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High-Protein Pizza Hot Pockets Recipe

Oh, you are going to love this High-Protein Pizza Hot Pockets Recipe! It’s one of those recipes that feels like treating yourself, but with an extra dose of goodness packed in. I’ve found these hot pockets to be perfect for those days when you want pizza flavors but need something portable and protein-rich—great for lunchboxes, quick dinners, or even a hearty snack between workouts.

What makes this High-Protein Pizza Hot Pockets Recipe so special is the dough made from Greek yogurt (or cottage cheese if you’re feeling adventurous). It’s soft yet sturdy, so it holds the filling beautifully without getting soggy. Plus, it’s loaded with protein, so you don’t feel guilty indulging in a pizza-inspired treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe works together to bring you that classic pizza flavor with a healthy twist. When shopping, I recommend looking for fresh, quality ingredients—especially the mozzarella and pepperoni—to get the most delicious result.

  • All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, it gives just enough structure while keeping the pockets tender.
  • Baking powder: Helps the dough rise slightly for that perfect soft texture.
  • Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly without overpowering.
  • Plain Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese: I prefer Greek yogurt for its tang and protein kick; if you try cottage cheese, blend it well for a smooth dough.
  • Pizza sauce: Grab your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for that rich tomato base.
  • Mini pepperoni: Adds that classic spicy punch; you can swap for turkey pepperoni if you want a leaner option.
  • Mozzarella log: I cut it into chunks for gooey, melty pockets of cheesy goodness.
  • Green pepper: Minced to add a fresh, crisp bite that balances the richness.
  • Sliced black olives: They bring a salty, briny depth—feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan.
  • Large egg: For an egg wash that gives the pockets a beautiful golden finish.
  • Shredded parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for extra savory flavor and a bit of crunch.
  • Italian seasoning: This mix ties everything together with its herby, aromatic notes.

Variations

I love how flexible this High-Protein Pizza Hot Pockets Recipe is—you can easily make it your own depending on your taste or dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to mix up the fillings or swap out the dough base if you want to experiment.

  • Vegetarian version: I’ve swapped pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms and spinach, which still made these pockets incredibly flavorful and hearty.
  • Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling gave mine a fun extra zing.
  • Different cheeses: I’ve used sharp cheddar or provolone instead of mozzarella for a twist on the classic cheese pull.
  • Gluten-free dough: You can try substituting with a gluten-free baking mix—just watch the dough consistency as it may need extra moisture.

How to Make High-Protein Pizza Hot Pockets Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up That Dough

Start by mixing the flour, baking powder, and sea salt in a large bowl. Then, add the Greek yogurt (or blended cottage cheese) and stir until it forms a soft dough. It might feel a little sticky at first, but that’s okay—just dust your hands with flour and knead gently until smooth. This dough is forgiving, but try not to overwork it to keep it tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rests, mix the pizza sauce with mini pepperoni, mozzarella chunks, minced green pepper, and sliced black olives in a bowl. Taste your filling and adjust—sometimes I add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning here to give it a head start on flavor.

Step 3: Assemble Your Hot Pockets

Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each piece out into about a 6-inch circle. Spoon a generous amount of filling onto half of each circle, leaving edges clear so you can seal them well. Fold the dough over and pinch the edges tightly—seal is key to avoid leaks! You can crimp the edges with a fork for an extra secure and pretty touch.

Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake

Whisk your egg and brush it lightly over each hot pocket. Sprinkle the tops with shredded parmesan and a pinch of Italian seasoning—this little finish makes them look bakery-ready. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end so they don’t overbake.

How to Serve High-Protein Pizza Hot Pockets Recipe

High-Protein Pizza Hot Pockets Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to serve these with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a handful of chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Sometimes, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dollop of marinara on the side amps up the pizza vibes.

Side Dishes

Pair them with a crisp mixed greens salad or some roasted veggies to balance the meal. For a casual lunch, carrot sticks or cucumber slices work great for a refreshing crunch alongside these hot pockets.

