Folded Pizza Sandwich Recipe – American, Italian Special
The Folded Pizza Sandwich combines all the classic flavors of pizza—gooey cheese, tangy marinara, and your favorite toppings—wrapped in a golden, crunchy dough pocket. This cheesy pizza pocket is ideal for lunch or snack time when you want something satisfying but simple. Whether you bake it or use a skillet, the folded dough gives you a crisp exterior and a melty, flavorful inside. Customize with pepperoni, mushrooms, or fresh veggies for extra flair. Enjoy it on its own or paired with a side salad for a quick, delicious meal.
- Prep Time20 min
- Cook Time10 min
- Perform Time1 hr
- Total Time1 hr 30 min
For the Dough Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni (or other preferred toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.)
- Optional: 1 tsp dried oregano or basil
Prepare the Dough:
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead and Roll: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Roll it out into a rectangle about ¼ inch thick.
Assemble the Sandwich:
Add Sauce and Toppings: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over half of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, and any additional toppings.
Fold and Seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Press the edges to seal, and crimp with a fork to ensure it’s well-closed.
Cook the Sandwich:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Alternatively, you can use a skillet or panini press.
Bake or Cook: Place the folded sandwich on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If using a skillet or panini press, cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, until crispy and golden.
Serve:
Cool Slightly: Let the sandwich cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Optional: Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Recipe Notes:
Dough Shortcuts: You can swap the homemade dough for store-bought pizza dough or even pre-made flatbread to save prep time.
Topping Variations: Go beyond pepperoni—try sausage, olives, bell peppers, mushrooms, or arugula for different texture and flavor.
Cooking Methods: Baking gives an evenly crisp crust, while a skillet or panini press cooks it faster and gives lovely grill marks.
Serving Suggestions: Let the sandwich rest a few minutes before slicing so the cheese sets slightly; serve alongside marinara dip for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate; bake or grill them when ready so you can enjoy fresh, melty results without the hassle.
