Italian Fried Pizza Pockets
Indulge in the delightful nostalgia of my Italian Great Grandmother's special treat with these Italian Fried Pizza Pockets. Growing up, this crispy, golden-brown dough was a staple in our kitchen, often served fresh from the fryer to keep us little ones entertained while she worked her culinary magic. What makes this recipe so versatile is the choice between sweet and savory fillings. A sprinkle of sugar transforms these pockets into a delicious dessert, while savory options like pizza sauce, gooey mozzarella, and slices of savory meats create a tasty snack or meal. Better yet, it's a fantastic way to use up leftover pizza dough, ensuring none of that flavor goes to waste. Whether you’re making a fun treat for the kids or a quick snack for yourself, these Fried Pizza Pockets are sure to bring joy to any table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
1 batch (Your own or store bought.)
Vegetable Oil
1 cup (For frying.)
Granulated Sugar
To taste (For sprinkling on sweet versions.)
Jelly
Optional (For sweet filling.)
Instructions
1
In a large frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it's hot but not smoking.
2
While the oil heats, break off 2-inch pieces of pizza dough and gently stretch them into small rounds.
3
Carefully place the dough pieces into the hot oil, taking care not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes, turning them once, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
4
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the fried dough from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil for about 1 minute.
5
For a sweet treat, sprinkle the fried dough generously with granulated sugar. Optionally, cut them open and place a teaspoon of jelly inside.
6
For a savory version, let the fried pockets cool slightly. Cut open and fill with your choice of pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, or any other desired fillings. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Italian Fried Pizza Pockets?
They are golden-brown, crispy pieces of fried pizza dough that can be prepared as either a sweet dessert or a savory snack.
What type of dough should I use?
You can use any standard pizza dough, whether it is a homemade batch or a store-bought version from the grocery store.
What is the best oil for frying pizza pockets?
Vegetable oil is recommended because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor that doesn't overpower the dough.
How hot should the oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated over medium heat until it is hot but not smoking before adding the dough pieces.
How big should the dough pieces be?
It is best to break off pieces that are approximately 2 inches in size for even cooking and easy handling.
Do I need to stretch the dough?
Yes, after breaking off the dough pieces, you should gently stretch them into small rounds before placing them in the hot oil.
How long does it take to fry the dough?
The dough pieces should be fried for 3 to 5 minutes, turning them once, until they are golden brown on both sides.
How do I remove excess oil from the fried dough?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the pieces from the pan and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain for about a minute.
How do I make a sweet version of this recipe?
For a sweet treat, sprinkle the hot fried dough generously with granulated sugar and optionally fill the center with jelly.
What kind of jelly works best for the sweet pockets?
Any fruit jelly or jam of your choice works well; simply cut the pocket open and add a teaspoon of filling.
Can I use powdered sugar instead?
While the recipe calls for granulated sugar, you can use powdered sugar if you prefer a different texture and sweetness.
How do I make a savory version of this recipe?
Cut the fried pockets open and fill them with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and any desired meats or vegetables.
Do I need to bake the savory version?
Yes, after filling the savory pockets, they should be baked in a preheated oven to melt the cheese.
What oven temperature is needed for savory pockets?
Bake the filled savory pockets in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long do the savory pockets need to bake?
They only need about 3 to 5 minutes in the oven, or until the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.
Can I use leftover pizza dough?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed as a fantastic way to use up any leftover pizza dough you have on hand.
What happens if I overcrowd the frying pan?
Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, making the dough greasy and preventing it from cooking evenly.
Can I add meat to the savory filling?
Absolutely. You can add slices of pepperoni, cooked sausage, ham, or any other savory meats you enjoy.
Is this a traditional Italian recipe?
It is inspired by traditional Italian home cooking, specifically the fried dough treats often prepared by Italian grandmothers.
How do I prevent the dough from being doughy in the middle?
Ensure the pieces are not too thick and that they fry for the full 3 to 5 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or standard oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain the crispy exterior; avoid the microwave.
Can I use olive oil for frying?
Olive oil is generally not recommended for deep frying in this recipe because it has a lower smoke point and a distinct flavor.
Can I air fry these pizza pockets?
While traditionally deep-fried for the best texture, you can air fry them at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, though they will be less crispy.
How do I know the oil is hot enough without a thermometer?
You can drop a tiny piece of dough into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.
What kind of cheese is best for the savory version?
Shredded mozzarella is the preferred choice for its excellent melting properties and classic pizza flavor.
Can I freeze the fried dough?
It is best served fresh, but you can freeze the fried dough and reheat it in an oven, though the texture may change slightly.
How many people does one batch serve?
A single batch usually serves as a snack for 2 to 4 people, depending on how much dough you use.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, by using vegan pizza dough and filling with vegan cheese and sauce, you can easily make a vegan version.
Why should I let the pockets cool before filling?
Letting them cool slightly makes them easier to handle and cut without burning your hands or tearing the delicate dough.
Are these the same as calzones?
No, calzones are typically baked from raw dough with fillings inside, whereas these are fried dough pieces that are filled afterward.