You haven’t lived until you’ve dug into a bubbling, golden pizza pot pie straight from the oven. That first crack through the crispy crust to reveal the molten cheese and tangy sauce underneath – oh wow, it’s pure magic! My kids go absolutely wild for this recipe, and honestly, so do I. It’s like all the best parts of deep-dish pizza met my grandma’s chicken pot pie and had the most delicious lovechild. Weeknight dinners got about 1000% better when I discovered you could make restaurant-quality pizza pot pie at home with just a few simple ingredients and one trusty oven-safe pot.
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Ingredients for Pizza Pot Pie
What I love about this pizza pot pie is how simple the ingredient list is – just grab these pantry staples and you’re halfway to cheesy perfection! I like to group everything so I’m not running around my kitchen like a madwoman when the dough starts rising. Trust me, prepping everything first makes all the difference.
For the dough (the crispy hug for all that goodness):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled – no packing!)
- 1 tsp salt (I use kosher for better flavor distribution)
- 1 tsp sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp if you’re using bulk)
- 3/4 cup warm water (think baby bath temperature, around 110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)
For the saucy, cheesy magic inside:
- 1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or your favorite jarred kind)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (pack it lightly in the measuring cup)
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni (or tear them into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (I use red and green for color)
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (baby bellas are my go-to)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (rub between your fingers to wake up the flavor)
See? Nothing fancy, just real food that comes together into something spectacular. Now let’s get that dough started!
How to Make Pizza Pot Pie
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Making pizza pot pie is way easier than you’d think, but there are a few key steps I’ve learned over countless bubbly, cheesy batches. Follow along and you’ll have that crispy-on-the-outside, melty-on-the-inside masterpiece in no time.
Preparing the Dough
First things first – let’s wake up that yeast! Mix your flour, salt, sugar and yeast in a big bowl. The warm water should feel like a nice bath – too hot and you’ll kill the yeast, too cold and it won’t wake up properly. Add the water and olive oil, then stir until it comes together in a shaggy mess.
Now the fun part – kneading! Turn your dough onto a floured surface and work it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If it sticks to your hands, just add a tiny bit more flour. You’ll know it’s ready when you can gently poke it and it springs back. Pop it back in the bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 30 minutes. It won’t double like regular dough – we just want it relaxed enough to roll out.
Assembling the Pizza Pot Pie
Once your dough is ready, roll it out into a circle about 1/4-inch thick. Carefully line your greased pot, letting the edges hang over the sides – this is what will become that gorgeous golden crust lid! Now the layering begins: first the sauce (spread it almost to the edges), then a good layer of cheese (this is the glue that holds everything together), then all your toppings. I like to press the pepperoni slices down slightly so they don’t all float to the top.
The key moment: fold those overhanging edges over the filling, pleating as you go to create a tight seal. No cheese escapes this way! If you’ve got extra dough, you can cut cute little vents in the top or make decorative leaves – my kids love when I do this.
Baking and Serving
Into the 400°F oven it goes! Bake for about 25 minutes until the crust is deeply golden and you can hear the cheese bubbling inside. The smell will drive you crazy – fair warning. Let it cool for 5 minutes (the hardest wait of your life), then here’s the fun part: place a plate upside down over the pot and flip the whole thing. Lift the pot away to reveal your beautiful pizza pot pie with the crispy bottom now on top! Slice into wedges and watch that cheese stretch for days.
This Pizza Pot Pie is pure comfort food bliss — gooey cheese, savory sauce, and golden crust all baked into a crave-worthy dish ready in just 25 minutes! If you love cozy and hearty meals, you’ll also want to try this rich and flavorful French Onion Beef and Rice Casserole, another family favorite that’s just as satisfying.
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Irresistible 25-Minute Pizza Pot Pie Heaven You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious twist on classic pizza, baked in a pot for a deep-dish style pie with a crispy crust and gooey cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
- 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Add warm water and olive oil. Knead into a dough.
- Let the dough rise for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and line a greased oven-safe pot, leaving edges to cover the top.
- Spread pizza sauce over the dough.
- Layer mozzarella, pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Sprinkle oregano on top.
- Fold the dough edges over the filling to seal.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a deep pot for best results.
- Customize toppings to your preference.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Pot Pie
Listen, I could eat pizza every day if my waistline allowed it, but this pizza pot pie? It’s next-level good. Here’s why it’s become my family’s favorite:
- That crust! Imagine a golden, buttery exterior giving way to tender layers underneath—like the best parts of a croissant and pizza crust had a baby.
- Endlessly customizable—swap in sausage for pepperoni, add pineapple if you dare (no judgement), or go veggie-loaded. It’s your pie, your rules.
