HOMEMADE PIZZA POCKETS

Discover the joy of homemade pizza pockets with our delicious and versatile recipe! These Homemade Pizza Pockets offer the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, allowing you to enjoy your favorite pizza fillings in a portable, hand-held format. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic pepperoni and mozzarella combination or a hearty broccoli and cheddar option, these pockets are sure to satisfy your cravings. Easy to make and perfect for any meal, these pizza pockets are a fantastic choice for busy weeknights, parties, or a fun family cooking activity.

Ingredients:

For the Classic Pizza Calzone:

• 1 refrigerated classic pizza crust
• ½ cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup Borden Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 2 oz pepperoni slices
• 4 oz can sliced black olives, drained

For the Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Pizza Calzone:

• 1 refrigerated classic pizza crust
• ¾ cup Borden Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• ¼ cup Borden Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 ½ cups finely chopped broccoli (12 oz frozen bag, thawed)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven racks in the middle of the oven. Grease two baking trays or line them with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dough
   On a lightly floured surface, divide the pizza dough into two halves. Roll out each half into a circle, approximately 6-8 inches in diameter. Transfer 2 circles of dough to each baking tray.
3. Assemble the Classic Pizza Calzones
   For the classic calzones, spread half of each dough circle with pizza sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and black olives. Fold the dough over the toppings to create a pocket. Press the edges together with your fingers or a fork to seal. Make a few small slits in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
4. Assemble the Broccoli & Cheddar Calzones
   For the broccoli and cheddar calzones, brush olive oil over the dough circles and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. In a medium bowl, mix the chopped broccoli with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Spoon the broccoli mixture onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top to let steam escape.
5. Bake the Calzones
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, swapping the trays halfway through, until the crust is golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let the calzones cool slightly before cutting and serving.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips

• Serve Warm: For the best taste and texture, serve the pizza pockets warm. They are delicious right out of the oven, with the cheese still gooey and the crust crispy.
• Pair with Dips: Enhance the flavor with your favorite dipping sauces. Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo can complement the pizza pockets beautifully.
• Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider garnishing the pizza pockets with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor and a touch of elegance.
• Cut for Easy Eating: If serving to kids or guests, cut the pizza pockets into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This makes them easier to handle and enjoy, especially for dipping.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven to restore their crispy texture.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the pizza pockets cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped pockets in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
• Reheating: For the best results, reheat pizza pockets in an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave. This will help keep the crust crispy and prevent sogginess. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Homemade Pizza Pockets remain delicious and enjoyable, whether you’re serving them fresh from the oven or reheating leftovers.

Variations:

1. BBQ Chicken Pizza Pockets
   Replace the pizza sauce with BBQ sauce and add cooked, shredded chicken, sliced red onions, and cilantro. Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a tangy twist.
2. Veggie Supreme Pizza Pockets
   Fill the pockets with a mix of sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and spinach. Add your choice of cheese and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a veggie-packed option.
3. Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets
   Mix cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and a bit of ranch dressing. Add to the dough with mozzarella cheese. Serve with extra ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
4. Hawaiian Pizza Pockets
   Combine diced ham and pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory filling. Top with mozzarella cheese and a touch of dried oregano for a tropical flair.
5. Greek Pizza Pockets
   Use a mixture of feta cheese, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach for a Mediterranean twist. Add a sprinkle of oregano and a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
6. Italian Sausage and Peppers Pizza Pockets
   Fill the pockets with cooked Italian sausage, sautéed bell peppers, and onions. Add mozzarella cheese and a bit of marinara sauce for a hearty, Italian-inspired treat.
7. Breakfast Pizza Pockets
   Use scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, and shredded cheddar cheese as the filling. Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chives for extra flavor.
8. Caprese Pizza Pockets
   Fill with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze after baking for a fresh and flavorful option.
9. Mushroom and Swiss Pizza Pockets
   Sauté mushrooms with garlic and fill the pockets with Swiss cheese and a sprinkle of thyme. This combination offers a rich, earthy flavor.
10. Sweet Dessert Pizza Pockets
    For a dessert twist, fill the pockets with a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and fruit preserves. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a sweet treat.

These variations allow you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, making your Homemade Pizza Pockets a versatile and exciting dish. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, spicy, or sweet, these options provide plenty of ways to customize this delicious recipe.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of pizza dough for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough, including gluten-free or whole wheat versions. Just adjust the baking time if the dough is thicker or thinner.
2. Can I make the pizza pockets in advance?
   Yes, you can assemble the pizza pockets ahead of time. Place them on a baking tray and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for longer storage (see Storage Tips).
3. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
   If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the baking trays with cooking spray or lightly coat them with oil to prevent sticking.
4. How can I make the pizza pockets spicier?
   Add sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick. You can also use spicy sausage or pepperoni.
5. Can I use different cheeses for the filling?
   Absolutely! Feel free to use any cheese you like, such as provolone, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses. Each will add a unique flavor to your pizza pockets.
6. How do I ensure the pizza pockets stay crispy?
   For a crispier crust, bake the pizza pockets on a preheated baking sheet or pizza stone. Avoid overloading them with filling, as this can make the crust soggy.
7. Can I use a different type of meat in the calzones?
   Yes, you can use various types of meat such as ground beef, cooked chicken, or turkey. Make sure the meat is fully cooked before adding it to the filling.
8. What if I don’t have a rolling pin?
   If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a clean bottle or a flat-bottomed object to roll out the dough. Just ensure the surface is floured to prevent sticking.
9. Can I make mini pizza pockets?
   Yes, you can make mini pizza pockets by dividing the dough into smaller portions and adjusting the baking time. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
10. What should I do if the dough tears while assembling?
    If the dough tears, simply patch it up by pinching the edges together or pressing a small piece of dough over the tear. It’s okay if they aren’t perfect; they’ll still taste delicious!

Homemade Pizza Pockets are a delightful and customizable meal option that brings the flavors of your favorite pizza into a convenient, portable form. With options for both classic and veggie lovers, these pockets are perfect for a quick dinner, a hearty lunch, or a fun snack. The combination of gooey cheese, savory toppings, and a perfectly baked crust makes these pizza pockets a hit with both kids and adults. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade pizza pockets any time you like, and savor the satisfaction of a meal made with love and creativity.