Pizza Pockets Recipe

The savory, spiced flavor of the turkey sausage contrasts beautifully with the peppery arugula and creamy cheese filling. Using store-bought dough keeps the pockets light and crispy, and finishing them with an egg wash gives them a lovely golden, flaky crust. Warm marinara sauce makes a simple, classic accompaniment.

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Pizza Pockets Recipe Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces Italian turkey sausage
• 1 cup tightly-packed arugula (about 1 ounce)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, plus 1/4 cup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (13.5-ounce) package store-bought pizza crust
• All-purpose flour, for rolling out pizza dough
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade

How To Make Pizza Pockets Recipe

1. Cook the sausage: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a medium skillet. Add the turkey sausage and cook until crumbled and golden brown, about 5 minutes.
2. Wilt the greens: Add the arugula to the skillet and cook just until wilted. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
3. Mix the filling: Stir the cream cheese, 1/3 cup of Parmesan, salt, and pepper into the sausage mixture until well combined. Set aside.
4. Prep the dough: Preheat the oven to 400°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough into a thin 20 by 12-inch rectangle. Cut it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 8 equal smaller rectangles.
5. Fill the pockets: Spoon a portion of the filling onto one side of each dough rectangle.
6. Seal the edges: Brush the edges with egg wash, fold the dough over the filling, and use a fork to crimp the edges shut.
7. Bake to golden: Place the pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with egg wash, sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan, and bake for 15 to 17 minutes until golden.
8. Heat the dip: While the pockets bake, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat.
9. Serve: Serve the hot pizza pockets immediately with the warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Recipe Tips

• How to prevent leaks: Ensure you don’t overfill the pockets and press firmly with the fork during the crimping step to keep the cheese inside.
• How to get a crispier crust: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F before sliding the tray in; the high heat helps the dough puff and crisp.
• Best way to handle dough: If the store-bought dough is too springy and keeps shrinking back, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
• How to customize the flavor: You can swap the turkey sausage for spicy Italian pork sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

What To Serve With Pizza Pockets Recipe?

This Pizza Pockets Recipe is a rustic, handheld meal that needs a fresh finish! A crisp Garden Salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette is the classic choice to balance the creamy filling. For a lighter touch, a side of Roasted Zucchini Spears adds a lovely earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the marinara! A cold Italian Lemon Soda or a glass of Iced Tea pairs wonderfully with the savory, buttery pastry.

How To Store Pizza Pockets Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftover baked pizza pockets in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the baked pockets for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F until heated through and crispy.

Pizza Pockets Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 610mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 12g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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