A pizza pocket is a type of stuffed bread or roll that is filled with pizza ingredients like tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings. They are a quick and portable way to enjoy pizza flavors on the go. While basic pizza pockets are made with common pizza toppings, there are also more gourmet and premium versions available that take the pizza pocket concept to the next level. These fancy pizza pockets feature high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations that elevate them above your average pizza pocket.
Common Types of Pizza Pockets
Before exploring some of the fancier options available, let’s first look at some of the standard pizza pocket varieties:
Pepperoni Pizza Pockets
This classic option features a crisp bread pocket filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and plenty of sliced pepperoni. It’s the perfect pick for pepperoni pizza lovers.
Supreme Pizza Pockets
Supreme pizza pockets contain tomato sauce and mozzarella along with a medley of supreme pizza toppings like onion, green pepper, sausage, mushroom, and more. It’s a convenient way to enjoy a supreme pizza flavor.
Meat Lovers Pizza Pockets
For true carnivores, a meat lovers pizza pocket is filled with tomato sauce, cheese, and loads of pizza meats like pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham. It packs a serious protein punch.
Cheese Pizza Pockets
Containing just tomato sauce, cheese, and herbs, these pockets offer a simpler but still delicious cheese pizza experience for those who prefer a less loaded pizza pocket.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets
Shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses fill these pizza pockets inspired by buffalo chicken pizza flavor. The spicy, creamy fillings make these a popular option.
Gourmet Pizza Pocket Options
While traditional pizza pockets are already tasty, some companies and restaurants are taking pizza pockets to the next level by using high-end ingredients and crafting unique flavor combinations. Here are some examples of more gourmet, fancy pizza pockets:
Prosciutto, Arugula, and Burrata Pizza Pocket
Filled with creamy burrata cheese, crispy prosciutto ham, peppery arugula, and a balsamic glaze, this upscale pizza pocket is inspired by a gourmet flatbread pizza. The contrasting flavors and textures are sublime.
Barbecue Chicken Ranch Pizza Pockets
These pizza pockets contain tangy barbecue sauce, chicken, bacon, mozzarella, cheddar, and a cool ranch drizzle for an unexpected barbecue meets ranch flavor.
Greek Pizza Pockets
A Mediterranean flavor comes through in these Greek-style pizza pockets filled with spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and hummus. The combination of savory, briny, and herbaceous flavors is incredibly appetizing.
Crab Rangoon Pizza Pockets
For a unique fusion flavor, these pizza pockets are filled with a popular Chinese-American appetizer – crab rangoon! The filling contains crab meat, cream cheese, scallions, and garlic, encased in a crispy outer shell.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza Pockets
Oozing with melted mozzarella, cheddar, chicken, bacon, and creamy ranch, these pizza pockets are an elevated version of the chicken bacon ranch pizza flavor.
Unique Pizza Pocket Fillings and Flavors
In addition to fancy fillings like premium cheeses and gourmet meats, some pizza pockets stand out thanks to unexpected and unique flavors incorporated into the fillings:
Tandoori Chicken Pizza Pockets
Tandoori chicken offers an Indian flair, with yogurt-marinated chicken baked until tender and encased in a lightly spiced dough. Mango chutney adds sweetness.
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Pockets
These pizza pockets are filled with thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions and bell peppers, and melted cheese sauce, just like a classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
Chorizo and Manchego Pizza Pockets
The flavors of Spain come through in these pockets filled with spicy chorizo sausage and nutty Manchego cheese. Paprika and garlic add richness.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Pizza Pockets
Creamy buffalo-style mac and cheese with chicken and scallions is the star filling in these unique and indulgent pizza pockets.
Korean BBQ Pizza Pockets
Savory Korean barbecue sauce, tender bulgogi beef, kimchi, sesame oil, and scallions fill these Asian-inspired pizza pockets for an umami-rich flavor.
Premium Pizza Pocket Ingredients
Upgrading the ingredients is one way gourmet pizza pockets distinguish themselves from more basic versions. Some high-end ingredients found in fancy pizza pockets include:
Artisanal Bread or Dough
Instead of standard dough, the bread or dough enclosing the filling may be made with artisanal ingredients like beer batter, pretzel dough, or sourdough for more complex flavor.
Premium Cheeses
Extra-sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, fresh mozzarella, burrata, brie and other premium, specialty cheeses can lend gourmet flavor to pizza pockets.
Housemade Sauces
Using homemade pizza sauce, barbecue sauce, or creative aioli instead of generic jarred sauces elevates the components of the filling.
Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
Fresh spinach, arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, roasted peppers and other vibrant vegetables add freshness along with unique herbs like basil, rosemary, or sage.
Quality Meats
Prosciutto, pancetta, brisket, roasted chicken – using high-end, carefully sourced meats ensures maximum flavor in gourmet pizza pockets.
Finishing Touches
Truffle oil, infused olive oils, craft beer cheese sauce, pesto drizzle, or a balsamic glaze are some examples of fancy finishing touches that can take pizza pockets over the top.
How Gourmet Pizza Pockets are Made
Here is an overview of how these fancy pizza pockets come together, from ingredients to cooking method:
Ingredients Are Carefully Sourced
Whether it’s an artisanal dough, imported cheese, or fresh herbs, care is taken to procure high-quality ingredients.
Fillings Are Crafted in House
Any sauces, cheese mixes, or other fillings are made in-house for maximum flavor control and freshness.
Pockets Are Assembled by Hand
Filling ingredients are layered into the dough by hand with meticulous care instead of mass production assembly lines.
Baking, Frying, or Grilling
The assembled pockets are cooked using high-heat methods like baking, frying, or grilling to achieve a crispy exterior texture.
