at Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder comes in two sizes: one pound or half-pound, with the option to add mushrooms or special order a vegetarian version.”
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Pizza Pot Pie
To make the ultimate pizza pot pie, you need to pick the best ingredients. These should mix Italian flavors with comfort food. The key parts of this dish are what make it a cheesy delight.
Start with a mix of mozzarella and provolone cheese slices. Choose top brands like Boar’s Head for the best melt. Next, add a tasty pizza sauce. You can make your own or use a premium store-bought one like Rao’s or Carbone.
The base of the dish is the pizza dough. Use either store-bought or homemade dough for the right crust. Then, add your favorite toppings like Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers. This lets you make your pizza pot pie just how you like it.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella Cheese, Sliced | 8 slices |
| Provolone Cheese, Sliced | 4 slices |
| Pizza Sauce | 1 cup |
| Pizza Dough | 1 pound |
| Italian Sausage | 1 cup, crumbled |
| Pepperoni | 1/2 cup, sliced |
| Mushrooms | 1 cup, sliced |
| Bell Peppers | 1/2 cup, diced |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious cheese-filled pastry. It’s a celebration of Italian cuisine.
Required Kitchen Tools and Equipment
To make the perfect pizza pot pie, you’ll need some key tools and equipment. You’ll need the right baking dishes and a few extra kitchen items. These will help your casserole bake evenly and make it easy to serve.
Baking Vessels and Ramekins
First, get oven-safe baked casserole dishes or ramekins. Pyrex 10-ounce custard cups or ramekins are great for individual servings. These glass dishes will help your pizza pot pie bake perfectly.
Additional Kitchen Tools
- Baking sheets for prepping the dough and transferring the filled ramekins to the oven
- Kitchen tongs for safely handling the hot ramekins
- A sturdy spatula for easily removing the baked pot pies from the ramekins
- Mixing bowls for preparing the pizza dough and filling
Having the right kitchen equipment makes making and baking your pizza pot pie easy. With the right tools, your baked casserole will look great every time.
Step-by-Step Pizza Pot Pie Assembly
Making a perfect deep dish pizza pot pie is a bit tricky, but it’s worth it. Follow these easy steps to make a tasty, upside-down pizza that everyone will love.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease your oven-safe ramekins or individual baking dishes with a thin layer of butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- Start by adding a layer of shredded deep dish pizza cheese, like sharp provolone, around the sides of the ramekins. Leave a space in the middle for the filling.
- Then, add your favorite toppings in the middle. You can use pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
- Next, pour a lot of your homemade stuffed pizza sauce, made with Mutti Baby Roma tomatoes, over the toppings.
- Finally, stretch and place a round of pizza dough over the top of each ramekin. Press the edges to seal the filling inside.
The secret to a great pizza pot pie is making sure the dough is stretched and sealed well. This keeps the filling inside while it bakes. With a little practice, you’ll get the upside-down look that makes this dish so pretty.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter or non-stick cooking spray | For greasing ramekins |
| Shredded sharp provolone cheese | 2 cups |
| Pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers | Your desired toppings |
| Homemade pizza sauce (made with Mutti Baby Roma tomatoes) | 2 cups |
| Homemade pizza dough | 1 batch |
With these steps, you can make a deep dish pizza and stuffed pizza mix that looks great and tastes amazing. Enjoy your homemade pizza pot pie!
Making the Perfect Pizza Dough Base
Creating a flawless pizza dough is key to a delicious gourmet pizza pie. Whether you’re making a classic New York-style pizza or a deep-dish Chicago-style pizza pot pie, mastering yeast dough is crucial. Let’s explore the essential tips and techniques to ensure your pizza dough is nothing short of perfection.
Yeast Dough Tips and Techniques
Yeast dough needs careful attention to temperature and rising time. The best water temperature for activating yeast is 115°F. Letting the dough rise for 1-2 hours is essential for the perfect texture and flavor.
