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Pizza Bites: Individual Pot Pies. These Pizza Pot Pies are a delightful and easy way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a fun, individual serving. Using refrigerated biscuits as a base, they’re quick to assemble and perfect for parties, gatherings, or a casual weeknight treat. The combination of pizza sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni, baked until golden and bubbly, is always a crowd-pleaser.
When I first made these, my kids were absolutely thrilled. They loved the idea of having their own personal pizzas, and the ease of making them meant we could experiment with different toppings.
Essential Ingredients
- Refrigerated Biscuits: These form the quick and easy crust for the pot pies. Use regular-sized biscuits for the best results.
- Butter, Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Black Pepper: This blend creates a flavorful herb butter mixture that adds depth to the crust. Use a good quality olive oil for the richest flavor.
- Pasta Sauce or Pizza Sauce: Forms the base of the pizza filling, adding a tangy tomato flavor. A thick, rich sauce works best.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a classic pizza cheese flavor and a gooey, melty texture. Use a good quality mozzarella that melts well.
- Chopped Pepperoni: Adds a spicy, savory kick to the filling. Choose a pepperoni with a good balance of spice and flavor.
- Cooking Spray: Prevents the pot pies from sticking to the muffin tin, ensuring easy removal.
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Creating the Pizza Pot Pies
- Oven and Pan Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Herb Butter Preparation:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Biscuit Cup Formation:
- Press each refrigerated biscuit into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cups, forming individual cups. Ensure the biscuit covers as much of the cup as possible.
- Dough Pricking:
- Use a fork to prick the bottom and sides of each biscuit cup. This prevents the dough from puffing up too much during baking.
- Herb Butter Application:
- Brush the inside of each biscuit cup with the herb butter mixture. This adds flavor and helps the crust brown beautifully.
- Sauce Filling:
- Spoon a small amount of pasta sauce or pizza sauce into the bottom of each biscuit cup. Use a light layer to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Cheese and Pepperoni Layering:
- Add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped pepperoni to each cup. Add another layer of mozzarella and pepperoni on top for a rich, cheesy filling.
- Optional Seasoning:
- Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning over the top of each pot pie for added flavor.
- Baking Stage:
- Bake the pot pies for 20-23 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Allow the pot pies to cool in the muffin tin for 3-5 minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm.
My family loves experimenting with different toppings. We’ve tried adding cooked sausage, mushrooms, and even pineapple. The flexibility of this recipe is one of its best features.
Variations
Create a supreme version by adding green peppers, black olives, and Italian sausage. For a Margherita style, use fresh mozzarella and basil. Make buffalo chicken pot pies with buffalo chicken and blue cheese. Or try a Mediterranean version with artichoke hearts, feta, and pine nuts.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can assemble the pot pies up to 4 hours before baking and refrigerate them. For longer storage, bake the pot pies, cool them completely, and freeze them for up to 2 months. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-cook and finely chop any vegetables or meats before adding them as toppings. You can assemble the pot pies and refrigerate them before baking. Use regular-sized refrigerated biscuits for the best results. For mini pot pies, use mini biscuits and reduce the baking time. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
These Pizza Pot Pies are a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza in a unique format. Their ease of preparation and customizable nature make them a perfect choice for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these pizza bites ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prepare them up to the point of baking, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 2-3 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. You can also fully bake them, refrigerate, and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes just before serving.
- → What other fillings can I use besides pepperoni?
- These pizza bites are incredibly versatile! Try cooked Italian sausage, diced ham, crumbled bacon, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. For vegetarian options, try spinach and feta or roasted vegetables. Just make sure any meat is pre-cooked and vegetables are cut small.
- → Can I use crescent roll dough instead of biscuits?
- Absolutely! Crescent roll dough works great as an alternative to biscuit dough. Press the seams together before cutting into squares to fit your muffin tin. The texture will be flakier than using biscuits, but equally delicious.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store cooled leftover pizza bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, though they won't be as crispy.
- → Can I freeze these pizza bites?
- Yes! These freeze beautifully. Cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.