Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

Introduction

These homemade cheesy pizza pockets are a delicious and portable treat, perfect for snacks or a quick meal. Filled with gooey cheese, savory tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings, they are sure to satisfy any pizza craving.

Three golden brown calzones sit on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each calzone is half-moon shaped with crimped edges and a bubbly, slightly crisp crust. The top of each calzone is sprinkled with small bits of shredded white cheese and green herbs. To the side is a small white bowl filled with chunky red marinara sauce. A fresh green basil leaf rests beside the bowl for garnish. The lighting highlights the warm texture and golden color of the calzones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  • Swap pepperoni for cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers to customize your pockets.
  • For a crispier crust, bake the pockets on a preheated pizza stone.
  • Use marinara or spicy arrabbiata sauce for a different flavor twist.
  • Brush the edges with water before folding to help seal the dough better.

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 or until heated through to maintain their crispness.

How to Serve

The image shows three golden brown fried calzones arranged closely on a white plate. Each calzone has a bubbly, crispy crust with crimped edges and is topped with a small sprinkle of shredded white cheese and green herbs. To the side, there is a small white bowl filled with bright red marinara sauce, and a fresh green basil leaf rests beside it. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these pizza pockets?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pockets by placing them on a tray to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. Feel free to substitute mozzarella and Parmesan with cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend you prefer for different flavor and texture.

Print
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Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 810 pizza pockets 1x

Description

These Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal option featuring a buttery homemade dough filled with classic pizza ingredients like tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni. Baked to golden perfection, they make a perfect handheld treat for any pizza lover.


Ingredients

Scale

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

Topping

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the pizza pockets.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
  3. Incorporate Butter: Gradually add the 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 dough.
  4. Add Milk and Form Dough: Pour in the milk and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a cohesive dough forms.
  5. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 2 minutes until the dough is smooth and pliable.
  6. Roll Dough: Roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness using a rolling pin, preparing it for cutting into shapes.
  7. Cut Dough Circles: Using a cookie cutter or a large glass, cut the dough into circles roughly 3-4 inches in diameter.
  8. Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil to flavor the pizza pockets.
  9. Add Filling: Place a small spoonful of the sauce mixture in the center of each dough circle.
  10. Top Filling: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce, then add a few slices of pepperoni or your preferred toppings.
  11. Fold and Seal: Carefully fold the dough circle in half over the fillings to create a crescent shape, then crimp the edges with a fork to seal the pockets and prevent filling leakage.
  12. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the filled pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart to allow for expansion.
  13. Apply Egg Wash: Brush each pizza pocket lightly with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden and shiny crust once baked.
  14. Bake: Bake the pockets in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffy.
  15. Cool and Serve: Remove the pizza pockets from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns and allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • You can substitute pepperoni with other pizza toppings such as cooked sausage, vegetables, or olives based on your preference.
  • If you prefer a crispier crust, bake for the full 20 minutes and consider placing the baking sheet in the middle rack of the oven.
  • Use cold butter for best results in achieving a flaky and tender dough texture.
  • Egg wash gives the pockets a nice golden color, but you can omit it for a more rustic look or for dietary preferences.
  • Leftover pizza pockets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or toaster oven.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: pizza pockets, cheesy pizza pockets, homemade pizza pockets, easy snack recipe, baked pizza pockets, pizza dough pockets

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