Gently handling the dough during kneading and shaping is important. This helps keep the air bubbles that make the crust light and airy.
Proper Dough Handling Methods
When it comes to the pizza dough, how you handle it matters a lot. Avoid overworking the gourmet pizza pie dough to prevent a tough crust. Instead, knead and shape gently to keep the air pockets that make the crust soft and chewy.
With a little practice, you’ll get the hang of handling the pizza dough to achieve the perfect crust every time.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Active Dry Yeast | 2¼ teaspoons |
| All-Purpose Flour | 3 cups |
| Warm Water (115°F) | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
By following these yeast dough tips and proper handling techniques, you’ll be well on your way to crafting the perfect pizza dough base for your delectable gourmet pizza pie.
Cheese and Filling Combinations
Discover the magic of a delicious pizza pot pie by trying different cheese and filling mixes. The secret to a great pizza pot pie is in how you layer your ingredients.
Begin with a creamy ricotta cheese base. Add mozzarella cheese sticks for that cheese-filled pastry feel. For a meaty twist, add Italian sausage or spicy pepperoni for a meat-packed crust.
- Ricotta cheese and mozzarella sticks
- Italian sausage and sliced green bell pepper
- Pepperoni and diced white onion
- Ground beef and sautéed mushrooms
Remember to sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the filling for a cheesy crust. To boost the pizza taste, make a homemade pizza sauce. Use tomato sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a bit of red pepper flakes for heat.
| Filling Combination | Cheese Layers | Pizza Sauce Customization |
|---|---|---|
| Italian Sausage, Bell Pepper, Onion | Ricotta, Mozzarella Sticks, Parmesan | Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes |
| Pepperoni, Diced Onion | Ricotta, Mozzarella Sticks, Parmesan | Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes |
| Ground Beef, Sautéed Mushrooms | Ricotta, Mozzarella Sticks, Parmesan | Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes |
With these top cheese and filling combos, your pizza pot pie will be a hit. Have fun experimenting and let your taste buds find the perfect mix.
Baking Instructions and Temperature Guidelines
To make the perfect pizza pot pie, you need to be precise with your baking. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key for a golden crust and melted cheese.
When the oven is hot, put your pizza pot pie in. Bake for 15-25 minutes. Watch for signs that it’s done.
Visual Cues for Perfect Doneness
Look for a few signs that your pizza pot pie is ready. The crust should be golden brown. The cheese should be bubbly and melted.
Timing and Temperature Control
Controlling the temperature is crucial. Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-25 minutes is perfect. This ensures a crunchy crust and melted fillings. Keep an eye on your oven, as times can vary.
When it’s done, take it out of the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes. This lets the flavors meld together, making a delicious casserole.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make your savory pizza pot pie special, focus on how you serve and present it. Start by flipping the ramekins onto plates with heat-resistant tongs and potholders. This keeps the crust looking great. Serve it right away when it’s hot, so the cheese stays melted and the filling is hot.
Make each guest feel special by giving them their own portion. This lets them choose their favorite toppings and sauces. It also makes the dish look like it came from a fancy restaurant. Let everyone add their own touches to make it their own.
- Use heat-resistant tongs and potholders to safely remove ramekins from the oven
- Serve the pizza pot pie hot, straight from the oven for maximum enjoyment
- Offer individual portions to allow for customization and personalization
- Provide a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara and ranch, for added flavor
By following these tips, your homemade pizza pot pie will wow your family and friends. It’s a delicious mix of savory pizza and cozy pot pie in every bite!
Conclusion
The pizza pot pie recipe is a mix of classic pizza and cozy pot pie. It’s perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests. Everyone who tries it will love it.
This dish has a flaky crust, gooey cheese, and many toppings to choose from. It’s easy to make, with just 20 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of cooking. It’s great for busy nights or weekend meals.
Try making this recipe and see how pizza and pot pie come together. You can make it your own with different toppings. It’s a pizza pot pie, a family favorite!
