Delicious Homemade Pizza Pockets: A Family Favorite
Description:
Indulge in the ultimate homemade pizza pockets that are both tastier and healthier than their store-bought counterparts! Though they require a bit of effort, the result is well worth it. I like to prepare a large batch of these pockets, partially cook them, and then freeze them for future convenience. Simply bake from frozen for a delightful snack or lunch that your family will love.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 pizza pockets
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound of turkey sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 slice of Canadian bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup of part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 can of pizza dough (pre-made, for convenience)
- 1/2 cup of pizza sauce
Instructions:
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Prepare the Filling: In a large nonstick skillet, crumble the turkey sausage and sprinkle in the garlic powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through, with no pink remaining. This should yield approximately 1 cup of browned sausage.
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Add the Sauce: Stir the pizza sauce into the cooked sausage, allowing it to heat through. This step ensures that the flavors meld together and the filling is moist.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
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Prepare the Dough: Lightly spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Open the can of pizza dough and separate it into 8 rectangles. Press the perforations to seal the dough so that each rectangle remains intact.
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Shape the Dough: Gently press or roll each dough rectangle to form a 6 x 4-inch shape. This will be the base of your pizza pockets.
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Assemble the Pockets: Place a slice of Canadian bacon in the center of each dough rectangle. Top with a spoonful of the sausage mixture and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Fold the long sides of each rectangle over the filling so that they meet in the center, covering the filling. Pinch the edges and ends gently to seal the pockets securely.
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Bake the Pizza Pockets: Arrange the sealed pizza pockets seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.
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Cool and Freeze (Optional): If you’re preparing these in advance, you can partially cook them by baking for 5 to 6 minutes until the dough is set. Allow the pockets to cool completely before wrapping them well and freezing. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.
Tips:
- Check Frequently: As all ovens vary, keep an eye on the pizza pockets during baking to ensure they don’t overcook.
- For Best Results: If reheating from frozen, avoid defrosting to prevent the pockets from becoming mushy. Bake directly from the freezer.
Enjoy these scrumptious pizza pockets as a convenient and delicious snack or meal that the whole family will adore! 🍕👨👩👧👦
