Pizza Pockets
When I moved from Korea to the States in fourth grade, I was introduced to a whole new world of food, including frozen pizza pockets, and they quickly became my go-to snack after school. Once I became a mom, I started whipping up healthier twists on my and my kids’ favorite snack foods, like graham crackers and cheese crackers (cheez-its). And I must say, this homemade version of pizza pockets tastes even better than the frozen kinds at the grocery store. Make your own pizza dough (this protein pizza dough is SO easy to make) or use store-bought for convenience, either way these pizza pockets are sure to steal the show. I give you lots of ideas for ways to personalize these so your kids can help you make them again and again!
Ingredients
I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
Self-rising flour – this ingredient is key in achieving a nicely risen dough without the need for yeast. You can also use it to make banana bread and 3 ingredient pancakes! Greek yogurt – You may be skeptical about adding this to your pizza dough but it’s absolutely delicious! It also adds a healthy dose of protein and healthy fats. Do NOT use plain yogurt for this. Pizza sauce – use your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza sauce. Low-moisture mozzarella cheese – you can use any of your favorite cheeses, like cheddar cheese, ricotta, parmesan cheese, gouda, etc. Toppings of choice – See more on the many options for favourite toppings below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tips for Success
You can divide the dough into 4 or 6 balls, depending on desired size. Your dough may be sticky depending on the brand of yogurt you use as they vary in moisture levels. If you find that your dough is too hard to work with, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. Also, be sure to flour your work surface AND your rolling pin well. Brush the pizza pockets with butter – this will help them brown nicely in the oven for that golden brown perfection.
Variations and Substitutions
Dough – Don’t want to make the dough? You can use store-bought dough, refrigerated pizza crust, or even biscuit dough for convenience. You can also use gluten-free dough to make this a gluten-free pizza pocket recipe. Seasonings – This recipe calls for garlic powder and dried oregano, but you could use Italian seasoning instead. Dairy-free – To make this recipe without dairy, use a dairy-free cheese in the pizza pockets, and brush with olive oil instead of butter.
Favorite Pizza Toppings
This is an easy recipe to customize with your whole family’s favorite pizza toppings! And since these are individual pizza pockets, you can adjust each one to cater to each of your kiddos’ preferences. Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Green peppers – I recommend sauteeing these lightly before adding them so that they are softer. Cheese – If your child loves cheese pizza, use a medley of cheeses to make melted cheese pockets. Chopped vegetables – I used finely chopped broccoli and carrots in this recipe and it was DELICIOUS! Diced pepperoni – For the classic pepperoni pizza pockets. Meat lovers – Add browned hamburger, Italian sausage, ground turkey, ham, or any other meats your family likes.
Equipment
Even though I use my sheet pans ALL the time, whether it’s roasting vegetables (like these roasted cauliflower and chickpeas), or making baked goods, I never thought to look into a high-quality one, partly because I didn’t think it’d make that much difference. Turns out it makes ALL the difference in the world! These are seriously my favorite sheet pans, and I can’t live without them now! They are super durable and conducts heat efficiently and evenly. It also doesn’t warp, unlike all the other pans I’ve tried where one side becomes raised higher than the other, resulting in uneven cooking. And this is the rolling pin that I’ve been using for several years now and it’s great for rolling pizza dough, sugar cookies, graham crackers, or even cheese crackers!
Storage
Transfer the cooled pizza pockets into an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store in the refrigerator for up 3-4 days.
To freeze, I recommend using the flash freeze method that I use for freezing muffins. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Pizza Pockets
Feel free to make extra batches by doubling or even tripling the recipe. This way, you’ll have plenty to freeze for future meals, making life a bit easier when you need a quick bite. To reheat, first thaw in the fridge overnight. Then choose any of these options:
Microwave: Place the pizza pockets on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the pizza pockets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each one. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crispy and heated through. Stovetop (Pan Fry): Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or cooking spray. Place the pizza pockets in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
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