Growing up in Chicago, I can still vividly remember the mouthwatering aroma of the famous Chicago Oven Grinder. The flaky crust, the bubbling cheese, and the savory fillings – it was a true masterpiece. I’d race over to that iconic little storefront, eager to sink my teeth into their legendary pizza pot pies. The combination of flavors and textures was simply out of this world.
As I got older and moved away from the city, I found myself craving those comforting pot pies more and more. I just couldn’t find anything that quite measured up. That is, until I stumbled upon a recipe that promised to be a spot-on copycat of the Chicago Oven Grinder’s iconic creation. Let me tell you, this Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) recipe has been a total game-changer. It’s become my go-to for satisfying that nostalgic craving, and I know it’ll become your new favorite too.
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)
What makes this Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) recipe so special is the way it perfectly replicates the signature flavors and textures of the original. The key is in the attention to detail – from the flaky, golden crust to the gooey, melted cheese, every element is carefully crafted to deliver an authentic Chicago Oven Grinder experience. But the real secret is in the way the ingredients come together to create a truly irresistible dish.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these mouthwatering Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat), you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade – This provides the perfect foundation for the pot pies, creating a wonderfully crisp and golden crust.
- 1 cup marinara sauce – The rich, zesty sauce is the heart of the dish, adding that classic pizza flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melted to gooey perfection, the cheese is what truly makes these pot pies irresistible.
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni – This savory meat adds a delightful bite and smoky flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil – The fresh herb brightens up the entire dish with its aromatic presence.
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 40 minutes, these Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) come together in a flash. All you’ll need is a muffin tin, a rolling pin, and a few simple tools. Let’s get started!
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 6-cup muffin tin to ensure the pot pies release easily.
2- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a thin, even sheet, about 1/4 inch thick. Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter, cut out 6 circles from the dough.
3- Gently press each dough circle into the prepared muffin cups, pressing it firmly against the bottom and up the sides to create a well for the filling.
4- In a small bowl, mix together the marinara sauce, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella, the diced pepperoni, and the chopped fresh basil. Spoon this flavorful filling evenly into the dough-lined muffin cups.
5- Top each filled pot pie with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ensuring the cheese covers the entire surface.
6- Bake the Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) for 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to roll the dough out evenly to ensure a uniform crust thickness. This will help the pot pies bake up perfectly crisp.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative with the filling! You can swap out the pepperoni for your favorite pizza toppings, or even try adding sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers.
- For an extra cheesy experience, try sprinkling a bit of Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella before baking.
- If you want to make these pot pies ahead of time, simply assemble them and keep them in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled dough.
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 meal in themselves, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides and beverages. For a classic pizza night, serve them alongside a fresh garden salad and garlic breadsticks. They also make a great appetizer or party dish when served with a crisp, refreshing Italian soda or a bold red wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store the Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the pot pies. Bake them as directed, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat)
Creative Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) Variations
The beauty of this Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) recipe is that it’s endlessly customizable. Try swapping out the pepperoni for spicy Italian sausage or crumbled bacon for a delicious twist. You could also add some diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms to the filling for extra veggie goodness. For a seasonal flair, try topping the pies with roasted butternut squash and sage in the fall, or fresh tomatoes and basil in the summer.
Making Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) Diet-Friendly
To make these Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) a bit more diet-friendly, you can opt for a whole-wheat or gluten-free pizza dough. For a dairy-free version, use shredded vegan mozzarella in place of the regular cheese. If you’re watching your carbs, you can even try using a cauliflower-based dough or serving the filling in zucchini boats instead of the traditional crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses to create your own unique flavor profile.
Q: How long do the pot pies take to prepare and cook?
A: This recipe has a total time of 40 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cook time. The quick assembly and baking process make these pot pies a breeze to whip up any night of the week.
Q: Can I make these pot pies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make these Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) in advance. Assemble the pot pies and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled dough.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings of the delicious Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat). The individual pot pies are a hearty, satisfying size, making them perfect for a family dinner or as a shareable appetizer.
Q: What if the crust doesn’t come out crispy?
A: If you find the crust isn’t as crisp as you’d like, try rolling the dough a bit thinner and baking the pot pies on the bottom rack of your oven. You can also try brushing the dough with a bit of olive oil before baking to help it crisp up.
Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat)
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate copycat of the famous Chicago Oven Grinder pizza pot pies, with a flaky crust and a savory, cheesy filling. These personal-sized pies are ready in just 30 minutes for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
– 1 pound pizza dough, store-bought or homemade
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Use a 5-inch round cookie cutter or biscuit cutter to cut out 6 circles from the dough.
4. Grease a 6-cup muffin tin and place the dough circles into the cups, pressing them into the bottom and up the sides to form the pie crusts.
5. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce into each dough cup, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese and diced pepperoni.
6. Fold the excess dough over the filling to create a sealed top crust.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For a more authentic Chicago Oven Grinder flavor, you can use hot Italian sausage instead of pepperoni. You can also experiment with different cheese blends or add your favorite pizza toppings.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Pies & Pastries
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Conclusion
These Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) are a true taste of Chicago nostalgia, and I’m confident they’ll become a new family favorite in your home too. With their irresistible flavors, perfectly crisp crust, and gooey, melted cheese, these pot pies are sure to satisfy even the biggest pizza cravings. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the magic of the Chicago Oven Grinder, right in your own kitchen. Be sure to let me know how your Pizza Pot Pies (Chicago Oven Grinder Copycat) turn out – I can’t wait to hear all about it!
