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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ cup cold butter, cubed - ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup assorted toppings (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives) - 1 egg (for egg wash) - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - Olive oil for brushing Gather these ingredients to make your cheesy pizza pockets. Start with the flour, baking powder, and salt. The cold butter adds richness. Mixing in mozzarella and ricotta gives a creamy filling. Choose your toppings for fun flavors. You can go classic with pepperoni or try veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms. The egg wash adds a nice shine to the baked pockets. Olive oil helps keep them from sticking. Having everything ready makes cooking more fun and easy. You can even invite friends or family to help! Get ready for a tasty snack that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Make sure they mix well. Next, add the cold, cubed butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour. You want it to look crumbly, but leave some larger pieces for texture. Now, gently fold in the mozzarella and ricotta cheese. This adds a creamy touch to your pizza pockets. Make sure to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the dough. Next, add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together. Be careful not to overmix. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up nicely. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the pockets from sticking. Once chilled, roll the dough on a floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out circles. Aim for about 8-10 circles, depending on your size preference. Place one dough circle on the baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce in the center. Add your favorite toppings, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and some extra mozzarella. Cover it with another dough circle. Press the edges down firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, creating a nice pattern. Next, beat the egg in a bowl. Brush the tops of the pizza pockets with the egg wash. This gives them a beautiful golden color when baked. Transfer them to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning. To make great pizza pockets, start with the dough. Avoid overworking it. This keeps the dough light and fluffy. When mixing, use your fingertips. The butter should be crumbly but still chunky. This adds a nice texture. For the best crumb, make sure to chill the dough afterward. This helps it firm up before rolling. Now, let's talk toppings! The best combinations are the ones you love. Try pepperoni, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Mix in some olives for a salty kick. For seasoning, Italian seasoning works great. You can also sprinkle a bit of garlic powder or red pepper flakes. These boosts take your pizza pockets to a new level. Presentation matters! Arrange your pizza pockets on a big platter. Add a small bowl of pizza sauce for dipping. For a splash of color, garnish with fresh basil leaves. You can even sprinkle some extra Italian seasoning on top. This makes them look and taste even better. Enjoy your tasty snacks with friends or family! Pro Tips Chilling the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps to relax the gluten, resulting in a more tender and flaky crust. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your fillings! Add different cheeses, meats, or vegetables to personalize your pizza pockets. Perfect Egg Wash: For an even shinier crust, whisk a little water into the beaten egg before applying it as an egg wash. Freezing for Later: These pizza pockets freeze wonderfully! Assemble them, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for quick meals later. {{image_4}} You can make tasty vegetarian pizza pockets by using a mix of vegetables. Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for great flavor. Don't forget to add some onions for a little sweetness. You can also use artichokes or zucchini to change things up. For the cheese, stick with mozzarella and ricotta or try a blend of feta for a tangy kick. These options keep the pockets fresh and healthy, perfect for anyone who loves veggies. If you need gluten-free pizza pockets, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour blends. Look for blends that contain a mix of rice flour, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum. This mix gives a similar texture to regular dough. You may also want to add a little extra water to get the right consistency. Just like the original recipe, you can fill these pockets with your favorite toppings and cheese. While mozzarella and ricotta are great, don't be afraid to explore other cheese options. Cheddar cheese adds sharpness and a bold flavor. Gouda can give a smoky hint, while pepper jack adds some heat. You can even mix in cream cheese for a rich texture. Combining different cheeses in one pocket can create layers of flavor that make each bite exciting. Experimenting with cheese blends can make your pizza pockets unique and delicious! To store leftover pizza pockets, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure they are sealed well to keep them fresh. To reheat, the best method is the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza pockets on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. This method keeps the crust crispy. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the crust soft. You can freeze pizza pockets before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble them and place them on a tray. Freeze them until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. If you freeze them after baking, let them cool first. Then, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. The best way to warm up cheesy pizza pockets is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pockets on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and delicious. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the crust soft. Yes, you can make cheesy pizza pockets ahead of time. Prepare the dough and filling as usual. After assembling the pockets, you can freeze them. Just wrap each pocket in plastic wrap. Store them in an airtight container. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer. Yes, cheesy pizza pockets freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, bake them from frozen or thaw them overnight in the fridge. To make cheesy pizza pockets spicier, add your favorite hot sauce to the filling. You can mix in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños too. For a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle peppers. Experiment with different spices to find your perfect heat level. Popular dipping sauces for pizza pockets include marinara sauce, ranch dressing, and garlic butter. You can also try spicy aioli or a creamy blue cheese dip. Mix and match sauces to find your favorite combination. A good dip adds extra flavor to each bite. Cheesy pizza pockets are a fun and tasty treat. We covered the ingredients, steps, and tips to make them perfect. You learned how to customize with various toppings and cheeses. Plus, we discussed storage and reheating methods to keep them fresh. These pockets make a great snack, meal, or party food. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing with friends. Now, it’s your turn to create and savor this delicious dish!

Cheesy Pizza Pockets

Delicious pockets filled with cheese and your favorite pizza toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 0.75 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup assorted toppings
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • for brushing olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended. Add the cold, cubed butter, and using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Gently fold in the shredded mozzarella and ricotta cheese, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
  • Gradually add cold water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture comes together into a cohesive dough. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Use a large biscuit cutter or glass to cut out circles of dough.
  • Place one dough circle on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce into the center, then add a mix of your favorite toppings, followed by a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and an extra handful of shredded mozzarella.
  • Carefully place another dough circle on top of the filling. Press the edges down firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
  • In a small bowl, beat the egg until smooth. Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the tops of the assembled pizza pockets with the egg wash.
  • Transfer your pizza pockets to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.

Notes

Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping.
Keyword cheese, easy, pizza, snack