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Crispy Super Bowl Pepperoni Pizza Pockets

crispy super bowl pepperoni pizza pockets - featured image

These crispy, cheesy pizza pockets are perfect for game day snacks, combining a flaky crust with a gooey pepperoni and mozzarella filling. Quick and easy to make, they are a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim recommended)
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni (regular or turkey)
  • ½ cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon cornmeal (for baking sheet)

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C) with sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5–7 minutes until frothy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a rough dough forms. Knead by hand on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes or use a mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Let it rise: Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  4. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix shredded mozzarella, sliced pepperoni, pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Shape and fill pockets: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a 6-inch circle on a floured surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto one half, leaving a border. Brush edges with water, fold over, and press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
  6. Pre-bake and finish: Place pockets on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Brush tops with beaten egg. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy. Let cool on a rack for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use warm water to activate yeast properly. Knead dough well for good texture. Avoid overfilling pockets to prevent leaks. Pre-bake helps keep crust crispy. Let pockets cool slightly before eating to avoid burns. For extra crispiness, rotate baking sheet halfway through baking. Dough can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated. Freeze assembled pockets before baking for later use.

Nutrition

Keywords: pizza pockets, pepperoni pizza, game day snacks, Super Bowl recipes, crispy pizza pockets, easy pizza pockets