Description
These Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal, filled with a savory blend of mozzarella, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and vegetables. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they can be baked or fried to your preference and served with extra sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing on top of the pockets for a golden finish)
- 1 tablespoon water
For Serving
- Extra pizza sauce for dipping
- Ranch dressing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Heat Oil: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to bake the pizza pockets. Alternatively, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat for frying.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut the dough into squares or circles based on your preferred pocket shape.
- Mix Filling: In a small bowl, combine shredded mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, mini pepperoni, chopped bell peppers, sliced black olives, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Assemble Pockets: Spoon the cheese and sauce mixture onto the center of each dough piece. Fold the dough over to form a pocket shape, then pinch the edges firmly to seal in the filling.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together the beaten egg and water. Brush this egg wash over the tops of the sealed pockets to help them achieve a golden, glossy finish when cooked.
- Cook the Pockets: For baking, place the pockets on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. For frying, carefully place the pockets in heated oil and fry each side for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza pockets to cool slightly for a few minutes to avoid burning your mouth. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Enjoy: These crispy, cheesy pizza pockets make a perfect snack or meal for any occasion!
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, onions, or sausage.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and add extra vegetables.
- Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent filling leakage during cooking.
- If baking, using parchment paper on the baking sheet can help prevent sticking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
