This Sourdough Pizza Pockets comes together in about 30 minutes and uses an air fryer or the oven for a quick and easy meal that your family will love! These pizza pockets are perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple yet delicious!
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make these scrumptious pizza pockets! Here’s a list to get you started:
- 3 ½ cups bread flour: This is the base of your dough, giving it that great chewiness.
- 1 cup active sourdough starter: You can’t have sourdough without it! This gives the pizza pockets their unique tang and flavor.
- 1 cup warm water: This helps bring everything together.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A little fat goes a long way in keeping your dough moist and flavorful.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Just a couple pinches to enhance all those delicious flavors.
- 1 cup pizza sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce, or you can make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty heart of the pockets. I mean, who doesn’t love gooey cheese?
- ¾ cup sliced pepperoni: A classic choice, but feel free to mix it up!
- ½ cup diced bell peppers: For some crunch and color.
- ½ cup chopped mushrooms: Adds earthiness and umami.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A lot of flavor packed in one simple spice blend.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: This will brush on top for a crispy, golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds such a delicious aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: For extra flavor and a pop of color!
Feel free to get creative with these ingredients. You can substitute or add in whatever veggies, proteins, or cheeses you have on hand. You’ll find that’s what makes these pizza pockets a fantastic go-to recipe!
How to Make Sourdough Pizza Pockets
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, warm water, and olive oil. Stir them together until they’re well mixed. Then, add in the bread flour and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. This process should take a few minutes, don’t worry if it feels a little rough at first; that’s normal!
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Now, it’s time to knead! Turn that shaggy dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it’s nice, smooth, and elastic. Believe me, the texture change is incredible as you work it!
Step 3: Let it Rest
After kneading, cover the bowl with a cloth or plastic wrap and let the dough rest for about 4 hours or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key here!
Step 4: Preheat Your Oven or Air Fryer
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you’re using an air fryer, set it to 375°F. Getting everything prepped while the dough rests makes life so much easier!
Step 5: Portion the Dough
Once your dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal portions. You’ll want to roll each one into a small circle about ¼-inch thick, you’re making the perfect canvas for all those fillings!
Step 6: Fill the Dough Circles
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce onto one half of each dough circle. Top with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms, followed by a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. The aroma is going to be insane!
Step 7: Create the Pockets
Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket shape. Make sure to press and seal the edges tightly using your fingers or a fork. This step is crucial to ensure that all the cheesy goodness stays inside!
Step 8: Brush with Garlic Butter
Mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley together. Brush the tops of the pizza pockets generously with this mixture. I mean, who doesn’t love a buttery crust?
Step 9: Bake or Air Fry
Place the pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. For the air fryer, place them in a preheated basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. You’ll want to get that nice gooey texture without burning your tongue!
If you loved this Sourdough Pizza Pocket recipe, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Cheesy Tortilla Garlic Bread!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This is a breeze to whip up! It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals when you’re short on time but still crave something delicious.
Customizable
You can easily adapt this recipe based on what you have. Got some leftover chicken? Or maybe some veggies piling up in the fridge? Toss them in! The versatility is endless.
Crowd-Pleaser
These are a total hit with kids and adults alike. When I serve them for dinner, you can bet everyone goes back for seconds, or thirds!
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can prep these pockets in advance and keep them in the fridge or freezer. Just bake or air fry them when you’re ready for a fabulous meal!
Loaded With Flavor
Every bite is bursting with cheesy goodness! The combination of ingredients is not just comforting but incredibly satisfying, too.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This
These pizza pockets are perfect served on their own, but you can pair them with a fresh side salad or some crunchy veggies for a well-rounded meal.
Storage
They keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 days, though they won’t last that long if your family is anything like mine!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If you’re using the air fryer, just throw them back in at 375°F for about 5 minutes.
Freezer Friendly
Yes, they are freezer-friendly! Just make sure they’re fully cooled, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake or air fry from frozen, and adjust the time accordingly.
With all this flexibility and those delicious flavors, it’s no wonder these Sourdough Pizza Pockets have earned a special place in my family’s mealtime.
So, seriously, gather your ingredients and whip up these amazing pockets! I promise you’ll be glad you did. Your family will love them, and you’ll be left with happy smiles and full bellies!
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