Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) – A Delightful Homemade Twist

I’ll never forget the first time I tried the famous Chicago Oven Grinder Pizza Pot Pies. It was a blustery winter day in the Windy City, and my friends had been raving about this local institution for months. As soon as I stepped through the door, the aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering tomato sauce enveloped me. The cozy, inviting atmosphere had me hooked before I even took my first bite.

When the steaming hot pot pie arrived at our table, I was mesmerized. The buttery, flaky crust gave way to a molten interior of melted cheese, spicy pepperoni, and zesty tomato sauce. It was like a little slice of pizza heaven, all wrapped up in one convenient package. From that moment on, I was obsessed – I had to recreate this iconic dish at home.

Why This Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

The Secret Behind Perfect Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat)

After countless experiments in the kitchen, I finally perfected my own version of the Chicago Oven Grinder’s legendary Pizza Pot Pies. The key lies in the flaky, buttery crust that perfectly complements the rich, gooey filling. By using a store-bought pizza dough as the base, you get all the flavor and texture of a homemade crust without the hassle.

The secret is in the way you assemble the pot pies – layering the dough, cheese, pepperoni, and sauce just so. This creates pockets of melted goodness in every bite. And the addition of oregano, garlic powder, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes takes the flavor profile to new heights. Trust me, your friends and family will be begging you to make these again and again.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To recreate these Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) at home, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients:

• 1 pound pizza dough: The foundation of the dish, this store-bought dough ensures a light, crispy crust.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This gooey, melty cheese is the perfect complement to the spicy pepperoni.
• 1/2 cup diced pepperoni: The star of the show, adding a delicious kick of flavor and texture.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a savory, umami note to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: An essential Italian seasoning that ties all the flavors together.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle, aromatic garlic flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch of heat to balance the richness.
• 1 egg, beaten: This helps create a beautiful, golden-brown crust.

Step-by-Step Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) Instructions

Preparing Your Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat)

With a total time of just 38 minutes (20 minutes of prep and 18 minutes of cooking), these Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) come together in a snap. All you’ll need is a rolling pin, a muffin tin, and a few simple kitchen tools.

1- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 6-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
2- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide the dough into 6 equal squares.
3- Gently press each dough square into the prepared muffin cups, pressing the dough up the sides to create a little “cup” shape.
4- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, diced pepperoni, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
5- Spoon the cheese and pepperoni mixture evenly into the dough-lined muffin cups, filling them almost to the top.
6- Finally, brush the exposed dough edges with the beaten egg, then bake for 18 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to ensure your Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) turn out perfectly every time:

1. Use room temperature pizza dough for easier handling and shaping.
2. Dice the pepperoni into small pieces to ensure even distribution in the filling.
3. Don’t overfill the dough cups – leave a little room at the top for the cheese to expand.
4. Brush the exposed dough edges with egg wash for a beautiful, shiny crust.

Serving and Storing Your Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat)

Perfect Pairings for Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat)

These Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) are a delicious meal on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks. For a simple, satisfying meal, serve them with a crisp green salad and a glass of red wine. They also make a great appetizer or game-day snack, especially when accompanied by a selection of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli.

With 6 servings per batch, these pot pies are perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Leftover Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the pot pies in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

For longer-term storage, these pot pies freeze exceptionally well. Once baked, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the pot pies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat)

Creative Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) Variations

While the classic pepperoni and mozzarella filling is hard to beat, you can easily switch up the flavors to suit your tastes. Try swapping in spicy Italian sausage, crispy bacon, or diced ham instead of the pepperoni. For vegetarian versions, load up on sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. You can even get creative with seasonal ingredients, like roasted butternut squash and sage in the fall or pesto and sun-dried tomatoes in the summer.

Making Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) Diet-Friendly

For a gluten-free twist, swap the traditional pizza dough for a gluten-free version or use pre-made gluten-free pie crust. To keep things low-carb, you can use a cauliflower-based pizza crust or zucchini boats instead of the dough cups. And for a dairy-free option, simply omit the cheese or use your favorite non-dairy alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese besides mozzarella?
A: Absolutely! While mozzarella is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other melty cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone.

Q: How long does it take to assemble these Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat)?
A: The total prep time is just 20 minutes, which includes rolling out the dough, assembling the filling, and shaping the pot pies in the muffin tin.

Q: Can I make these Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) ahead of time?
A: Yes, these pot pies are perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble them in advance and keep them refrigerated for up to 4 days before baking. You can also freeze the baked pot pies for up to 3 months.

Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This recipe for Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) makes 6 servings.

Q: What if the dough sticks to the muffin tin?
A: To prevent sticking, be sure to grease the muffin tin thoroughly before adding the dough. You can also try lightly dusting the dough with flour before pressing it into the cups.

Print

Conclusion

These Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) are a delicious homemade twist on a beloved Chicago classic. With their flaky crust, gooey cheese, and zesty pepperoni filling, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. The best part? They come together in just 38 minutes, making them the perfect weeknight meal or game-day snack.

So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of these irresistible Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat). Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I’d love to see how your pot pies turn out!