Pizza Hot Pockets

Easy and delicious homemade Pizza Pockets. These also freeze very well! Makes 18 pizza pockets.

Crust:

1 Tablespoon yeast

1 1/2 cups warm water

4 cups unbleached white flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garlic

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon basil paste (or 2 teaspoons fresh basil)

Toppings:

1 small can tomato paste

4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or 9 cheese sticks

2 cups of your choice of toppings: ideas: Pepperoni, Olives, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms

1. Place 1 Tablespoon yeast into a mixing bowl

2. Add 1 1/2 cups warm water

3. Let sit for 5 minutes until yeast appears bubbly

4. Add 4 cups unbleached white flour

5. Add 1 teaspoon salt

6. Add 1 teaspoon garlic

7. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

8. Add1 teaspoon basil paste (or 2 teaspoons fresh basil)

Use the hook attachment to mix on low speed for one minute then increase speed to medium for an additional 6-7 minutes. The dough should feel soft and cushiony.

Divide into two balls. Roll out each ball into a 9x16 rectangle. Slice into thirds (for 9 rectangle sections). Repeat with second ball.

1. Prepare your toppings into bite sized pieces

2. Smear a small amount (about 1 tsp) of tomato paste into each of the 18 sections

3. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese (or you can use 1/2 a cheese stick)

4. Top with your choice of toppings (pepperoni, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.)

5. Fold dough lengthwise to wrap toppings into a long pocket

6. Pinch ends and place on a baking dish. Repeat until all 18 pockets are filled and rolled.

Bake in the center of preheated 400F oven for 18-20 minutes.