Description

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Notes

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.