BBQ turkey pizza pockets are the ultimate portable comfort food that combines the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce with tender turkey and melted cheese, all wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. These handheld delights transform the classic flavors of barbecue pizza into convenient, mess-free portions that are perfect for busy families, lunch boxes, or casual entertaining. Unlike traditional pizza that requires plates and napkins, these self-contained pockets deliver all the satisfying flavors you crave in a grab-and-go format that’s ideal for picnics, game day gatherings, or weeknight dinners. Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers, looking for a creative way to use leftover turkey, or want to serve something special that everyone can enjoy with their hands, these BBQ turkey pizza pockets offer the perfect combination of convenience and incredible taste.
Serves: 6-8 people
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 18 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 58 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 packages (17.3 oz each) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 3 cups cooked turkey, diced or shredded
- ¾ cup barbecue sauce, divided
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup bell pepper (red or green), finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Preparing the Turkey Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced red onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent. Add the cooked turkey to the skillet along with ½ cup of barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together and cook for 3-4 minutes until the turkey is heated through and well coated with the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro. Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes before assembling the pockets.
Setting Up for Assembly
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each sheet into 6 equal rectangles, giving you 12 pieces total. The pastry should be cold but pliable for the best results.
Creating the Cheese Blend
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, mixing them together evenly. This combination provides both the stretchy meltiness of mozzarella and the sharp flavor of cheddar that complements the barbecue turkey perfectly.
Assembling the Pizza Pockets
Working with one pastry rectangle at a time, place about ⅓ cup of the turkey mixture on one half of the rectangle, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle about ¼ cup of the cheese mixture over the turkey filling. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pockets to burst during baking.
Sealing the Pockets
Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg, which acts as glue to help seal the pockets. Fold the empty half of the pastry over the filling, creating a rectangular pocket. Use a fork to crimp the edges firmly, ensuring a good seal to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking. Press gently but firmly to create an attractive border pattern.
Final Preparation
Place the sealed pockets on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each pocket for even browning. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a beautiful golden color, then use a sharp knife to cut 2-3 small diagonal slashes on top of each pocket to allow steam to escape during baking. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using for extra texture and visual appeal.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Bake the pizza pockets for 16-18 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through for even browning. The pockets should be puffed, golden brown, and crispy on the outside. The pastry should sound hollow when tapped gently, indicating it’s fully cooked through.
Cooling and Serving
Allow the pizza pockets to cool on the baking sheets for 5-10 minutes before serving, as the filling will be extremely hot immediately after baking. Serve warm with the remaining barbecue sauce on the side for dipping. The pockets can be enjoyed immediately or packed for later consumption.
Nutritional Information
Each BBQ turkey pizza pocket contains approximately 420-450 calories, making them a substantial meal or hearty snack option. The pockets provide about 24-28 grams of protein from the turkey and cheese, 35-40 grams of carbohydrates from the puff pastry, and 22-26 grams of fat. The high protein content makes them satisfying and helps maintain energy levels throughout the day.
Health Benefits
These pizza pockets offer several nutritional advantages beyond their delicious taste. Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, providing all essential amino acids needed for muscle maintenance and repair, plus important B-vitamins for energy metabolism and brain function. The cheese contributes calcium for bone health and additional protein for satiety. Bell peppers add vitamin C for immune support and antioxidants that promote overall wellness. Red onions provide quercetin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. The moderate portion size helps with portion control while still providing a satisfying meal that combines protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in one convenient package.
Tips for the Best Results
Use cooked turkey that’s been diced into small, uniform pieces for the best distribution and easier eating. Leftover roasted turkey, rotisserie turkey, or even deli turkey works perfectly for this recipe. Make sure the puff pastry is properly thawed but still cold for the easiest handling and best puffing during baking. The pizza pockets can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake. For freezing, assemble the pockets but don’t brush with egg wash, then freeze on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags. Frozen pockets can be baked directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the baking time. For extra flavor, try different barbecue sauce varieties like honey BBQ, smoky, or spicy versions to customize the taste to your preferences.
