Description
Pepperoni pizza lovers rejoice with these irresistible cheese-stuffed pepperoni pockets that elevate classic Italian flavors into handheld perfection. Crispy golden crusts encase melted cheese and spicy pepperoni, promising a delightful culinary experience you won’t forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 ounces / 226 grams) pizza dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup pepperoni slices, chopped
Herbs and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Gently flatten the pizza dough on a clean, flour-dusted work surface to prevent sticking.
- Divide the dough into uniform triangular segments, ensuring each piece is roughly the same size for consistent cooking.
- Position a generous dollop of mozzarella cheese at the center of each dough triangle, creating a smooth, even base for the filling.
- Layer 2-3 crisp pepperoni slices directly on top of the cheese, allowing them to slightly overlap for maximum flavor distribution.
- Carefully fold the dough edges over the filling, meticulously sealing the pockets by pressing and crimping the borders to prevent leakage during baking.
- Arrange the completed pockets on a prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation to allow even heat circulation.
- Delicately drizzle olive oil across the surface of each pocket, then generously sprinkle a harmonious blend of garlic powder, dried oregano, and basil for an aromatic enhancement.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast until the pockets transform into a golden-brown, crispy exterior with bubbling, molten cheese within.
- Remove from the oven and let cool briefly before serving alongside a vibrant marinara or classic pizza sauce for an indulgent dipping experience.
Notes
- Prevent dough from sticking by dusting the work surface generously with flour, ensuring smooth rolling and easy handling.
- Seal the pockets completely to avoid cheese leakage, using moistened fingertips to press edges together firmly and create a tight seal.
- Customize the filling by experimenting with different cheese combinations like cheddar, provolone, or adding diced bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting pizza dough with almond flour or cauliflower-based alternatives, keeping the pepperoni and cheese filling intact.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg