Description
Indulge in the ultimate handheld treat with these Deep Fried Pizza Puff Pockets (Panzerotti) – a savory spin on classic pizza that’s packed with melted cheese and your favorite toppings, all wrapped in a crispy, golden-brown dough.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 3/4 cup warm water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup diced pepperoni
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast. Add the warm water and olive oil, and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes.
2. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the mozzarella, pepperoni, Parmesan, and basil.
4. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 5-inch circle.
5. Place a heaping tablespoon of the cheese mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal.
6. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F. Fry the stuffed dough pockets in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain the fried pockets on a paper towel-lined plate and serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding your favorite pizza toppings, such as diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or crumbled Italian sausage, to the cheese filling.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian