Description
These Pizza Toast Pockets are a delightful and quick finger food perfect for kids and busy days. Made with a homemade veggie-packed pizza sauce and gooey buffalo mozzarella, they’re crisped to golden perfection in an air fryer for a delicious, mess-free snack or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Sauce
- Drizzle of olive oil
- 1 courgette, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup frozen peas
- Large handful spinach leaves
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes (about 400g)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves, to taste
For the Toast Pockets
- Sliced bread, crusts removed (about 8 slices)
- 2 eggs, whisked
- Buffalo mozzarella, sliced or torn into small pieces (quantity varies by preference)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pizza Sauce: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped courgette, minced garlic, and frozen peas. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the spinach leaves, tomato puree, chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, and fresh basil leaves. Cook gently for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Blend the Sauce: Remove from heat and blend the sautéed mixture until smooth using a blender or food processor. Transfer the sauce to a jar and store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze in small portions for future use.
- Prepare the Bread: Remove the crusts from the bread slices. You can blend the crusts into crumbs and freeze for later use if desired. Press down slightly the center of each bread slice with your hand to create a space for filling.
- Assemble the Toast Pockets: Spread 1-2 teaspoons of the prepared pizza sauce onto the center of each bread slice. Brush the edges lightly with whisked egg to help seal the pockets. Add a small amount of buffalo mozzarella, using less for younger children and more for older kids.
- Seal and Cook: Fold each slice in half to enclose the filling, then press down the edges firmly with a fork to seal. Dip each pocket into the whisked egg for an egg wash coating.
- Air Fry: Place the pockets in a preheated air fryer at 180°C (356°F) and cook for 6-8 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Notes
- The sauce can be made in advance and frozen in small portions to save time.
- Adjust mozzarella quantity according to the child’s age and preference.
- Pressing down on the bread center helps hold the sauce without soaking through.
- Air frying ensures a crisp texture without extra oil, making it healthier.
- Crusts can be saved, blended, and frozen for breadcrumbs to reduce waste.
