Pepperoni Pizza Pockets

Ingredients

• 13.8 oz refrigerated pizza crust (1 tube)
• 6 tablespoons pasta sauce
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (or 6 mozzarella cheese sticks cut into small pieces)
• 12 slices pepperoni
• Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)

Instructions

Preparing the Pizza Pockets:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Roll out the refrigerated pizza crust dough on a clean, floured surface. Using a knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into six equal rectangles.

Assembling the Pizza Pockets:

1. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of pasta sauce onto the center of each dough rectangle.
2. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce, ensuring even coverage.
3. Place two slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese.
4. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket, sealing the edges with your fingers. Press down firmly to ensure a tight seal.

Baking the Pizza Pockets:

1. Place the assembled pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
2. Brush the tops of the pockets with olive oil and sprinkle dried oregano or Italian seasoning over them for extra flavor.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Allow the pizza pockets to cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve with additional pasta sauce or your favorite dipping sauce on the side for added flavor.

Cook Notes and Variations

• Customize your pizza pockets by adding your favorite toppings such as diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or black olives.
• For a spicy kick, try using slices of spicy pepperoni or adding crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or gouda for unique flavor combinations.

Keto Versions and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version:

• Substitute the refrigerated pizza crust with a low-carb alternative made from almond flour or coconut flour to reduce the carb content.
• Use sugar-free pasta sauce or homemade tomato sauce to minimize the sugar content.
• Opt for low-carb toppings such as sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or cooked bacon to keep the carb count low.

Low-Carb Version:

• Choose low-carb tortillas or flatbreads as a base for the pizza pockets to reduce the carb content.
• Replace the pasta sauce with a low-carb marinara sauce or sugar-free pizza sauce to lower the carb count.
• Use low-carb cheese alternatives such as shredded mozzarella made from part-skim milk or a blend of cheese varieties to reduce the carb content further.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these pizza pockets ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pizza pockets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.

2. Can I freeze the baked pizza pockets?

Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze the pizza pockets in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until warmed through.

3. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Certainly! If you prefer to use homemade pizza dough, you can prepare your favorite pizza dough recipe and divide it into rectangles as directed. Follow the same assembly and baking instructions outlined in the recipe.

4. Are there any alternative fillings I can use?

Feel free to get creative with your fillings! You can experiment with different types of cheese, meats, and vegetables to create unique flavor combinations. Try using cooked sausage, diced ham, or sliced turkey as alternative protein options.

Get ready to satisfy your pizza cravings in a whole new way with our Pepperoni Pizza Pockets recipe. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick and easy lunch or serving them up as a fun party snack, these cheesy pockets of deliciousness are sure to impress. With their golden brown crust, gooey melted cheese, and savory pepperoni filling, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for pizza lovers of all ages. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate handheld pizza experience!

With this tantalizing recipe and helpful tips, you’re all set to create mouthwatering Pepperoni Pizza Pockets that are sure to delight your taste buds. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of homemade pizza in a convenient handheld form, perfect for any occasion. Here’s to savoring every cheesy