Pick Pockets: Pizza Perfection in a Pocket

I still remember the first time I tasted something resembling a Pick Pocket. It was at a bustling county fair, years ago. The aroma of fried dough and melting cheese wafted through the air, beckoning me closer. What arrived was a golden, triangular parcel filled with bubbling tomato sauce, savory pepperoni, and stretchy cheese. It was handheld pizza heaven, a portable burst of comfort that instantly transported me back to childhood pizza nights. Recreating that joy in my own kitchen has been a delicious journey, and I’m excited to share this foolproof recipe with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Total Time: 30-32 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yields: 4 pockets
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (if you omit pepperoni)

Ingredients

• 1 (10 ounce) package refrigerated pizza dough
• 1/4 cup pizza sauce (or spaghetti sauce)
• 20 slices pepperoni
• 2 slices American cheese (or provolone cheese)
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Shortening for greasing

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Pizza cutter or knife
• Table knife
• Fork or fingers
• Pastry brush
• Hot pads
• Pancake turner

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensuring the oven is at the correct temperature is crucial for even baking.
2. Lightly grease a baking sheet with shortening. This will prevent the Pick Pockets from sticking and ensure a beautifully golden crust.
3. Unroll the pizza dough directly onto the prepared baking sheet. Work gently to avoid tearing the dough.
4. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, carefully cut the dough into four equal-sized squares. Try to make the squares as uniform as possible for even cooking.
5. With a table knife, spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce (or spaghetti sauce) evenly over each square, leaving a 1/4-inch boundary around the edges. This border will allow for easier sealing of the pockets.
6. Place 5 slices of pepperoni on each sauced square, distributing them evenly. Feel free to use more or less pepperoni depending on your preference.
7. Cut each slice of American cheese (or provolone) in half diagonally, creating triangles.
8. Place the cheese triangles on top of the pepperoni on each square. Using diagonally cut cheese helps to evenly distribute the melted cheese inside the pocket.
9. For each pocket, fold the top left corner of the square down over the bottom right corner to form a triangle. Press gently to release any trapped air.
10. With the tines of a fork or with your fingers, firmly press the edges of the dough together to completely seal the filling inside the pocket. A good seal is important to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
11. Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the tops of the pockets with milk. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color.
12. Sprinkle the tops of the pockets generously with grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and contributes to the golden crust.
13. Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
14. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the Pick Pockets are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
15. Using hot pads, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven.
16. Use a pancake turner to remove the Pick Pockets from the baking sheet and transfer them to a cooling rack, or serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For an extra crispy crust, brush the baking sheet with melted butter before placing the Pick Pockets on it.
• Don’t overfill the pockets! Too much filling can make them difficult to seal and may cause them to burst during baking.
• If you find the dough is sticking to your work surface, lightly dust it with flour.
• For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan.
• If the edges of the pockets aren’t sealing properly, lightly moisten them with water before pressing them together.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Pick Pockets warm, straight from the oven, for the best experience. They’re perfect as a quick lunch, snack, or party appetizer. You can serve them with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the crust may not be as crispy. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked Pick Pockets. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat from frozen, bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	114.5 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	77 kcal	–
Total Fat	8.7 g	13%
Saturated Fat	4 g	19%
Cholesterol	25.1 mg	8%
Sodium	325.1 mg	13%
Total Carbohydrate	2 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.3 g	1%
Sugars	0.5 g	1%
Protein	6.9 g	13%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Omit the pepperoni and add sliced vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pizza sauce or use a spicy pepperoni.
• Hawaiian: Add diced pineapple and ham for a sweet and savory twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza dough.
• Vegan: Use a vegan pizza dough, vegan cheese, and omit the pepperoni. You can also use a plant-based milk alternative for brushing the tops of the pockets.
• Mediterranean: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?
A: Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough will add an extra layer of flavor and authenticity to your Pick Pockets. Just make sure the dough is rolled out thinly enough to create easily foldable squares.

Q: Can I prepare the Pick Pockets ahead of time and bake them later?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Pick Pockets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the dough from drying out.

Q: My filling is leaking out while baking. What am I doing wrong?
A: This usually means the pockets weren’t sealed tightly enough or there was too much filling. Make sure to firmly press the edges together with a fork or your fingers to create a secure seal, and avoid overfilling the pockets.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses.

Q: How do I prevent the bottom of the Pick Pockets from getting soggy?
A: Make sure your baking sheet is properly greased and that your oven is preheated to the correct temperature. Baking the Pick Pockets on a higher rack in the oven can also help to prevent sogginess.

Final Thoughts

These Pick Pockets are more than just a recipe; they’re a chance to create a little bit of pizza joy in your own kitchen. The customization options are endless, so feel free to experiment with different fillings and flavors to create your perfect pocket of goodness. Share your creations with friends and family, and don’t be afraid to get creative! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a fun party appetizer, these Pick Pockets are sure to be a hit. I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do! And don’t forget to share your feedback, or even a photo, after you’ve tried the recipe!