Meatball Hot Pockets

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There was a time in my life where I pretty much lived on meatball hot pockets (#collegelife). These are just like the ones you remember, but you can involve your kids in making them in a different way, other than just tossing them in the microwave. I love adding some fresh Parmesan cheese and basil to this recipe, to really take it up a notch. If you love pizza, give this fun, kid-friendly recipe a try.

Why you’ll love these kid friendly pizza pockets

This recipe is so fun and easy, you can involve the kids when making it! Kids love to be involved, and I find that if I involve them in making their dinner, they are more likely to eat it!
These pizza pockets are reminiscent of the hot pockets from my youth, and I can’t get enough.
You can elevate this recipe by sprinkling with fresh Parmesan and basil!

Here’s what you’ll need to make it

Sheet Pan
Knife
Parchment Paper

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Ingredients & substitutions

Crescent dough sheet divided into 8 pieces. I used Pillsbury. This is a great little product to have around for a quick pizza and so many other things!
Mozzarella cheese shredded. I buy it pre shredded for ease, but overall, I love shredding my own cheese.
Marinara sauce I used Rao’s.
Italian meatballs chopped.
Parmesan cheese for garnish.
Basil for garnish.
Egg for brushing the top of the dough.

How to make this easy pizza recipe for kids

Step 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Step 2. Cut dough sheet into 8 rectangles.

Step 3. Lay 4 rectangles on a parchment lined sheet pan. Layer with sauce, cheese and sausage. Place the another rectangle of dough on top of each. Pinch edges down with fork.

Step 4. Brush each pocket with egg.

Step 5. Bake for 12 minutes, or until pocket is crispy.

Step 6. Top with basil and fresh grated Parmesan cheese.

FAQs about Italian foods for kids

What do kids eat in Italy?

Compared to what happens overseas, Italian school lunches have to include a starchy dish (alternating rice, pasta and soup), a main course (based on meat, fish, eggs or cheese), two or more vegetable side dishes and plenty of fresh fruit.

What is special about Italian food?

There are many reasons why Italian cuisine is so popular worldwide. These reasons include its quality of ingredients, simplicity of dishes, potential health benefits, and variety of tastes. Why is Italian cuisine so unique? Italian dishes are typically rich in olive oils rather than loaded with unhealthy fats.

More kid foods:

These homemade meatball hot pockets are just like the kind I remember in college!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer, dinner, lunch, Snack, snacks, supper

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Pockets

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

1 Sheet Pan
1 Knife

Ingredients

1 crescent dough sheet divided into 8 pieces
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
1/2 cup marinara sauce I used Rao’s
5 Italian meatballs chopped
Parmesan cheese for garnish
basil for garnish
1 egg to brush the dough before baking

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cut dough sheet into 8 rectangles.
Lay 4 rectangles on a parchment lined sheet pan. Layer with sauce, cheese and sausage. Place the another rectangle of dough on top of each. Pinch edges down with fork.
Brush each pocket with egg.
Bake for 12 minutes, or until pocket is crispy.
Top with basil and fresh grated Parmesan cheese.

Keyword hot pockets, kid friendly foods, kid friendly meals, meatball hot pockets