Description
Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a family-friendly handheld snack filled with melted (plant-based) cheese and savory smoked turkey slices. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these pockets bring the comforting flavors of pizza into a convenient, portable form that kids and adults love. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is customizable, quick, and delicious.
Ingredients
Base
- Pizza dough: 1 lb (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- Smoked turkey slices: 6 oz, thinly sliced
- Shredded (plant-based) cheese: 1 1/2 cups
- Tomato sauce (natural): 1/3 cup
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon
Topping
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for brushing
If making your own tomato sauce (optional)
- Natural gelling agent: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out your store-bought or freshly prepared pizza dough into even circles or rectangles depending on your preferred pocket shape. Ensure the dough is soft but firm enough to hold the filling without tearing.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine shredded (plant-based) cheese, chopped smoked turkey slices, tomato sauce (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Pockets: Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto one half of each dough piece, leaving edges clear for sealing. Fold the dough over, pressing the edges firmly to seal your pockets, ensuring no filling leaks during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pizza pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Use cold filling to prevent the dough from getting soggy during assembly.
- Seal edges well using a fork or fingers to avoid spills.
- Brush olive oil generously on pockets for a shiny, golden crust and added flavor.
- Do not overfill; leave enough border to seal the pockets properly.
- Let pockets cool briefly after baking for filling to set and clean bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pocket
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: cheesy pizza pockets, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey, handheld snack, pizza pockets, family-friendly recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
