Description
Comfort meets creativity in these mouthwatering pizza pot pies, blending classic Italian flavors with hearty American charm. Flaky crusts cradle melted cheese and zesty sauce, promising a delightful culinary adventure you’ll savor with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1/2 pound (226 grams) Italian sausage (or ground beef), crumbled
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (optional)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Sauce and Cheese:
- 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Dough:
- 1 premade pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for brushing)
Instructions
- Craft the robust filling by rendering sausage in a sizzling pan until perfectly caramelized, breaking the meat into delicate crumbles.
- Incorporate aromatic onions, minced garlic, vibrant bell peppers, and earthy mushrooms, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender.
- Enrich the mixture with crushed tomatoes and pizza sauce, then elevate the flavor profile by introducing oregano, basil, fiery red pepper flakes, and seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Allow the mixture to gently simmer, melding the flavors for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat and let the ingredients harmonize.
- Warm the oven to 400°F, preparing ramekins with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
- Distribute the aromatic filling evenly across the ramekins, creating a hearty base.
- Generously crown each ramekin with a lavish layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a decadent touch.
- Roll out pizza dough and delicately cut circles marginally larger than the ramekin circumference.
- Drape the dough over each ramekin, meticulously sealing the edges to create a perfect enclosure.
- Brush the dough surface with melted butter, then dust with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for an extra flavor dimension.
- Position the ramekins on a baking sheet and transform in the oven until the dough achieves a golden, crispy exterior, approximately 18-22 minutes.
- Allow the pot pies a brief moment to cool, then serve either by carefully inverting onto plates or enjoying directly from the ramekin.
Notes
- Customize protein options by swapping sausage with ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for dietary variety.
- Manage moisture levels by draining excess liquid from vegetables before adding to prevent soggy pot pie bottoms.
- Create gluten-free versions using alternative pizza dough made from cauliflower, almond flour, or gluten-free premade crusts.
- Control spice intensity by adjusting red pepper flakes and selecting mild or hot sausage based on personal heat preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg