Indulge in a delightful, savory treat with our Cheesy Broccoli Pockets, a scrumptious option perfect for lunch or a quick snack. Whether you’re using fresh broccoli or frozen, this recipe is designed to make your kitchen experience as enjoyable as the final bite. With a heavenly combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses mingled with tender broccoli, and encased in a golden, crispy dough, these pockets are a versatile and kid-friendly choice. Let’s dive into the detailed steps to craft these delicious pockets!
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/3 cup fresh oregano leaves, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried oregano if fresh is not available)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (freshly chopped or thawed from frozen)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package of pre-made pizza dough (or homemade if you prefer)
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is perfectly hot and ready to create those golden, crispy pockets.
-
Prepare Baking Sheets: While the oven warms up, grease two baking sheets with a light coating of cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil. This will help prevent the pockets from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
-
Cook the Broccoli: If you’re using frozen broccoli, cook it according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture. For fresh broccoli, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Either way, you should end up with about 2 cups of broccoli.
-
Sauté Garlic: In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over low heat. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic. Sauté gently for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
-
Combine Broccoli and Garlic: Add the drained or chopped broccoli to the skillet with the garlic. Stir frequently, cooking until the broccoli has cooked through and any excess moisture has evaporated, which should take about 3 minutes. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.
-
Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the broccoli mixture with the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh oregano (or dried oregano if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined and the cheese is evenly distributed.
-
Prepare the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, divide your pizza dough into 8 equal pieces. Use a rolling pin to roll each piece into a 6-inch circle. To make the rolling process easier, dust your hands and the rolling pin with a little flour to prevent sticking.
-
Assemble the Pockets: Spoon an equal amount of the broccoli cheese mixture into the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-circle shape. Press the edges of each pocket firmly with a fork to seal them, and make a few small holes on the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
-
Bake the Pockets: Place the assembled pockets onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure they are spaced evenly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and crispy.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the pockets from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these cheesy broccoli pockets warm for the best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 80.2 kcal
- Fat Content: 5.6 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.7 g
- Cholesterol Content: 14.7 mg
- Sodium Content: 305.4 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 2.4 g
- Fiber Content: 1.1 g
- Sugar Content: 0.7 g
- Protein Content: 5.7 g
These Cheesy Broccoli Pockets are not only flavorful but also offer a good balance of protein and vegetables, making them a wholesome choice for any meal or snack time. Whether you’re packing them in a lunchbox or serving them as an after-school snack, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy the blend of gooey cheese, tender broccoli, and perfectly seasoned dough with each delightful bite. 🧀🥦🍞
