Description
These Cheesy Pizza Pockets are the ultimate easy snack or meal, featuring a crispy dough exterior filled with a savory blend of mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and veggies. Perfectly baked or fried to golden perfection, they make an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
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
For Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
For Serving
- Extra pizza sauce for dipping
- Ranch dressing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven or oil: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking, or heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat if frying the pizza pockets.
- Prepare the 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 desired 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. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Fill and seal pockets: Spoon the cheese and sauce mixture onto the center of each dough piece. Fold the dough over to enclose the filling and press the edges together firmly to seal and form pockets.
- Apply egg wash: Whisk the beaten egg with water to create an egg wash. Brush this over the tops of each pocket to help achieve a golden, glossy finish during cooking.
- Cook the pockets: For baking, arrange pockets on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. For frying, carefully fry pockets in hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side until they are crispy and golden.
- Cool and serve: Let the pizza pockets rest for a few minutes after cooking to avoid burning your mouth and to let the filling set slightly.
- Enjoy: Serve warm with extra pizza sauce and optional ranch dressing for dipping. These pockets are perfect as a snack or a filling meal.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings or omit any ingredients to suit your dietary preferences.
- Egg wash is optional but recommended for a shiny, appetizing crust when baking.
- If frying, be cautious of hot oil to avoid splatters and burns.
- These pockets can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat by baking or in a skillet for best texture.
