Pizza Pie
A delightful pizza pie with a crispy crust, gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Its unique twisted design adds visual appeal and fun to the classic flavors, making it an ideal choice for casual dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Spray an 8-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray.
- Unroll the refrigerated pizza crust and form a 14 x 10-inch rectangle.
- Place the dough in the sprayed pan, allowing it to extend evenly over the sides. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese over the dough.
- Spread pizza sauce over the cheese layer.
- Top with pepperoni slices and the remaining Mozzarella cheese.
- Cut 2-inch slits at each corner of the dough.
- Bring all the ends of the dough at the center together.
- Twist the dough to secure the top of the pizza.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier crust, consider pre-baking the pizza crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the toppings. You can substitute the pepperoni with sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. If you want extra flavor, sprinkle some Italian herbs like oregano or basil over the top before baking. This Pizza Pie pairs beautifully with Italian Baked Beans for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pizza Pie hot, garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat. It makes a great main dish, complemented by a side of Italian Pasta Salad With Salami or a simple green salad. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can easily be sliced into wedges for sharing.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pizza Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, but this may make the crust less crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Pie contains roughly 693 calories, with 38g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (77% of the Daily Value), calcium (75% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1349mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a homemade pizza crust instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! A homemade pizza crust can add a personal touch to your Pizza Pie. Just ensure it is rolled out to the right thickness to fit the pan. Adjust baking time as needed, as homemade crusts may require longer to bake fully.
What can I do if I don't have pizza sauce?
If you don’t have pizza sauce, you can use marinara or tomato sauce as a substitute. For a unique flavor, try mixing crushed tomatoes with Italian herbs and a pinch of sugar to mimic pizza sauce. This will still yield delicious results in your Pizza Pie.
Is it possible to freeze the Pizza Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the Pizza Pie before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).