Introduction to Pizza Pot Pie

If you're a fan of both pot pies and deep dish pizzas, there's a delightful culinary fusion you simply must try: the pizza pot pie. This dish uniquely combines the essence of a classic pot pie with the flavors of a deep dish pizza, offering an indulgent experience for cheese lovers. Instead of traditional pizza dough, this recipe opts for a pie crust which crisps up beautifully, encasing a rich and savory filling.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's a list of the ingredients required for crafting this cheesy masterpiece:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve 2 tbsp for later)

• 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

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large mixer bowl, blend together the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella (reserving 2 tbsp for later), and oregano. Set this mixture aside for now.

3. Cut the Italian sausage into small pieces. In a skillet, brown the sausage until almost completely cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.

4. Roll out one of the pie crusts and fit it into your 9" cast iron pan, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides entirely.

5. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the pie crust in the cast iron pan.

6. Evenly distribute the browned sausage, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, bell pepper, pepperoni slices, and black olives over the cream cheese layer.

7. Cover the mixture with the remaining cream cheese blend.

8. Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling, sealing the edges by pressing the top crust into the bottom crust with your fingers or a fork.

9. Brush the top crust with the egg wash (a blend of 1 egg and 1 tsp water) to get a beautiful golden-brown finish.

10. Sprinkle the reserved 2 tbsp of mozzarella cheese on top of the crust.

11. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

12. Allow the pizza pot pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Final Thoughts

This pizza pot pie is perfect for special gatherings or a hearty family dinner. The combination of cheesy goodness, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables wrapped in a flaky pie crust makes for an unforgettable dish. Whether you're a pizza aficionado or a pot pie enthusiast, this recipe is sure to win you over with its unique and mouthwatering flavors.