Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

Introduction

These homemade cheesy pizza pockets are a delightful treat perfect for snacks or a light meal. Crispy on the outside and filled with gooey cheese, savory tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings, they bring the joy of pizza in a convenient handheld form.

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 different flavor, try using cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers as toppings instead of pepperoni.
• You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
• Brush the edges of the dough with a little water before folding to help seal the pockets more securely.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce mixture.

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 5-7 minutes to retain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the dough soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the pizza pockets before baking?

Yes, you can prepare the pockets and freeze them on a baking sheet before baking. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce instead of making the herb mixture?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza sauce works well and can save time. You can still stir in the oregano and basil to enhance the flavor if desired.

Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 114 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 pizza pockets 1x

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Description

These Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a delightful twist on classic pizza, featuring a flaky homemade dough filled with tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni slices. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, they make a great snack or appetizer that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Additional

• 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 flour, salt, and baking powder thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning across the dough.
3. Incorporate Butter: Gradually add the chilled, diced butter into the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which helps create a flaky texture.
4. Form Dough: Pour in the milk and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until a cohesive dough forms.
5. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 2 minutes until it is smooth and elastic without overworking it.
6. Roll Out Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/8 inch thickness for a thin, tender crust.
7. Cut Dough Circles: Cut dough into 3-4 inch diameter circles using a cookie cutter or a large glass to ensure uniform size for pockets.
8. Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil to create a flavorful filling base.
9. Add Sauce to Dough: Spoon a small amount of the sauce mixture into the center of each dough circle, ensuring not to overfill to allow sealing.
10. Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce and top with pepperoni slices or other preferred pizza toppings.
11. Seal Pizza Pockets: Fold the dough circle in half to form a crescent shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal tightly and prevent filling leakage.
12. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sealed pizza pockets onto the prepared baking sheet with some space in between for puffing during baking.
13. Apply Egg Wash: Brush each pocket with the beaten egg to give a glossy golden finish when baked.
14. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the pockets are puffed up and golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
15. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pizza pockets cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning and allow flavors to settle.

Notes

• For a crispier crust, brush the pockets with olive oil in addition to or instead of egg wash.
• Feel free to customize the filling with vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for variety.
• Make sure not to overfill the pockets to avoid seams bursting during baking.
• Use cold butter to ensure the dough remains flaky and light after baking.
• These pockets can be frozen before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time directly from frozen.

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

Keywords: Homemade pizza pockets, cheesy pizza pockets, easy pizza recipe, baked pizza pockets, mozzarella pockets, kid-friendly snacks, Italian appetizers