High Protein Pizza Hot Pockets
High Protein Pizza Hot Pockets are a quick and nutritious meal option that combines the classic flavors of pizza with a protein-packed filling, perfect for busy days or meal prep. Made with whole wheat dough, lean ground turkey or chicken, and low-fat cheese, these hot pockets are flavorful, satisfying, and customizable to various dietary preferences.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 hot pockets
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
- Diet: High Protein
Dough
- Whole wheat dough (enough to roll out into 6×8 inch rectangles)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
Filling
- Lean ground turkey or chicken (about 1 pound)
- Tomato sauce (1/2 cup)
- Italian seasoning blend (1 teaspoon, mix of basil, oregano, garlic powder)
- Low-fat mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded)
- Fresh spinach or kale (optional, 1/2 cup chopped)
- Prepare the filling: Cook the lean ground turkey or chicken in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Add tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and any optional veggies like spinach or kale, stirring until the mixture is thick and aromatic. Let it cool slightly.
- Roll out the dough: On a floured surface, roll out the whole wheat dough into rectangles about 6×8 inches. This size allows enough space for a hearty filling without becoming too bulky.
- Assemble the pockets: Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto one half of each dough rectangle, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Fold the dough over and press the edges firmly, sealing with a fork to prevent leakage.
- Bake to perfection: Place the pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with olive oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and enjoy: Allow the hot pockets to cool for a few minutes before serving, which helps the filling settle and prevents burns. Dig in and savor every protein-packed bite!
Notes
- Don’t overfill: Too much filling can cause the pockets to burst in the oven, so use a modest amount for best results.
- Use chilled dough: Cold dough is easier to work with and less sticky, making folding and sealing much simpler.
- Seal edges well: Press the edges firmly with a fork or pinch them tightly to prevent any filling leaks.
- Brush with egg wash or oil: For a shiny golden crust, brush the tops before baking.
- Experiment with spices: Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or crushed chili flakes to the filling to customize the flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hot pocket
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: high protein, pizza, hot pockets, quick meal, meal prep, healthy snack, whole wheat, lean meat