Description
Cheesy pizza pockets deliver a crispy, golden-brown delight packed with melted mozzarella and zesty marinara. Homemade comfort awaits with these handheld treasures that will make taste buds dance and satisfy pizza cravings in one delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Filling:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup pepperoni slices
- 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Topping/Finishing:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Activate the yeast by dissolving it in warm water (around 110°F), allowing it to foam for 5-7 minutes, indicating live cultures are ready.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt, creating a well in the center for the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, developing gluten structure for a tender texture.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide into 4-6 equal portions on a lightly floured surface.
- Roll each dough portion into a circular shape, approximately 6 inches in diameter.
- Spread marinara sauce in the center of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Layer mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and sprinkle parmesan and dried oregano over the sauce.
- Fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape, and crimp edges tightly to seal.
- Arrange pizza pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching.
- Brush each pocket with egg wash, which will create a golden, glossy exterior when baked.
- Preheat oven to 425°F and bake for 15-18 minutes until crust turns deep golden brown.
- Immediately after baking, brush with melted butter and sprinkle with dried parsley and garlic powder.
- Allow pizza pockets to cool for 5 minutes before serving to prevent burning and let filling set.
Notes
- Maintain precise water temperature when activating yeast to ensure proper fermentation and dough rise.
- Use room temperature ingredients to help dough develop consistent texture and improve overall flavor profile.
- Seal edges completely to prevent cheese and filling from leaking during baking, creating a neat and professional appearance.
- Experiment with alternative fillings like vegetarian options, different cheeses, or gluten-free dough for dietary adaptations.
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg