Description
Delicious homemade pizza pockets featuring a soft, flavorful dough filled with classic pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and your choice of pepperoni or vegetables. Perfect as a snack or light meal, these baked pockets are easy to prepare and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Filling
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers or mushrooms (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Topping
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to relax.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature while you prepare the pockets.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the rested dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into a small circle or oval shape, about 5-6 inches in diameter, working on a floured surface to prevent sticking.
- Add the Filling: Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto half of each dough circle, making sure to leave the edges clear to allow for sealing. Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella, your choice of pepperoni or sausage, chopped bell peppers or mushrooms, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Seal the Pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Firmly pinch the edges closed to seal the filling inside. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and additional sealing.
- Apply Egg Wash: Place the sealed pizza pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg and brush it generously over the tops of each pocket to achieve a golden, glossy finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot filling.
Notes
- You can freeze unbaked pizza pockets and bake them later straight from the freezer at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
- For a quicker version, use store-bought pizza dough instead of making your own.
- Customize fillings with your favorite pizza toppings like olives, spinach, or different cheeses.
- Ensure dough edges are sealed tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
