For anyone following a ketogenic diet, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional snacks, these Keto Pizza Pockets are a game-changer. Bursting with cheesy, savory goodness, they offer a satisfying and convenient meal or snack option that aligns with low-carb lifestyles. They're a perfect meal prep option and freezer-safe, making these homemade pockets even better than store-bought versions. These pizza pockets are a cheesy, wholesome meal that you can feed your kids or yourself without the high fructose corn syrup and trans-fats found in their store-bought, processed frozen counterparts.
The Allure of Pizza Pockets
Pizza pockets, calzones, or giant pizza rolls-whatever you call them, these stuffed delights hold a special place in many hearts. Reminiscent of childhood favorites like Pizza Rolls and Hot Pockets, this keto-friendly version allows you to relive those nostalgic flavors without derailing your dietary goals. Keto Pizza Hot Pockets are made from fathead dough and filled with pepperoni, cheese, and pizza sauce.
Understanding the Keto Advantage
The ketogenic diet focuses on drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fats. This metabolic shift forces the body to enter a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. By embracing this principle, Keto Pizza Pockets offer a guilt-free way to enjoy a beloved comfort food while staying true to your health objectives.
The Foundation: Fathead Dough
This recipe uses fathead dough, which also can be used to make a keto pizza crust. The dough for these pizza pockets uses fathead dough. Fathead dough is the cornerstone of these keto-friendly pockets. This dough, known for its versatility and low-carb properties, replaces traditional pizza dough, making it suitable for those following a ketogenic diet.
Preparing the Fathead Dough
To create the dough, begin by mixing together mozzarella cheese, almond flour, and salt in a large glass bowl. Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute. If it's not completely melted, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until fully melted. Add cream cheese to the mozzarella mixture and combine with a spoon. Once the dough is cool enough to handle, incorporate an egg and mix well with your hands until everything is thoroughly combined.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
This recipe is a bit of a twist on the regular fathead dough you're probably used to. The secret ingredient? It uses yeast!
Customizable Fillings
The filling I used for these pockets was marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni. While a traditional pepperoni pizza filling is a classic choice, the possibilities are endless. Feel free to experiment with your favorite pizza toppings to create a personalized flavor profile.
Filling Ideas
- Precooked sausage and pepperoni
- Salami and olives
- Ham and cheese
- Broccoli and cheese
- Tomato paste, feta cheese, bacon and green onions
If you want a thicker sauce, you can mix tomato paste with the marinara. Also, if you use marinara instead of arrabbiata sauce, you may want to add additional Italian seasoning for a stronger tasting sauce.
Crafting the Pizza Pockets
These look complicated but they are actually quite easy.
Step-by-Step Assembly
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Divide the dough: Place your dough onto a cutting board and cut it into 4 sections.
- Shape the pockets: On a baking sheet, flatten out each section of dough into an oblong shape, approximately 8 inches by 4 inches.
- Add the filling: Once you have your 4 pockets laid out, begin filling them with marinara sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese. Be sure to place the filling on one end of your pocket, leaving room to fold over the dough and a ½ inch space from the edge.
- Seal the edges: Fold the opposite side of the dough over the filling. Then crimp the edges using a fork all the way around your pocket to create a tight seal.
- Bake: Place the pockets on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
One critical thing I’d mention is to make sure you bake them on a piece of parchment paper otherwise they will burn to your cookie sheet.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Air Fryer Adaptation
For a quicker cooking method, you can use an air fryer. Combine mozzarella, sauce, and meat in a small bowl. Place a tortilla on a jumbo empanada press and place 1/3rd of the mixture in the center. Brush the edges with egg wash and then close the empanada maker and squeeze firmly to seal. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Place the pizza pockets into the basket of an air fryer, brush the tops with egg wash and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping at the half way point and brushing the other side with egg wash.
The Finishing Touch: Egg Wash
The purpose of brushing the egg wash on the pizza pocket is to create a shiny, golden brown top surface. After cooking, let cool for a minute or two so that the filling isn’t like lava. You can skip this step if you would like. You could also opt to use a mixture of one tablespoon of butter, ¼ cup of parmesan cheese, and one teaspoon of Italian seasonings brushed on each pizza pocket.
