There's nothing quite like the comforting combination of gooey cheese, rich marinara sauce, and buttery, golden crust – all packed into an adorable, single-serving dish. Pizza Pot Pies bring all the best parts of a classic pizza into a warm, flaky pot pie, making them an irresistible weeknight dinner or fun party treat.

I first stumbled upon this recipe when looking for a creative way to use leftover pizza toppings. One bite, and I was hooked! The way the melted cheese stretches as you dig in is pure magic. Plus, these little pot pies are endlessly customizable to suit everyone's cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Pizza Pot Pies Recipe

If you're a pizza lover (and let's be honest, who isn't?), these Pizza Pot Pies are about to become your new favorite way to enjoy all that cheesy, saucy goodness.

First off, they're quick and easy to make. With store-bought pizza dough and simple ingredients, you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality dish on the table in under an hour.

They're also fun for the whole family. Kids love helping assemble their own pot pies, choosing their favorite toppings, and flipping them over to reveal the cheesy surprise inside.

Speaking of toppings, this recipe is super customizable. Whether you're a pepperoni purist, a veggie lover, or all about the meat-lovers combo, you can mix and match ingredients to make your perfect pizza pot pie.

And let's not forget about the crust-to-cheese ratio! The inverted baking method ensures a crispy, golden pizza dough that perfectly encases all that melty cheese and savory fillings.

Ready to dig in? Let’s talk about what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create these drool-worthy Pizza Pot Pies.

Pizza Dough – You can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience, or make your own if you're feeling ambitious. Either way, make sure it's at room temperature so it's easier to stretch.
Mozzarella Cheese – The star of the show! I recommend using whole milk mozzarella for that perfect stretchy, melty goodness. Pre-shredded cheese works, but freshly grated melts even better.
Marinara Sauce – A rich, tangy sauce is key. Use your favorite store-bought brand or make a simple homemade marinara with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs.
Toppings of Choice – This is where you can get creative! Classic pepperoni, sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even olives all work great. Just make sure to pre-cook any raw meats before assembling.
Butter & Garlic – Brushing the crust with garlic butter before baking adds incredible flavor and gives it that golden, glossy finish.
Parmesan & Italian Seasoning – A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a dash of Italian herbs take these pot pies to the next level.

You'll also need oven-safe ramekins (or small bowls) to shape and bake your pot pies.

How To Make Pizza Pot Pies

Making these Pizza Pot Pies is easier than you might think! Here’s how to bring them to life:

1. Prepare the Ramekins

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously grease your ramekins with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps the crust release beautifully when flipped.

2. Layer the Cheese & Toppings

Start by placing shredded mozzarella at the bottom of each ramekin. This is what will create that gooey, cheesy pull when flipped! Then, layer in your chosen toppings, evenly distributing them between each dish.

3. Add the Marinara Sauce

Pour about ¼ cup of marinara sauce over the toppings in each ramekin. You want enough to add flavor without making the pot pies too soupy.

4. Cover with Pizza Dough

Roll out your pizza dough and cut it into circles slightly larger than the ramekins. Gently stretch the dough over each ramekin, pressing around the edges to seal. Brush the tops with melted garlic butter for extra flavor.

5. Bake Until Golden

Place the ramekins on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and crispy. The tops should be firm to the touch.

6. Flip & Serve!

Once baked, let them cool for 5 minutes before carefully flipping them onto plates. Gently lift the ramekin to reveal the cheesy, saucy, upside-down pizza pot pie. Enjoy immediately!

Storage Options

[IMAGE]

If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), here’s how to store them:

Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each cooled pot pie in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. If frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Pizza Pot Pies is how easy they are to customize! Here are some fun variations to try:

Meat Lovers – Load them up with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham for a hearty twist.
Veggie Supreme – Use bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, black olives, and spinach for a fresh, flavorful bite.
BBQ Chicken – Swap the marinara for BBQ sauce, and add grilled chicken, red onions, and cilantro.
White Pizza – Skip the marinara and use a garlic Parmesan sauce with mozzarella and ricotta for a creamy, indulgent option.
Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings!

Final Thoughts

Pizza Pot Pies take everything you love about pizza and turn it into a warm, comforting dish that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you're cooking for family dinner, hosting a game night, or just craving a unique twist on a classic, these cheesy, saucy, golden-brown pot pies will hit the spot every time.

Give them a try and let me know your favorite toppings in the comments! 🍕🥧