Description
Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets deliver comfort wrapped in golden, crispy pastry with melted mozzarella and savory marinara hidden inside. Gooey cheese and rich fillings make this simple snack a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
Dairy and Binding:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm milk, letting it bloom and become frothy for about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper, creating a well in the center for wet ingredients.
- Pour the activated yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture, then knead the dough until smooth and elastic, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Cover the dough and allow it to rise in a warm environment for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions, rolling each into a circular shape.
- Spread tomato sauce in the center of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese and distribute pepperoni slices over the sauce.
- Fold the dough circles in half, creating semi-circular pockets, and crimp the edges tightly to seal.
- Whisk eggs and brush the exterior of each pocket to ensure a golden, glossy finish.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and arrange the pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until the pockets turn golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Activate yeast precisely with milk at 110°F to ensure proper fermentation without killing the yeast.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help dough rise consistently and develop better flavor profile.
- Seal pockets completely to prevent cheese and sauce from leaking during baking, pressing edges firmly with a fork.
- Experiment with alternative fillings like vegetarian options, BBQ chicken, or swap pepperoni for ham to customize taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg