Sicilian Cheese Pizza Pockets Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of crafting your own delicious pizza pockets; it’s like creating personal-sized bundles of cheesy joy!

Finding the ideal blend of taste and convenience, I adore these Sicilian Cheese Pizza Pockets for their oozing cheesiness. They are packed with a mixture of shredded mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and umami-rich Parmesan, all boosted by fresh basil and a touch of oregano.

Perfect for a speedy yet satisfying meal.

Sicilian Cheese Pizza Pockets Recipe Ingredients

• Pizza Dough: Provides carbohydrates for energy; crispy when baked.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers calcium; melty texture; mild flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess; rich in protein; mild taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Intensifies flavor; provides umami; rich in calcium.
• Tomato Sauce: Supplies vitamins; tangy flavor and bright color.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb; enhances freshness; provides antioxidants.

Sicilian Cheese Pizza Pockets Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 package (16 ounces) of pizza dough
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup of tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Flour, for dusting

How to Make this Sicilian Cheese Pizza Pockets Recipe

1. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to heat up. While the oven heats up, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.

2. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll the pizza dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness.

3. Cut the dough into circles approximately 5-6 inches in diameter, using a round cutter or a glass.

4. In a bowl, combine the mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Put a spoonful of tomato sauce in the center of every circle of dough.

6. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto the sauce.

7. Create a semi-circle by folding the dough over the filling, and make sure to tightly seal the edges.

8. To ensure the filling remains inside, use a fork to crimp the edges.

9. Coat the tops of the pizza pockets with olive oil and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.

10. Preheat the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Sicilian Cheese Pizza Pockets Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Rolling pin
5. Round cutter or glass
6. Bowl
7. Spoon
8. Fork
9. Pastry brush

FAQ

• Q:Is it possible to prepare the pizza pockets in advance and simply reheat them? A: It is indeed possible. You can prepare the pockets, put them in the fridge, and reheat them at 350°F until they’re warm all the way through.
• Q:Can you use pizza dough from the store for this recipe? A: You bet. Any 16-ounce package of pizza dough will work perfectly for this recipe.
• Q:Is it possible to use dried basil instead of fresh basil in this recipe? A: The ideal flavor comes from fresh basil, but in a pinch, 1 tablespoon of dried basil can do the job.
• Q:How can I keep the dough from adhering to everything when I go to assemble the pockets? A: Just dust the area with flour, and the dough will stop sticking to you and everything else.
• Q:Can the pizza pockets be made crispier? A: Achieve a golden, crispy crust by brushing the tops with olive oil before baking.
• Q:Can I add more fillings to the mixture? A: Yes, adding finely chopped vegetables or cooked meats such as pepperoni is a delicious option.
• Q:Can I substitute any kind of cheese? A: You can substitute any cheese that melts well for the cheese called for in the recipe. Cheddar and provolone work and are reasonably similar in flavor, but you could also use fontina or even an excellent melting Swiss like Emmental. Quiche is quite versatile.

Sicilian Cheese Pizza Pockets Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Shredded provolone cheese can be used in place of the mozzarella to achieve a different flavored profile.

Substitute the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
You could use marinara sauce instead of tomato sauce for an added herbal and spice kick.
Fresh spinach is a milder substitute for basil.
Melted butter can take the place of olive oil. It adds rich flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Room Temperature Dough Allow the pizza dough to come to room temperature before rolling it out. This makes it more pliable and easier to work with, preventing it from snapping back when you roll it.

2. Basil Boost To intensify the basil flavor, consider adding a few whole basil leaves on top of the cheese mixture before sealing the pizza pockets. This will enhance the fresh basil aroma.

3. Seal with Water Before folding the dough, lightly dampen the edges with a bit of water. This helps create a stronger seal when you fold and crimp the edges, preventing any cheese or sauce from leaking out during baking.

4. Cheese Variation For a richer flavor, substitute half of the mozzarella with provolone or add in a small amount of blue cheese for a sharp kick.

5. Pre-bake Checks Before placing the pizza pockets in the oven, gently pierce the tops with a fork or cut small slits to allow steam to escape. This prevents the pockets from bursting open while baking.