Description
Imagine the best parts of a cheeseburger and pizza combined into a single, delightful handheld treat! These Ooey-Gooey Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pockets are packed with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar, all nestled inside a golden, crispy pizza dough pocket. Perfect for a quick dinner, party snack, or a fun weekend treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 package (about 14-16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is recommended for flavor)
- 1 packet (about 1 ounce) burger seasoning mix (such as McCormick Grill Mates)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium)
- ½ cup pizza sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for sealing the pockets and adding shine)
- Optional: sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for topping
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease to prevent soggy pockets.
Step 3: Add the burger seasoning mix to the cooked ground beef. Stir well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the seasoning. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is partially melted and evenly distributed throughout the beef mixture.
Step 5: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into even squares (approximately 4×4 inches). You should get around 12-16 squares, depending on the size of your dough.
Step 6: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center of each dough square. Top each with a small dollop (about 1 teaspoon) of pizza sauce. Be careful not to overfill the pockets, or they will be difficult to seal.
Step 7: Fold the dough over to form a triangle or rectangle. Press the edges firmly to seal. For extra security, use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure they are completely closed.
Step 8: Brush the tops of the pizza pockets with the beaten egg. This will give them a golden-brown color and a nice sheen. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for added flavor and texture.
Step 9: Place the prepared pizza pockets onto the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
Step 10: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and the dough is cooked through. The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Step 11: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Be careful, as the filling will be very hot!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- It’s a fun twist on classic comfort food.
- It’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover cooked ground beef or bacon.
- It’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
- It’s portable and great for parties or picnics.
DRINK Rating:
- Kid-Friendly: Milk, Juice
- Adult: Beer, Cider, Light Cocktail
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
- Pair with a side salad or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or marinara sauce.
- Serve at parties, game nights, or potlucks.
Tips:
- Make sure to seal the edges of the pockets well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
- Don’t overfill the pockets, or they will be difficult to seal and may burst open in the oven.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Feel free to substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or provolone.
- Prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a quick and easy meal.
- These pizza pockets can be frozen after baking. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information: (per pocket, estimated)
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Sodium: 500-600mg
Conclusion
These Ooey-Gooey Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza Pockets are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer for your next party, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Enjoy!
Q&A:
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken would work well as substitutes for ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the pizza pockets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q3: Can I freeze these pizza pockets?
A: Yes, these pizza pockets freeze well. Let them cool completely after baking, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q4: What dipping sauces go well with these?
A: Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, marinara sauce, and cheese sauce are all great options for dipping.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to the filling?
A: Certainly! Diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms would be great additions to the beef mixture. Sauté them with the ground beef until tender before adding the seasoning.
