Cheesy Pizza Pockets You’ll Crave Every Night

Introduction

There's something undeniably comforting about cheesy pizza pockets, with their golden crust encasing a melty, flavorful filling. Perfect for a quick dinner or a satisfying snack, these delightful pockets are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for a family, hosting friends, or just indulging in a late-night craving, these pizza pockets offer the perfect combination of convenience and deliciousness. Customize them with your favorite toppings and let your creativity shine.

With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone begging for more. Ready to dive into the cheesy goodness?

Ingredients

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions & Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pizza pockets will bake evenly and develop a nice golden color.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into squares, roughly 4×4 inches.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Place a generous tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center of each dough square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the pockets difficult.
5. Fold the dough over to create a triangle and press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring they are sealed completely.
6. Brush the tops of the pizza pockets with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
7. Arrange the pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one for even cooking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
9. Once baked, remove the pizza pockets from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

FAQs

What if my pizza dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and on the dough itself to make it easier to roll out.

Can I use whole wheat pizza dough instead?

Yes, whole wheat pizza dough works great and adds a nutty flavor to your pizza pockets.

What if I want to make these vegetarian?

You can easily omit the pepperoni and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

How do I know when the pizza pockets are done?

They should be golden brown on top and the filling should be bubbling slightly. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

What if my filling starts leaking during baking?

This can happen if the pockets are overfilled. Make sure to seal the edges well and avoid overfilling.

Can I make smaller pizza pockets?

Absolutely! Just cut the dough into smaller squares, but be aware that baking time may decrease.

Conclusion

Cheesy pizza pockets are not just a meal; they are an experience that brings joy and satisfaction. With endless possibilities for fillings, you can make them different every time.

Next time you’re craving something cheesy and delicious, remember this simple recipe. Get creative with your ingredients, and enjoy the smiles around the dinner table.

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Cheesy Pizza Pockets You’ll Crave Every Night

Make Cheesy Pizza Pockets You’ll Crave Every Night with clear steps, pantry staples, and flexible swaps.

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your pizza pockets will bake evenly and develop a nice golden color.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into squares, roughly 4x4 inches.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Place a generous tablespoon of the filling mixture in the center of each dough square. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make sealing the pockets difficult.
5. Fold the dough over to create a triangle and press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring they are sealed completely.
6. Brush the tops of the pizza pockets with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
7. Arrange the pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each one for even cooking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time.
9. Once baked, remove the pizza pockets from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.

For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.

Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.

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