Creative Ways to Present

For game-day snacks or parties, I’ve arranged these pizza hot pockets on a wooden board with small dipping bowls of garlic butter, ranch, and extra marinara. Cutting them diagonally adds a nice touch and makes sharing easier—your guests will love the gooey cheese pull!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover hot pockets in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, which makes them excellent for quick grab-and-go snacks or next-day meals.

Freezing

If I’m making a bigger batch, I freeze these individually on a tray until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. This way, they don’t stick together, and you can take as many as you want later on. They freeze beautifully and maintain their texture.

Reheating

I recommend reheating frozen or refrigerated hot pockets in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, so the crust stays crisp and the filling heats evenly. Microwaving works in a pinch but sometimes makes the dough soggy.

FAQs

  1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Store-bought dough is a convenient shortcut if you’re short on time. Just keep in mind the protein content may be lower than our Greek yogurt-based dough, but the filling will still pack a punch.

  2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

    Yes, this High-Protein Pizza Hot Pockets Recipe is perfect for meal prep since they store and freeze well. You can make a batch ahead and enjoy them throughout the week for easy, protein-packed meals.

  3. How can I make the dough less sticky?

    Dust your hands and the work surface with a little flour when kneading. Also, don’t overmix the dough—once it comes together smoothly, it’s ready to roll out.

  4. Can I make these hot pockets vegan?

    Making this exact recipe vegan is tricky due to the dairy-based dough and cheese, but you could experiment with plant-based yogurt and vegan cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might change significantly.

  5. What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking?

    Sealing the edges tightly by pinching and crimping with a fork helps a lot. Also, avoid overfilling your hot pockets—leaving a small border around the filling ensures the dough can seal properly.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this High-Protein Pizza Hot Pockets Recipe has become my go-to when I want something quick, filling, and fun to eat. There’s just something so satisfying about pulling apart that soft dough to reveal warm, melty cheese and savory toppings inside. Whether it’s for a busy weekday lunch or a cozy weekend snack, I know you’ll appreciate how easy and versatile these pockets are. Give it a try—I promise it’ll be a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

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High-Protein Pizza Hot Pockets Recipe

These High-Protein Pizza Hot Pockets are a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic favorite, combining a protein-rich dough made from Greek yogurt or cottage cheese with a flavorful pizza filling of pepperoni, mozzarella, green pepper, and olives. Perfect as a hearty snack or light meal, these hot pockets are easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection with a cheesy, savory center.

  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 hot pockets 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Dough

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups plain Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese

Filling

  • ½ cup pizza sauce
  • ½ cup mini pepperoni
  • 8 oz. mozzarella log, cut into chunks
  • 1 green pepper, minced
  • ⅓ cup sliced black olives

Other

  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Add 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt or blended cottage cheese and mix well until a sticky dough forms. Knead gently on a floured surface until smooth.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get it ready for baking the hot pockets.
  3. Roll out the dough: Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each piece out on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 6×4 inches, ensuring an even thickness for consistent cooking.
  4. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine ½ cup pizza sauce, ½ cup mini pepperoni, 8 oz. mozzarella chunks, 1 minced green pepper, and ⅓ cup sliced black olives. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  5. Fill the pockets: Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough rectangle, leaving a border around the edges for sealing.
  6. Seal the pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket, pressing the edges firmly to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure closure.
  7. Prepare the egg wash: Beat 1 large egg in a small bowl. Brush the egg wash over the top of each hot pocket to give a golden, shiny finish.
  8. Add toppings: Sprinkle 4 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning evenly over the top of each egg-washed hot pocket for extra flavor.
  9. Bake the hot pockets: Place the pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
  10. Cool and serve: Allow the hot pockets to cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving to prevent burns and let the filling set.

Notes

  • You can substitute mini pepperoni with chopped cooked sausage or turkey pepperoni for a leaner option.
  • Blending cottage cheese before adding to the dough helps create a smoother texture closer to Greek yogurt.
  • Ensure the pockets are well sealed to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • These hot pockets can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
  • Adding Italian seasoning to the topping enhances the herbaceous flavor, but you can omit or adjust according to taste.

Keywords: high-protein, pizza hot pockets, Greek yogurt dough, homemade snack, baked pockets, cheesy, pepperoni, quick recipe

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