Cooling Allows Fillings to Set
After cooking, the pockets cool briefly so the molten fillings have time to set up before eating.
Optional Finishing Touches Added
A final drizzle, sprinkling, or brushing of flavors is added after cooking for an extra layer of fancy flavor.
Where to Find Gourmet Pizza Pockets
While you can occasionally find some upscale options in grocery store freezer sections, here are some better places to seek out fancy, high-end pizza pockets:
Specialty Pizza Shops
Artisanal pizzerias, especially those with brick ovens, may offer gourmet pizza pockets on menus or as limited-time specials.
Fine Dining Restaurants
Chef-driven restaurants may put a unique spin on pizza pockets with luxe ingredients as an appetizer.
Food Festivals/Markets
Vendors at outdoor markets or food festivals often sell creative food mashups like gourmet pizza pockets.
Meal Subscription/Delivery Services
Some services let you order premium frozen pizza pockets with inventive fillings and high-end components.
Online Ordering
Boutique brands selling fancy pizza pockets may only be available for purchase online and ship frozen.
Hallmarks of a Quality Gourmet Pizza Pocket
When evaluating a fancy pizza pocket, look for these signs of an elevated product worthy of the gourmet designation:
Complex, Balanced Fillings
All filling components complement each other and create exciting flavors.
Visually Appealing
A flakey golden crust and rich, vibrant inner fillings are visually stunning.
Premium, Fresh Ingredients
You can taste the quality of the real, wholesome ingredients on every bite.
Clever Flavor Profiles
Inventive flavors distinguish them from everyday pizza pockets.
Indulgent Mouthfeel
Creamy sauces, gooey cheese, and crisp crust create an irresistible texture.
Artisanal Construction
Handmade with care and high-end components from start to finish.
Tips for Making Gourmet Pizza Pockets at Home
While it takes some effort, you can create restaurant-quality, fancy pizza pockets in your own kitchen. Here are some tips:
Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
Splurge on premium cheese, cured meats, vegetables, and your favorite crusty bread.
Sear or Grill the Pockets
Fry them in oil or grill them for delicious charred flavor.
Include Indulgent Cheeses
Smoked gouda, brie, goat cheese – use the good stuff!
Make Your Own Sauces
Homemade pizza sauce, aioli, or tapenade beats store-bought every time.
Amp Up the Flavors
Use bold herbs, spices, garlic, truffle oil, etc. to make each bite pop.
Finish with Drizzles and Sprinkles
A final sprinkle of parmesan, dollop of sauce, or herb garnish makes them next-level.
Mix and Match Fillings
Get creative with proteins, veggies, cheeses, and sauces that complement each other.
Blind Bake the Pockets First
Partially pre-bake the assembled pockets to ensure the dough is cooked through before filling.
Let Filling Cool Slightly
Allow hot fillings to cool and thicken for easier assembly.
Choosing the Right Bread/Dough for Gourmet Pizza Pockets
The outside encasing your pizza pocket filling is arguably just as important as the inside. Here are some excellent bread and dough options:
| Bread/Dough Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Puff Pastry | Flaky, buttery layers |
| Croissants | Ultra-flaky, rich crescents |
| Naan | Soft, lightly charred Indian flatbread |
| Bagels | Dense, chewy, boiled then baked |
| Biscuit Dough | Fluffy, savory, and tender |
| Pizza Dough | Crisp, nicely browned, sturdy crust |
| Brioche Buns | Sweet, eggy, buttery-rich dough |
| Potato Rolls | Soft, pillowy, subtly sweet |
| Pretzel Buns | Glossy, chewy dough with salty bite |
Popular Meat Fillings for Gourmet Pizza Pockets
Hearty meats layered into pizza pockets provide protein and bold flavor. Popular upscale options include:
| Meat | Description |
|---|---|
| Prosciutto | Dry-cured, salty, melts into buttery richness |
| Pancetta | Uncured Italian bacon, savory and slightly smoky |
| Italian Sausage | Seasoned ground pork with fennel, parsley, garlic |
| Chicken | Shredded or diced chicken breast or thigh |
| Steak | Thinly sliced tenderloin or sirloin |
| Pulled Pork | Slow roasted and shredded for tender texture |
| Meatballs | Seasoned beef, pork, or turkey minced and rolled |
| Chorizo | Spicy Spanish sausage |
Creative Pizza Pocket Filling Combinations
Mixing and matching complementary flavors and textures is key for elevated pizza pockets. Some inventive fillings to try:
Hawaiian Pizza Pocket
Canadian bacon, pineapple, mozzarella, honey sriracha sauce
Buffalo Chicken Ranch Pizza Pocket
Shredded buffalo chicken, cheddar, pepper jack, ranch dressing
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Pocket
Thinly sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, cheese sauce
Margherita Pizza Pocket
Fresh mozzarella, basil, oven-roasted tomatoes, balsamic glaze
Chorizo and Manchego Pizza Pocket
Spicy chorizo, nutty Manchego cheese, roasted red peppers
Greek Pizza Pocket
Spinach, feta, kalamata olives, hummus, sun-dried tomatoes
Crab Rangoon Pizza Pockets
Crab, cream cheese, scallions, wonton wrappers
Tandoori Chicken Pizza Pockets
Yogurt-marinated tandoori chicken, mango chutney, cilantro
Conclusion
Gourmet pizza pockets make for an elegant, creative way to enjoy everyone’s favorite Italian food. With high-quality components like artisanal dough, premium cheeses, homemade sauces, and complex fillings, these handmade pockets take pizza to go to new heights. Seek them out at specialty restaurants and food shops or make your own at home with fresh, top-notch ingredients. A world of exciting flavors awaits beyond the basic pizza pocket – it’s easy to see why fancy versions are having a moment.