Pizza Pops: A Perfect Snack or Lunch for Busy Days
These delightful Pizza Pops are a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for school lunches, snacks, or even a quick meal on a hectic day. This recipe, sourced from a beloved church cookbook, offers a wonderful twist on traditional pizza, transforming it into portable, bite-sized pops that are both savory and satisfying. They’re baked to crispy perfection, avoiding the mess and added calories of deep frying.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons shortening
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Directions:
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Prepare the Dough: Start by sifting together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving your Pizza Pops the perfect rise.
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Incorporate Shortening: Add the shortening to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving a tender and flaky dough.
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Mix in Milk: Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring constantly to form a soft dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough; mix just until the ingredients are combined.
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Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently a few times to bring it together. This will make the dough easier to roll out and shape.
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Roll and Cut: Roll the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut the dough into 4-inch circles. This will form the base of your Pizza Pops.
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Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced pepperoni, chopped onion, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Add the dried oregano and stir to combine.
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Assemble the Pizza Pops: Place a generous 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the filling inside. For an extra-secure seal, pinch the edges with a fork.
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Cook: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the prepared Pizza Pops on a well-greased baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let the Pizza Pops cool slightly before serving. They are delicious on their own or with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 193.2
- Fat: 10.4 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3.6 grams
- Cholesterol: 16.3 milligrams
- Sodium: 465.8 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 18.6 grams
- Fiber: 0.9 grams
- Sugar: 0.9 grams
- Protein: 6.3 grams
Serving Suggestions:
These Pizza Pops are versatile and can be paired with various sides. Consider serving them with a fresh salad, a bowl of vegetable soup, or some crunchy carrot sticks. They also make a great addition to a party platter or as a fun, easy appetizer.
Enjoy making these scrumptious Pizza Pops, and watch them become a staple in your family’s meal rotation! 😊🍕
