Introduction:
Pizza pockets are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy pizza without the hassle of a full pizza. These cheesy pockets are stuffed with mozzarella cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy dough. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a quick meal, these homemade pizza pockets are a hit with both kids and adults. You can customize them with your favorite fillings and bake or fry them for a crispy treat.
Ingredients:
1 can (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1/4 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
1/2 cup cooked pepperoni (or your choice of toppings like sausage, veggies, etc.)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 4-6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle or oval shape.
Fill the pockets: On one side of each dough circle, spoon a small amount of pizza sauce, leaving space along the edges. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and add any toppings you desire (pepperoni, sausage, or veggies). Sprinkle with a pinch of oregano and season with salt and pepper.
Seal the pockets: Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges tightly to seal, crimping with a fork if necessary.
Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush the tops of the pizza pockets with olive oil for a golden finish.
Bake: Place the pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes, then serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
Description:
These easy cheesy homemade pizza pockets are like little handheld pizzas, stuffed with gooey melted cheese, savory pizza sauce, and your choice of toppings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these crispy, cheesy delights that are perfect for meal prep, snack time, or even as a fun lunch. Whether you choose to bake or fry them, each bite is filled with a delicious, satisfying combination of flavors. The best part? You can customize them to your liking, making them as simple or as loaded as you want!
Tips:
Make it vegetarian: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or any vegetables you like for a veggie-packed pizza pocket.
Dough alternatives: If you prefer a different dough, try using puff pastry, crescent roll dough, or even gluten-free pizza dough.
Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for extra flavor.
Fried pizza pockets: For a crispy fried version, heat vegetable oil in a pan and fry the pockets until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
Storage: These pizza pockets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Correction:
If you find the dough too thick after rolling it out, simply roll it a little thinner to ensure a crispy texture after baking. You can also use a rolling pin to ensure even thickness across all pockets.
If the filling leaks out while baking, you may have left too much sauce inside. Be careful not to overstuff the pockets to avoid this.