Serving and Storage
After baking, let the pizza pockets cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling.
Storage Instructions
Keto pizza pockets can be frozen for about 4 to 6 months depending on how well they are packed. Let the pizza pockets cool completely then tightly wrap each one in plastic wrap. Put them into a gallon sized Ziploc bag to freeze. To unthaw, wrap in a paper towel and heat the pizza pocket in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Why Choose Keto Pizza Pockets?
Health Benefits
Traditional hot pockets can have more than 30g of net carbs per serving. By opting for a keto-friendly version, you significantly reduce your carbohydrate intake.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
Customization
The beauty of homemade pizza pockets lies in their adaptability. You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to cater to your specific dietary needs and preferences. Play around with the ratios of ingredients.
Nostalgia
These keto pizza pockets offer a delightful trip down memory lane, evoking the flavors of childhood favorites without the guilt associated with high-carb, processed snacks.
A Note on Ingredients
I use La Bandarita “snack size” Carb Balance tortillas. They don’t spike my glucose or use inflammatory oils. Also, they’re the perfect size for my empanada maker.
Coconut Flour Consideration
My kids love anything with the name “pizza” in it. But today it’s a pizza dough and you might think it weird it has coconut flour in it, but I must tell, my youngest hates with a passion all things that even remotely have a hint of the flavor of coconut. If he can taste it, he won’t eat it again. THIS does not in any way taste coconut-y so do not be scared.
Additional Pizza Creations to Explore:
I've obviously been a huge fan of making low carb pizzas for a while now:
- Broccoli Crust Pizza
- Chicken Crust Pizza
- Pork Rind Pizza
Friday Night Pizza Tradition:
A little bit of backstory….in college, my husband Joe and I lived in a dorm that had a dining hall attached to it, but ONLY served pizza on Friday Nights. And it wasn't the normal run of the mill pizza they served regularly… They put something in this Friday Night recipe because it was AMAZING. You could sometimes expect a 45 minute wait because the line to get yours was sooo long. But still…we did it. Every. Single. Friday. We've kept up with the tradition of Friday Night Pizza, and it became even more important once we went Keto.
I want to make sure that everyone who reads my blog knows that going Low Carb ABSOLUTELY does not mean giving up pizza or getting bored by the same things. Pizza is delicious. Stuffed Pizza is even better.
Keto Pizza Pockets: A Culinary Adventure
Keto Pizza Pockets are more than just a recipe; they're an invitation to explore the endless possibilities of low-carb cooking. Embrace the freedom to experiment with flavors, textures, and ingredients, and create a culinary masterpiece that satisfies your cravings without compromising your health goals. These Keto Fathead Pizza Pockets are delicious proof that going low carb does not mean giving up your favorite foods!
Recipe: Keto Pizza Hot Pocket
Keto Pizza Hot Pocket - made from fat head dough and filled with pepperoni, cheese, and pizza sauce. What’s better than a flash back to your childhood. Hot pockets were a staple in my teenage years. In case you were wondering, these hot pockets are just as hot as the originals.
Ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese
- Almond flour
- Baking powder
- 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce
- Pepperoni
- Italian seasonings
- Garlic salt
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the mozzarella cheese and cream cheese.
- Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
- Add the almond flour, baking powder, Italian seasonings, and garlic salt.
- Stir until well combined.
- Roll out dough in between two parchment sheets to 1/4 inch roughly (about 10x14 inch rectangle).
- Cut into four equal parts.
- Brush half of each rectangle with about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce, top with about 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and top with about 5 pepperoni.
- Fold over and press edges together.
Concluding Thoughts
These pockets are not just a treat; they're a testament to the fact that a ketogenic lifestyle can be both satisfying and enjoyable. Whether you're seeking a quick lunch, a convenient snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, Keto Pizza Pockets are sure to become a staple in your low-carb repertoire.