pizza pocket

pizza pocket

These delicious pizza pocket snacks are easy to make with a can of refrigerated biscuits and some pizza ingredients. I used pepperoni and sliced ripe olives, and there are many more choices. I've included directions for a homemade pizza sauce and several filling suggestions below the recipe.

The pockets are perfect for weekend lunch with a salad or a cup of soup, or serve them as a game day snack.

What You'll Need

1 can (8 biscuit size) refrigerated Pillsbury Grands biscuits

1 1/2 to 2 cups pizza sauce, divided, homemade or purchased (see the sauce recipe below)

1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese or a pizza blend

Pepperoni, about 3 thin slices for each pizza

Thinly sliced ripe olives, finely chopped bell pepper, or finely chopped onion

Olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Optional Homemade Pizza Sauce:

1 clove garlic, mashed and minced

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

Dash freshly ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried leaf oregano

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

How to Make It

1.     Heat the oven to 350°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.

2.     On a lightly floured surface, roll each biscuit out to about 6 inches in diameter. Spread about 2 to 3 teaspoons of pizza sauce in the center of each round, then top with pepperoni and a few slices of ripe olive, chopped onion or bell pepper, or a combination. Top with about 1 tablespoon of shredded pizza cheese or Mozzarella.

3.     With a finger, moisten the edge with a little water, fold over, and press all around the edge to seal. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet and prick with a fork or tip of a sharp knife to allow steam to escape.

4.     Bake to pizza pockets for 14 to 16 minutes, until nicely browned.

5.     Meanwhile, warm the remaining pizza sauce.

6.     If desired, brush the pockets lightly with olive oil as soon as they come out of the oven and then sprinkle with a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with warmed pizza sauce on the side.

Homemade Pizza Sauce

1.     In a small saucepan combine the garlic, kosher salt, tomato paste, tomato sauce, a dash of black pepper, oregano, and olive oil.

2.     Bring the sauce to a simmer; reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. 

3.     Cool the sauce and store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

4.     Makes about 1 1/2 cups of sauce.

More Filling Ideas

·        Thinly Sliced Red Onion

·        Thinly Sliced Bell Pepper

·        Cooked Crumbled Sausage Or Ground Beef

·        Cooked Diced Bacon

·        Ham and Spinach

·        Sliced Mushrooms