Pizza pot pie is a delicious twist on the classic pizza, combining the comfort of a pot pie with the flavors of a traditional Italian pizza. With its gooey cheese, savory Italian sausage, and flavorful vegetables, it’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dry oregano
- 3/4 lb Italian sausage
- 250g cream cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sweet bell pepper, diced
- 18 slices pepperoni
- 2 tbsps sliced black olives
- Pie dough for 2 crust 9″ pie
- 1 egg and 1 tsp water for egg wash
- 9″ cast iron pan
Directions:
- In a large mixer bowl, blend the cream cheese, mozzarella (reserving 2 tbsp for later), and oregano. Set aside.
- Cut the Italian sausage into pieces. Brown in a skillet until almost cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Add onions, sweet pepper, and black olives and cook for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add the cooked sausage mixture to the cheese mixture and fold in the cherry tomatoes.
- Roll out half of the pie dough on a floured surface and place it in a 9″ cast iron pan. Add the filling, then top with half of the pepperoni slices.
- Roll out the remaining pie dough for the top crust, place it over the filling, and pinch the edges to seal. Make a few slits in the pastry for steam to escape, then brush with egg wash and sprinkle with oregano. Arrange the remaining pepperoni slices on top, being careful not to cover the slits, and sprinkle with the reserved mozzarella.
- Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips:
- Make sure to fully cook the Italian sausage before adding it to the filling.
- Don’t skip the step of brushing the pastry with egg wash as it helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
Conclusion:
With its flaky crust, gooey cheese, and flavorful filling, this pizza pot pie is a delightful twist on a classic dish. Whether served for dinner with the family or at a gathering with friends, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the comforting flavors of pizza in a cozy pot pie form with this delicious recipe!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for Pizza Pot Pie Recipe
- Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own pie crust?
- Yes, you can definitely use store-bought pizza dough if you prefer. Simply roll out the dough to fit your 9″ cast iron pan and follow the recipe as directed. Using pre-made dough can save time and effort, making this recipe even more convenient for busy weeknights.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it for later?
- Yes, you can prepare the pizza pot pie ahead of time and freeze it for later. After assembling the pie but before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, bake according to the recipe instructions. Alternatively, you can bake the pie from frozen, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly.
- Can I substitute the Italian sausage with another type of meat or make it vegetarian?
- Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable. If you prefer a different type of meat, such as ground beef, turkey, or chicken, you can easily substitute it for the Italian sausage. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the meat altogether or replace it with your favorite plant-based alternative, such as vegetarian sausage crumbles or diced tofu. Feel free to get creative and tailor the filling to your taste preferences.
- Can I use a different type of pan if I don’t have a cast iron pan?
- While a 9″ cast iron pan is recommended for this recipe, you can certainly use a different type of oven-safe pan or baking dish if you don’t have one available. A ceramic or glass pie dish would work well, as would a metal cake pan or casserole dish of similar size. Just be sure to adjust the baking time and temperature accordingly based on the material and depth of the pan you choose. Keep an eye on the pie while it bakes to ensure it reaches a golden brown finish without burning.
These FAQs should help address some common questions you may have about preparing and customizing this delicious pizza pot pie recipe. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make it your own!