Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Pizza Toast Pockets featuring crispy golden-baked bread filled with gooey mozzarella, savory mini pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce. Perfect as a kid-friendly snack or quick appetizer, these pockets are seasoned with garlic powder and Italian herbs, then topped with Parmesan for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread & Spread
- 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup mini pepperoni slices
Seasoned Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the bread: Flatten each slice of bread using a rolling pin until they are thin and pliable. This helps them fold easily without tearing.
- Add the filling: Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce in the center of four bread slices, leaving a small border free around the edges to seal properly. Then evenly distribute shredded mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni slices over the sauce.
- Seal the pockets: Place the remaining four bread slices on top of the filled slices. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal the pockets tight, preventing the filling from leaking during baking.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter with garlic powder and dried Italian seasoning. Brush this flavorful mixture over the tops of the sealed bread pockets for a golden, aromatic finish.
- Add Parmesan and bake: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the buttered tops. Arrange the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pockets turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pockets cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to set and avoid burns.
Notes
- Customize fillings by adding cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, or olives for extra flavor.
- Avoid overfilling to prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
- For a quicker option, cook the pockets in an air fryer at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes until crispy.
