Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a delicious and convenient snack that combines gooey cheese, savory toppings, and a tender, buttery crust. Perfect for lunch, snack time, or a casual dinner, these pockets bring the flavors of pizza in a handheld treat.

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 version, omit the pepperoni and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives instead.
• Try using different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for varied flavor profiles.
• Brush the pockets with garlic butter after baking for an extra savory touch.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, bake the pockets on a preheated pizza stone or baking steel.

Storage

Store leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to keep the crust crisp, or microwave for 30-45 seconds for a quicker option.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these pizza pockets?

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

Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough makes this recipe even quicker. Just roll it out, cut, fill, and bake according to the instructions.

Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 71 reviews

• Author: Sarah
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 pizza pockets 1x

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Description

Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets are delicious handheld snacks featuring a buttery dough filled with a flavorful blend of tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni. Baked until golden and puffy, these pizza pockets offer a perfect combination of crispy crust and gooey cheese, ideal for appetizers, lunches, or quick dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 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

• 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

Egg Wash

• 1 egg, beaten

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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 prepare for baking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder thoroughly to blend the dry ingredients evenly.
3. Incorporate butter: Gradually add the diced chilled butter into the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which creates a flaky dough texture.
4. Add milk and form dough: Pour in the milk and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough forms, bringing the mixture together cohesively.
5. Knead dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it for about 2 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Roll out dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness, preparing it for shaping.
7. Cut dough circles: Cut out dough circles about 3 to 4 inches in diameter using a cookie cutter or a large glass to form the pockets.
8. Prepare sauce mixture: In a small bowl, blend together tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil to create a seasoned pizza sauce.
9. Add sauce to dough: Place a small spoonful of the prepared sauce mixture in the center of each dough circle as the base of the filling.
10. Add cheese and toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce, and top with a few slices of pepperoni or your chosen preferred pizza toppings for flavor.
11. Fold and seal pockets: Carefully fold each dough circle in half over the fillings to form a crescent shape and firmly crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they are sealed and no filling escapes during baking.
12. Arrange on baking sheet: Place the filled pizza pockets evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
13. Apply egg wash: Brush each pocket lightly with the beaten egg to give them a golden, shiny finish when baked.
14. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the pizza pockets are golden brown and puffed up, indicating they are cooked through.
15. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the pockets to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth and to let flavors settle.

Notes

• You can substitute pepperoni with any preferred pizza toppings such as cooked sausage, vegetables, or olives.
• Make sure the butter is chilled before rubbing it into the flour to achieve a flaky dough texture.
• Use an egg wash to enhance browning and shine on the pizza pockets.
• If you want a crispier crust, bake a few minutes longer but watch closely to prevent burning.
• These pockets can be reheated in an oven or air fryer for best texture retention.

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

Keywords: pizza pockets, cheesy pizza pockets, homemade pizza pockets, baked pizza pockets, pizza snacks, appetizer, mozzarella, pepperoni