Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

Introduction

Homemade cheesy pizza pockets are a delightful snack that combines the flavors of classic pizza with a crispy, golden crust. Perfect for parties or a tasty lunch, these pockets are easy to make and customizable with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 3/4 cup of milk
• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup of tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/2 cup of pepperoni slices or any preferred pizza toppings
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well to blend the dry ingredients.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the diced butter into the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Step 4: Pour in the milk and use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the mixture until a dough forms.
5. Step 5: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 2 minutes until smooth.
6. Step 6: Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness using a rolling pin.
7. Step 7: Cut the dough into circles using a cookie cutter or a large glass (about 3-4 inches in diameter).
8. Step 8: In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, oregano, and basil.
9. Step 9: Place a small spoonful of this sauce mixture in the center of each dough circle.
10. Step 10: Add a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce, and top with a few slices of pepperoni or your favorite toppings.
11. Step 11: Carefully fold the dough circle in half over the fillings to create a crescent shape, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal them.
12. Step 12: Place the filled pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet.
13. Step 13: Brush each one with the beaten egg, ensuring a light, even coating.
14. Step 14: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pockets are golden brown and puffy.
15. Step 15: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian option, swap pepperoni with diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives.
• Adding a pinch of garlic powder or crushed red pepper to the tomato sauce gives the pockets an extra flavor boost.
• Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
• Make mini pockets using smaller cutters for bite-sized snacks perfect for parties.

Storage

Store leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the pizza pockets?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked pizza pockets by placing them on a baking sheet, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of making my own?

Absolutely. Store-bought pizza sauce works well and can save time. Just enhance it with a sprinkle of dried oregano and basil for extra flavor if you like.

Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 150 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 pizza pockets 1x

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Description

These Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a delicious and easy-to-make snack perfect for lunch or dinner. Featuring a flaky dough filled with melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, tomato sauce seasoned with oregano and basil, and savory pepperoni slices, these pockets are baked to golden perfection. Ideal for pizza lovers who want a portable and cheesy treat.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 3/4 cup of milk

Filling Ingredients

• 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup of tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/2 cup of pepperoni slices or any preferred pizza toppings

For Finishing

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir to blend these dry ingredients uniformly.
3. Incorporate Butter: Gradually add the chilled, diced unsalted butter into the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a flaky dough.
4. Add Milk and Form Dough: Pour in the milk and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a rough dough forms.
5. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it for about 2 minutes until smooth and cohesive.
6. Roll Out Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness to achieve thin but sturdy pockets.
7. Cut Dough Circles: Cut the dough into circles approximately 3 to 4 inches in diameter using a cookie cutter or a large glass.
8. Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the tomato sauce with dried oregano and basil, mixing well to evenly distribute the herbs.
9. Assemble Pizza Pockets: Place a small spoonful of the tomato sauce mixture onto the center of each dough circle.
10. Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce, and place a few slices of pepperoni or your desired pizza toppings on top.
11. Seal Pockets: Fold each dough circle in half over the filling to create a crescent shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal tightly and prevent filling from leaking out.
12. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the filled pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for expansion.
13. Apply Egg Wash: Brush each pocket lightly and evenly with the beaten egg to promote a golden brown, shiny crust during baking.
14. Bake: Bake the pizza pockets in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
15. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes to avoid burning your mouth, then serve warm.

Notes

• For a crispier crust, you can bake the pockets for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Feel free to substitute pepperoni with other toppings like cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers for variety.
• These pizza pockets can be made ahead and frozen before baking. Bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Use whole milk or 2% milk as preferred; milk substitutes like almond milk may affect dough texture slightly.
• If you prefer a richer dough, you can add a tablespoon of sugar or a pinch of garlic powder to the dough mixture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: cheesy pizza pockets, homemade pizza pockets, baked pizza pockets, easy pizza recipe, snack, appetizer, mozzarella, pepperoni