Pizza Turnovers: A Savory Slice of Convenience

I remember sneaking into the kitchen as a kid, the aroma of my grandmother’s homemade pizza dough thick in the air. She’d always let me pinch off a piece, which I’d then carefully roll out and top with whatever odds and ends were available – usually a smear of leftover tomato sauce and a sprinkle of cheese. These impromptu mini-pizzas, baked in the toaster oven, were a far cry from her elaborate creations, but they tasted like pure, unadulterated joy. These Pizza Turnovers bring back that feeling of playful creativity and simple deliciousness.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 Turnovers
• Dietary Type: Reduced-Fat

Ingredients

• 5 ounces reduced-fat Italian bulk turkey sausage (mild)
• ½ cup pizza sauce
• Nonstick olive oil flavored cooking spray
• 1 (10 ounce) package prepared pizza crust
• ⅓ cup shredded reduced-fat Italian cheese blend

Equipment Needed

• Nonstick saucepan
• Spoon
• Baking sheet
• Fork
• Wire rack (optional, for cooling)
• Plastic wrap (optional, for freezing)
• Freezer container or plastic freezer bag (optional, for freezing)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures the crust becomes beautifully golden brown and crispy.
2. In a nonstick saucepan over medium heat, cook the reduced-fat Italian bulk turkey sausage. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
3. Drain off any excess fat from the saucepan. Removing the fat helps to keep the turnovers from becoming greasy.
4. Stir in the pizza sauce to the cooked sausage. Mix well to combine the sausage and sauce evenly.
5. Cook the sausage and sauce mixture until it’s hot, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This warms the sauce through and melds the flavors.
6. Spray a baking sheet generously with nonstick olive oil flavored cooking spray. This will prevent the turnovers from sticking to the baking sheet.
7. Unroll the prepared pizza crust onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. Pat the pizza dough into a 12×8 inch rectangle. This helps to ensure even distribution of the filling and consistent baking.
9. Cut the rectangle of dough into six (4×4 inch) squares. Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife for clean cuts.
10. Divide the sausage mixture evenly among the six squares of dough. Leave a small border around the edges for sealing.
11. Sprinkle each square with the shredded reduced-fat Italian cheese blend. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make it difficult to seal the turnovers.
12. Lift one corner of each square and fold the dough over the filling to the opposite corner, creating a triangle shape.
13. Press the edges of each turnover firmly with the tines of a fork to seal. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking and creates a decorative edge.
14. Bake the turnovers for 11-13 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
15. Serve the pizza turnovers immediately. They are best enjoyed fresh and warm.
16. To Freeze (Optional): Remove the baked turnovers to a wire rack and let them cool for 30 minutes.
17. Individually wrap each turnover in plastic wrap.
18. Place the wrapped turnovers in a freezer container or plastic freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
19. To Reheat Frozen Turnovers: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
20. Unwrap the frozen turnovers.
21. Place them on an ungreased baking pan.
22. Cover loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning.
23. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are hot throughout.
24. Microwave Reheating (Optional): Place one turnover on a paper-towel-lined microwavable plate.
25. Heat on DEFROST (30% power) for 3 to 3-1/2 minutes, or until hot, turning once halfway through.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overfill the turnovers. Too much filling will make them difficult to seal, and the filling may leak out during baking.
• Ensure a tight seal. Use the tines of a fork to firmly press the edges of the turnovers together. This is crucial for preventing the filling from escaping.
• For extra flavor, brush the tops of the turnovers with a little melted butter or olive oil before baking. You can also sprinkle them with dried herbs like oregano or basil.
• If the crust browns too quickly, tent the baking sheet with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
• Customize the filling! Feel free to add other ingredients like diced vegetables (onions, peppers, mushrooms), olives, or different types of cheese.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Pizza Turnovers are best served warm and fresh, straight from the oven. They make a great snack, appetizer, or light meal. Serve them with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping, or alongside a simple salad for a more complete meal.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, microwave, or toaster oven until heated through. To maintain crispness, reheating in the oven or toaster oven is recommended. As stated above, they can also be frozen for longer storage.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	66.2 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	40 g	61%
Total Fat	4.5 g	6%
Saturated Fat	1 g	4%
Cholesterol	38 mg	12%
Sodium	175.3 mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate	2.2 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	0.4 g	1%
Protein	4.1 g	8%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian: Substitute the turkey sausage with cooked vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture or use a spicy sausage.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pizza crust.
• Different Sauces: Instead of traditional pizza sauce, try pesto, BBQ sauce, or a creamy garlic sauce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these turnovers ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the turnovers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to keep them covered tightly to prevent the dough from drying out.

Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of sausage you prefer, such as Italian sausage, chorizo, or even chicken sausage.

Q: My filling is too watery. What should I do?
A: If your filling is too watery, try adding a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or cornstarch to help absorb the excess moisture.

Q: The edges of my turnovers are not sealing properly. What am I doing wrong?
A: Make sure you are pressing the edges of the dough together firmly with the tines of a fork. You can also lightly moisten the edges of the dough with water before sealing to help them stick together better.

Q: Can I bake these in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can bake these in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Final Thoughts

These Pizza Turnovers are a fun, easy, and customizable way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a convenient handheld package. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a simple meal, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to deliver. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pizza perfection in every bite! I encourage you to try this recipe, and please share your creative variations and feedback! They pair perfectly with a crisp green salad and a refreshing glass of iced tea. Buon appetito!