- Kid-approved magic—there’s something about cracking into that crispy dome that makes even picky eaters cheer. Bonus: no floppy slices!
- One-pot wonder—minimal cleanup means more time savoring that melty, saucy interior.
Seriously, once you try pizza pot pie, regular pizza nights just won’t cut it anymore.
Tips for the Best Pizza Pot Pie
After burning (literally) through a few trial runs, here are my foolproof secrets for pizza pot pie perfection:
- Pot matters: Use a 2-quart oven-safe pot with straight sides – mine’s a well-loved cast iron that gives crazy good crust color.
- Dough thickness: Roll to 1/4-inch – too thin and it’ll tear, too thick and you’ll get doughy pockets.
- Fight sogginess: Blot wet veggies (looking at you, mushrooms!) with paper towels before adding them in.
- Golden crust trick: Brush the folded-over edges with olive oil before baking for extra crunch.
- Rest before flipping: Those 5 minutes of cooling let the cheese set so your masterpiece holds its shape.
Follow these and you’re guaranteed that crisp-to-gooey ratio we all dream about!

Ingredient Substitutions
Got dietary restrictions or just missing an ingredient? No sweat – this pizza pot pie is crazy adaptable! For gluten-free folks, swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (the dough might be stickier, so add a touch more flour as needed). Vegan? Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based pepperoni – the heat helps melt it beautifully. No fresh veggies? Frozen work in a pinch (thaw and squeeze out excess water first). Just remember: subbing sauce changes the flavor most – stick to tomato-based for that classic pizza taste!
Pizza Pot Pie Variations
The beauty of pizza pot pie is how easily you can switch up the flavors! Try a Margherita version with fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella for a lighter take. Meat lovers? Load it up with sausage, bacon, and ham. My veggie-packed “garden special” includes zucchini, artichokes, and olives. For breakfast, swap the sauce for scrambled eggs and top with crispy hash browns – yes, breakfast pizza pot pie is a thing! The crust works with any combo you dream up.
Serving Suggestions
This pizza pot pie stands proud on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp Caesar salad to cut through the richness. Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks make perfect dippers for any leftover sauce that oozes out. For game nights? Serve wedges alongside marinara for dunking – pure crowd-pleasing magic!
Storing and Reheating Pizza Pot Pie
Here’s the good news – pizza pot pie keeps like a dream! Leftovers (if you have any!) store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just wrap tightly in foil or transfer to an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic then foil for up to 2 months. When reheating, skip the microwave – that makes the crust sad and soggy. Instead, pop slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and that crust crisps back up perfectly. It’s almost as good as fresh from the oven!
For more cheesy, irresistible dinner ideas, check out our boards on Pinterest – Scones Recipe and pin your favorites to make later.
Pizza Pot Pie FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely! A 1-pound ball of store-bought pizza dough works perfectly in a pinch. Just let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling out – it’ll be much easier to work with. My trick? Give it a quick knead with some flour to improve the texture before lining your pot.
Why didn’t my crust get crispy?
Oh no! This usually happens if your oven wasn’t hot enough or if you skipped the olive oil brush on the crust. Next time, make sure your oven is fully preheated (I use an oven thermometer to check) and don’t be shy with that oil – it makes all the difference for that golden crunch.
Can I make this ahead?
You bet! Prepare the dough and fill your pot, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. The cold actually helps develop more flavor. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with a cold pot.
What if my toppings leak out?
No worries – that just means you’ve got bonus crispy cheese bits! For next time, make sure your dough edges are well sealed and don’t overfill. Leave about 1/2-inch space at the top of your pot – the cheese expands as it melts.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s be real here – we’re not eating pizza pot pie because it’s a kale salad. That said, I always like to have a general idea of what I’m putting into my body (so I know exactly how many extra miles to walk the next day!). Keep in mind these numbers can change depending on your specific ingredients – like if you go heavy on the pepperoni or light on the cheese.
The estimates per serving (about 1/4 of the pie) land around 350-400 calories with that perfect balance of carbs, protein, and yes, some fat – because melted cheese is basically happiness in food form. The exact counts will vary based on your topping choices and how generously you layer that glorious cheese. My philosophy? Enjoy every gooey bite and balance it out with veggies at your next meal!
Ready to Make Pizza Magic?
There you have it – my foolproof path to pizza pot pie perfection! Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or your next game day showstopper, this recipe never fails to impress. That first crack through the golden crust to reveal the bubbling cheese underneath? Pure happiness in every bite. Now it’s your turn – grab that pot, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some pizza magic happen! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Try this pizza pot pie and share your tasty twists in the comments below – what creative toppings will you dream up?