Introduction
Who doesn’t love the enticing aroma of freshly baked pizza wafting through the house? These homemade cheesy pizza pockets are the perfect solution for when you want a slice of that beloved flavor but in a fun, portable package. They’re golden brown on the outside, stuffed with gooey mozzarella, hearty pepperoni, and zesty marinara, making them the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, an appetizer, or a meal, these delightful pockets are sure to become a family favorite! Plus, they’re easy to whip up, perfect for cooks of all levels!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Olive oil for brushing
- Cooking spray
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 pizza pockets
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring until well blended.
- Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Knead lightly on a floured surface until the dough is smooth and pliable.
- Roll out the dough into a rectangular shape, about 1/4 inch thick, ensuring a beautiful even surface.
- Cut the dough into equal squares, approximately 4×4 inches. This will create the pockets for your tasty fillings.
- Place a tablespoon of marinara sauce in the center of each dough square, making sure not to overfill.
- Top the sauce with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese and diced pepperoni.
- For the final touch, sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning over the toppings to enhance that pizza flavor.
- Fold the corners of each dough square to the center and seal tightly by pinching the edges, ensuring no filling escapes during baking.
- Place the sealed pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each to allow for puffing.
- Brush the tops of the pockets with olive oil, giving them a chance to turn beautifully golden in the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and your kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before indulging in these cheesy delights!
Notes or Tips
If you want to switch things up, feel free to customize your pizza pockets with your favorite fillings, such as sautéed vegetables, different cheeses, or even spicy sausage. They’re highly adaptable to suit your cravings!
To make the pockets extra crispy, consider placing them on a wire rack instead of a baking sheet once brushed with olive oil.
Cooking Techniques
When kneading dough, it’s important to avoid overworking it. Just a few kneads will create that perfect texture you want for a lovely, pillowy crust. Also, rolling the dough out evenly will ensure that all your pizza pockets cook uniformly!
FAQ
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and filling.
How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
Conclusion
This homemade cheesy pizza pocket recipe is a delightful way to enjoy all the beloved flavors of pizza in a new and exciting form. Perfect for gatherings, snacking, or just a cozy night in, these little pockets of joy are sure to please everyone at the table. Grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for a tasty adventure in your kitchen!