Description
Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are warm, crispy, and packed with melted (plant-based) cheese and savory smoked turkey, making them a perfect handheld snack or meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, they offer a delicious, convenient option for lunch, dinner, or anytime hunger strikes, with a golden crust and customizable fillings to suit all preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- Your favorite store-bought or homemade pizza dough, enough for about 8 pockets
Filling
- 1 cup melted (plant-based) cheese
- 1 cup smoked turkey, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (natural) – blend of oregano, basil, and thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Baking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the tomato sauce (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), Italian herbs (natural), salt, and pepper. Stir in the chopped smoked turkey and fold in the melted (plant-based) cheese. Add the natural gelling agent and mix gently to bind the filling without losing texture.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into evenly sized rectangles or circles depending on your preferred pocket shape.
- Assemble the Pockets: Place a spoonful of filling on one side of each dough piece. Fold the dough over to cover, then press the edges firmly with a fork or fingers to seal completely, preventing leaks while baking.
- Brush and Bake: Brush the pockets with olive oil to create a golden, crispy crust. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pockets cool slightly for a few minutes so the filling sets. Serve warm for the best cheesy, savory experience.
Notes
- Use high-quality melted (plant-based) cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overfill pockets to avoid tearing or leaks.
- Seal edges firmly using a bit of water or olive oil as glue before baking.
- Chill dough before baking to help maintain pocket shape.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven to avoid over or undercooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza pocket
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: cheesy pizza pockets, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey, quick snack, baked pockets, handheld pizza, gluten free appetizer
