Chicago Pizza Puff Recipe
Make the best homemade Chicago Pizza Puff Recipe, loaded with Italian sausage, melted mozzarella, and rich pizza sauce in every crispy bite.
Equipment
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot.
- Strainer slotted or spidered.
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry brush
- Fork (for crimping edges)
- Paper towels (to drain the oil).
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup warm water add more to the extent required
For the Filling:
- 1/2 lb cooked and crumbled Italian sausage.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded.
- 1/2 cup of pizza sauce homemade or purchased
- 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni optional,
- ¼ cup finely chopped onions
- 1-4 teaspoons sliced green bell peppers.
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes crushed up, optional
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, sufficient to deep fry.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
- In a big bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Add olive oil and carefully add warm water, stirring until a soft dough is developed.
- Knead 3 to 4 minutes till smooth and elastic. Place a moist towel on top and allow to rest for 20 minutes.
Cook the Filling
- The Italian sausage should be cooked in a skillet on medium heat until it becomes brown and crumbled. Drain excess fat.
- Then add onions and peppers, saute for another minute, followed by adding pizza sauce, seasoning, and pepper flakes. Let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Puffs
- Spread the dough on a floured surface to approximately 1/8th of inch. Cut into 5x5-inch squares.
- Place the filling (approximately 2 tablespoons) into the middle of each square, and sprinkle it with mozzarella cheese.
- Turn the dough into a rectangle/ triangle and seal the sides using a fork.
Fry the Pizza Puffs
- Heat oil in your fryer or pot until 350°F ( 175 o C).
- Gently drop each puff in the oil and cook 23 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden.
- Take out using a slotted spoon and put under paper towels to dry.
Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with warm marinara or ranch and serve them hot.
- The initial bite must bring you this gratifying mini-crunch mixed with the sticky sticky center- cheesy pizza heaven in a handheld package.