Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

Introduction

These homemade cheesy pizza pockets are a delightful snack or meal that combines the flavors of classic pizza inside a soft, flaky dough. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they bring a cozy, cheesy comfort to any occasion.

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, substitute the pepperoni with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
• Adding a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce can enhance the flavor.
• Use a pastry blender to mix the butter into the flour quickly and evenly.
• Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different twist.

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 8-10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust flaky.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the pizza pockets?

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

What can I use instead of fresh toppings?

You can use canned or jarred toppings like roasted red peppers or cooked sausage. Just make sure any added ingredients are not too watery to prevent soggy pockets.

Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 430 reviews

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

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Description

These Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a delightful, easy-to-make snack featuring a tender, flaky dough filled with a savory blend of tomato sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and pepperoni. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party appetizer, they bake up golden and puffy with a crispy exterior and melty cheesy interior.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

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

Filling

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

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 easy cleanup.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Incorporate Butter: Gradually add the chilled, diced butter into the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, creating a flaky texture.
4. Add Milk: Pour in the milk and mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough starts to come together.
5. Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 2 minutes until smooth and pliable.
6. Roll Out Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to approximately 1/8 inch thickness, ensuring evenness for uniform baking.
7. Cut Dough Circles: Cut the dough into circles about 3-4 inches in diameter using a cookie cutter or a large glass.
8. Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce with dried oregano and dried basil, mixing well to create a flavorful base.
9. Assemble Pizza Pockets: Place a spoonful of the sauce mixture onto the center of each dough circle. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce, then add a few slices of pepperoni or your preferred toppings.
10. Seal Pockets: Fold each dough circle in half to form a crescent shape around the filling. Crimp the edges securely with a fork to seal and prevent leakage during baking.
11. Prepare for Baking: Arrange the filled pockets on the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced to allow for expansion.
12. Apply Egg Wash: Brush each pizza pocket lightly and evenly with the beaten egg to promote a golden, glossy finish.
13. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the pizza pockets are puffed up and have turned golden brown.
14. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns and let flavors meld.

Notes

• You can substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage, vegetables, or keep it vegetarian by just using cheese and herbs.
• For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone if available.
• Store leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
• To freeze, place uncooked pockets on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to baking time.
• Use low-fat cheese options to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.

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

Keywords: Cheesy Pizza Pockets, Homemade Pizza Pockets, Easy Pizza Snack, Baked Pizza Pockets, Pepperoni Pizza Pockets, Savory Snack