Print

Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe
Print Recipe

Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a quick and delicious snack featuring gooey melted mozzarella cheese, savory pizza sauce, and your choice of fillings wrapped in a crispy golden crust. Ready in under 30 minutes, these portable pockets are perfect for lunchboxes, snacks on the go, or family treats. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy a mess-free, flavorful bite anytime.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • Pizza Dough: 1 package (store-bought or homemade)
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded fresh mozzarella
  • Pizza Sauce: 1/2 cup
  • Pepperoni Slices: 20 slices (optional)
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon

Optional Variations

  • Sautéed Mushrooms, Bell Peppers, Olives for vegetarian option (about 1/2 cup mixed veggies)
  • Jalapeños or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes for spice (to taste)
  • Gluten-Free Pizza Dough (1 package) for gluten-free option
  • Additional Cheeses (cheddar, Parmesan, provolone, gouda) – 1/2 cup mixed optional
  • Cooked Chicken and Red Onion (1/2 cup cooked chicken, 1/4 cup sliced red onion) for BBQ Chicken Pocket option

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface until about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into squares approximately 4 to 5 inches wide for easy handling and filling.
  2. Add the Sauce and Cheese: Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce onto each dough square, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce to ensure a melty cheesy center.
  3. Add Your Toppings: Place pepperoni slices or your preferred fillings over the cheese. Customize this step with sautéed vegetables, spicy jalapeños, or cooked chicken as desired.
  4. Seal the Pockets: Fold each dough square over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle. Press the edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure no filling leaks during baking.
  5. Brush and Season: Lightly brush the tops of the pockets with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor and create a beautiful golden crust.
  6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Arrange the pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns from hot melted cheese.

Notes

  • Avoid overfilling the pockets to prevent leaks during baking.
  • Keep dough cold until ready to roll for easier handling and better texture.
  • Allow baked pockets to rest for 5 minutes for cheese to set slightly and safer eating.
  • Experiment with mixing mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or gouda for unique flavors.
  • Freeze uncooked pockets on a baking sheet until solid, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months for quick snacks.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza pockets, cheesy snacks, easy appetizer, kid-friendly, portable snack, quick pizza recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/easy-cheesy-pizza-pockets-recipe/