Pizza Pot Pies – Cheesy Deep Dish Pizza Bowls Everyone Loves

If you love the bold flavors of classic pizza but crave something cozy, personal, and irresistibly cheesy, these Pizza Pot Pies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine all your favorite pizza toppings layered inside a small ramekin, topped with a golden crust, and baked until bubbling and gooey. It’s like deep dish pizza meets comfort food casserole — and everyone gets their own perfectly portioned bowl.

These deep dish pizza bowls are perfect for family dinners, game nights, casual gatherings, or even a fun weekend cooking project with kids. They’re customizable, easy to prepare, and deliver that signature stretchy cheese pull we all adore.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the ultimate cheesy pizza recipe at home.

Why You’ll Love These Pizza Pot Pies

There’s something magical about individual servings. Not only do they feel special, but they also help control portions and make serving effortless.

Here’s why these mini pizza pies stand out:

• Individual servings make them perfect for parties
• Customizable toppings for picky eaters
• Golden, buttery crust seals in flavor
• Deep layers of cheese and sauce
• Comfort food with a creative twist

Unlike traditional flat pizza, these baked pizza ramekins hold generous layers of toppings. Each spoonful delivers sauce, melted cheese, and savory goodness in one bite.

What Makes Pizza Pot Pies Different?

Traditional pizza layers dough first, then sauce and toppings on top. Pizza pot pies flip the script.

Instead of spreading toppings across a flat crust, you layer sauce, cheese, and toppings directly into a ramekin. Then you cover everything with dough before baking. When inverted onto a plate, the crispy crust becomes the base — revealing a molten, layered pizza masterpiece inside.

This technique creates:

• Extra gooey centers
• Even cooking
• Crisp exterior with soft interior
• A dramatic “reveal” moment when flipped

It’s comfort food theater at its finest.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make four hearty pizza pot pies:

• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup mini pepperoni slices
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
• Flour (for dusting surface)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease four oven-safe ramekins with olive oil.

2. Prepare the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough. Divide into four equal pieces. Roll each piece large enough to cover the top of your ramekin with about 1 inch of overhang.

3. Layer the Filling

Into each greased ramekin:

1. Add 2–3 tablespoons pizza sauce.
2. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella.
3. Add pepperoni slices.
4. Add another spoon of sauce.
5. Top with more mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Repeat until the ramekin is nearly full, ending with cheese.

4. Seal with Dough

Place a dough round over each ramekin. Press edges against the rim to seal. Trim excess if needed.

5. Add Flavor to the Crust

Brush the tops with melted butter. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder over each.

6. Bake

Place ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.

7. Rest and Flip

Let cool for 5 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edges, then invert onto a plate. Lift off the ramekin slowly to reveal the cheesy layers inside.

8. Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pizza Pot Pies

1. Don’t Overfill

Leave about ½ inch space at the top. Overfilling can cause bubbling overflow.

2. Use Whole Milk Mozzarella

It melts smoother and creates better cheese pulls.

3. Let Them Rest Before Flipping

This prevents filling from spilling out too quickly.

4. Grease Ramekins Well

This ensures easy release and perfect presentation.

Tasty Variations

One of the best parts of this cheesy pizza recipe is how customizable it is.

Meat Lovers

Add cooked sausage, bacon, and ham with pepperoni.

Veggie Supreme

Include mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, onions, and spinach.

BBQ Chicken

Swap pizza sauce for BBQ sauce and add shredded chicken and red onions.

Margherita Style

Use fresh mozzarella, basil, and sliced tomatoes for a lighter twist.

Spicy Kick

Add crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.

Serving Suggestions

These mini pizza pies pair beautifully with:

• Crisp Caesar salad
• Garlic knots
• Roasted vegetables
• Sparkling water or lemonade

For parties, serve alongside dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or garlic butter.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead

Assemble the ramekins and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Freeze

Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Add 5–7 minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.

Reheat

Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until heated through.

Why Kids and Adults Both Love Them

Kids adore the individual servings and dramatic cheese reveal. Adults appreciate the rich flavor and nostalgic comfort.

It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for:

• Birthday parties
• Family movie nights
• Game day spreads
• Casual dinner gatherings

Fun Pizza Facts

• The concept of deep dish pizza originated in Chicago.
• Individual baked pizza dishes are growing in popularity for portion control and presentation.
• Flipping the pot pie creates a layered effect similar to lasagna — but with pizza flavors.

Nutritional Balance Tips

To lighten things up:

• Use part-skim mozzarella
• Add more vegetables
• Use whole wheat pizza dough
• Reduce pepperoni quantity

Balance indulgence with fresh sides for a satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought dough?
Absolutely. It saves time and works perfectly.

Do I need special ramekins?
Any oven-safe bowl about 8 ounces in size works.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pizza dough.

How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Layer cheese directly against the dough before sauce for insulation.

Final Thoughts

These Pizza Pot Pies are everything you love about pizza — just cozier, cheesier, and more fun. They combine the indulgence of deep dish with the charm of individual servings. Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something comforting, these deep dish pizza bowls deliver on flavor and presentation.

Once you try them, you may never look at pizza the same way again.

Pizza Pot Pies

Individual deep dish pizza bowls layered with sauce, cheese, and toppings, sealed with golden crust and baked to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Snack

Cuisine: American, Italian-American

Calories: 480

Ingredients

  

Pizza Filling

• 1 lb pizza dough
• 1.5 cups pizza sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 cup mini pepperoni
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter melted
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Ramekins
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease ramekins.
2. Roll out pizza dough and divide into four portions.
3. Layer sauce, cheese, and toppings inside each ramekin.
4. Cover each with dough and seal edges.
5. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle seasoning.
6. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
7. Cool slightly, invert onto plate, and serve hot.

Notes

Customize with your favorite pizza toppings. Let rest before flipping to avoid spills.