Ingredients
Filling
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepperoni or any toppings like mushrooms, sausage, or diced peppers
Dough
- 1 can of pizza dough or crescent rolls, refrigerated
Seasoning and Finishing
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian herbs
- A light sprinkle of powdered garlic
- Melted butter or olive oil, to brush on top
- Some grated Parmesan for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment or baking paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, spread out the dough. If using crescent rolls, break apart into triangles; if using pizza dough, slice into 8 small rectangles.
- Add the Filling: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on each piece of dough, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and place your chosen toppings like pepperoni slices on top.
- Season and Fold: Sprinkle each with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Fold the dough pieces to form pockets and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal.
- Brush and Bake: Lightly brush the tops of the pockets with melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve: Allow pockets to cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize the filling with any toppings such as mushrooms, sausage, or bell peppers.
- Using crescent roll dough results in flakier pockets, while pizza dough gives a chewier texture.
- Brush with melted butter for a richer flavor or olive oil for a lighter finish.
- Let pockets cool for a few minutes before eating to avoid burning your mouth with hot cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American