Alright, grab your napkins, because things are about to get deliciously messy with these Pizzette a Portafoglio—or, as I like to call them, mini pizza pockets of joy. Picture this: a crispy, golden crust, gooey melted cheese, and all your favorite pizza toppings folded into a neat little bundle that you can hold in one hand. These little gems are Italy’s answer to the perfect portable pizza, and they’ve got me absolutely hooked.
If you’ve ever been to Naples and had the pleasure of grabbing a pizza from a street vendor, you’ll recognize these as the ultimate street food treat. The name “Pizzette a Portafoglio” translates to “wallet-sized pizzas,” and trust me, they’re just as fun to eat as they are to say. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a casual dinner, they’re sure to become a favorite. Ready to fold up a little piece of pizza heaven? Let’s go!
Why You’ll Love Pizzette a Portafoglio
This Italian street food classic isn’t just fun to say—it’s also packed with flavor and super easy to make! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these mini pizza bundles:
Perfectly Portable:
These mini pizzas are compact and easy to eat on the go—just fold them up and enjoy! They’re perfect for parties, picnics, or just when you want to eat pizza without the mess.
Fully Customizable:
You’re in charge of the toppings! Whether you prefer a classic Margherita, a loaded pepperoni pizza, or something more adventurous with mushrooms and olives, these mini pies can be tailored to your tastes.
Crispy and Gooey:
The thin, crispy crust gives way to a melty, cheesy interior. That golden crunch combined with the gooey cheese and savory toppings? Absolute magic.
Fun to Make:
There’s something so satisfying about folding up each little pizza and watching them turn into perfect handheld pockets. The whole process is a breeze, and the end result is pure joy.
Family-Friendly:
Kids and adults alike will love these little pizza pockets. They’re fun to assemble and easy to customize, making them a hit for everyone at the table.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
These are the essentials for crafting your perfect Pizzette a Portafoglio:
Pizza Dough:
You can use store-bought pizza dough (no shame in that!) or make your own from scratch. Either way, you’ll want a soft, stretchy dough that can be rolled out thin for that crispy bite.
Tomato Sauce:
A simple marinara or pizza sauce is all you need here. The tangy, savory tomato sauce complements the cheese and toppings beautifully.
Cheese:
Shredded mozzarella is the go-to cheese for these mini pizzas. You can also mix in some Parmesan or provolone for extra flavor if you’re feeling fancy.
Toppings:
This is where you get to go wild! Some classic options include pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, olives, onions, or fresh basil. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect combination.
Olive Oil:
A little brush of olive oil before baking gives the crust that golden, crispy finish. It also adds a lovely flavor that ties everything together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Alright, let’s get folding and turning these little pockets of pizza goodness into a reality!
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). You’ll want it nice and hot so the dough crisps up perfectly.
Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about ¼-inch thickness. You don’t want it too thick—these little pizza pockets need to be easy to fold and crispy when baked.
Assemble the Pizzette:
Cut the dough into small squares (around 4 inches per side). Place a spoonful of tomato sauce in the center of each square, then sprinkle with mozzarella and add your toppings of choice. Be careful not to overfill them; you want to be able to fold the dough over without it bursting.
Fold and Seal:
Now, fold each dough square in half to form a pocket, sealing the edges by pinching them together. You can also gently press the edges with a fork for an extra seal and pretty texture.
Brush with Olive Oil:
Place your folded pizzette on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little olive oil to give them a nice golden finish when they bake.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake your pizzette in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crispy, and the cheese inside is all melty and delicious.
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pizzette from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm and enjoy the cheesy, crispy, handheld goodness!
How to Serve Pizzette a Portafoglio
These little pizza pockets are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:
Dipping Sauces:
Serve these pizzette with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy arrabbiata sauce for dipping. Extra sauce is always a win!
Salad:
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the pizzette. Consider arugula, spinach, or mixed greens for a light and fresh contrast.
Antipasti:
Serve these pizzette alongside other Italian antipasti like olives, cheese platters, or cured meats for an authentic Italian experience.
Wine Pairing:
Pair these with a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, or even a fun Italian red like Chianti for the ultimate pizza-inspired meal.
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the pizzette ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before baking. Just be sure to brush the tops with olive oil right before they go in the oven.
- Customizing Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try adding cooked bacon, fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking for an extra pop of flavor.
- Cooking for a Crowd: If you’re serving a big group, you can double the batch and bake the pizzette in batches or use two baking sheets. Just make sure they have enough space to bake evenly.
- Perfecting the Fold: If you’re worried about the pizzette bursting open during baking, you can always fold the edges over a bit more tightly or use a bit of water to seal the edges.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
A1: Yes! Store-bought dough works great for this recipe and saves you time. Just make sure to let it rise as directed on the package.
Q2: Can I make these pizzette vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! You can skip the meat toppings and load up on veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or even fresh spinach.
Q3: Can I freeze these?
A3: Yes! You can freeze the assembled pizzette before baking. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q4: Can I make these ahead of time?
A4: You can prepare them in advance by assembling the pizzette and storing them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before baking. Just brush with olive oil right before baking.
Q5: Can I use other types of cheese?
A5: Absolutely! Try using provolone, Parmesan, or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Q6: How do I make these spicier?
A6: Add a few red pepper flakes, spicy sausage, or jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick.
Q7: What do I do if my dough is too sticky to work with?
A7: If your dough is sticky, dust it with a little more flour and work it in gently. You can also let it rest for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
Q8: What can I serve these with?
A8: These pizzette are great on their own, but they pair perfectly with a fresh salad, dipping sauces, or a charcuterie platter.
Q9: Can I use gluten-free dough?
A9: Yes! You can use gluten-free pizza dough for this recipe. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the dough package for the best results.
Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep the crust crispy.
Conclusion
These Pizzette a Portafoglio are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and deliciously portable! Whether you’re making them for a party, a casual dinner, or just because you’re craving pizza, these mini pizza pockets are sure to become a new favorite. They’re easy to make, super customizable, and just plain fun to eat. So go ahead, fold up some pizza goodness, and enjoy these little pockets of joy today!
Print
Pizzette a Portafoglio
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 pizzette
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pizzette a Portafoglio are classic Italian street food—mini folded pizzas that are easy to eat on the go. These bite-sized delights have a crispy crust and are topped with fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. Perfect as appetizers or snacks, they bring authentic Italian flavors in a convenient handheld form.
Ingredients
- 1 package (about 1 lb) pizza dough, homemade or store-bought
- 1/2 cup Tomato sauce
- 1 cup Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Flour, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Using a round cutter (about 4 inches diameter), cut out small circles from the dough.
- Place the dough circles on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on each circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Place a slice of mozzarella and a fresh basil leaf on top of the sauce.
- Brush the edges of the dough with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt over the toppings.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until the dough is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Fold each pizzetta in half to form a half-moon shape (“a portafoglio”), pressing gently to seal slightly but keeping the fillings inside.
- Serve warm as a delicious handheld snack or appetizer.
Notes
- You can add other toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives for variety.
- For a crispier crust, bake on a preheated pizza stone if you have one.
- These pizzette are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a hot oven for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizzetta
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg