Cheesy Arrabiata Pizza Poppers Recipe
Pizza poppers are often labelled as a snack for "little kids." But why should cute, delicious, mess-free snacks be limited to them? If you like to treat yourself to a pizza or calzone every once in a while, this Pizza Poppers recipe will be perfect for you. The next time you’re setting up for a Netflix binge session, why not whip up a batch of these tiny treats filled with some delicious Chilzo’s Arrabiata Sauce? Cause I believe that if your shows aren't ever boring, your food shouldn't be either.
For more Italian-inspired recipes, check out this Marinara Paneer Bhurji recipe!
An Italian- American Snack
The idea of taking the cheesy and saucy contents of a pizza and putting it into a wrap is pure genius and it was cooked up by an American entrepreneur named Jeno Paulucci. A son of Italian immigrants, Paulucci dabbled in the Chinese food market in 1950s America. However, he quickly caught wind of Americans' growing obsession with Italian cuisine, especially pizza. Through his brand Chun King, Paulucci had already become famous for frozen and canned, yet still flavour-packed, Chinese dishes. One of his popular items was egg rolls, made with egg roll wrappers. Paulucci had a lightbulb moment as he realised that these wrappers could be filled with just about anything! And thus, pizza poppers were born. Despite their Italian roots, pizza poppers are a slice of American history, served with a side of Italian flair and a whole lot of fun! The recipe has changed over time, with many brands now offering their versions of pizza poppers, and some stalwarts (like you and I!) even opting to make them entirely from scratch.
The Not-So-Humble Hero of Italian Cuisine
In the heart of Italy's Lazio region lies a gem that has sparked passion for generations: Arrabiata Sauce. Known for its spicy kick, it is a staple in Roman cuisine, but its exact origins are as elusive as its taste. Some say it was in the busy streets of Rome in the 1920s that chef Antonio Cecchini first perfected the recipe at his famed restaurant, "Le Arrabbiate." Others believe it was born in the kitchens of working-class families, who, with a stroke of ingenuity, sought to add excitement to their meals using humble ingredients like tomatoes and chilli peppers. Regardless of its origins, one thing's for certain: Arrabiata sauce brings the heat like no other. Infused with basil, garlic, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, its fiery spirit is embodied by the liberal use of red pepper flakes. These flakes start fast and finish strong, leaving even the most adventurous diners 'red in the face' and unable to resist another bite. The name "Arrabiata" itself translates to "angry" in Italian. But despite its fierce reputation, arrabiata has swiftly won over hearts, cementing its status as a beloved classic in Italian households and eateries worldwide.
Bring Home the Flavours of Rome!
Are you looking for the perfect Italian kitchen partner? Look no further than Chilzo’s Arrabiata Sauce! It's made with sun-ripened tomatoes slow-cooked for over 8 hours in extra-virgin olive oil, infused with a medley of Italian herbs and spices. On top of that unbeatable taste, Chilzo’s Arrabiata contains no added sugar, artificial colours or flavouring. Just natural & healthy goodness that feeds the soul. Whether you're recreating a cosy trattoria vibe at home or unleashing your skills in the kitchen, let Chilzo’s Arrabiata sauce whisk you away to the lively streets of Rome.
After all, every twirl of spaghetti and wrapping of a pizza popper is an adventure if you want it to be. So, get ready to indulge – buon appetito!Prep Time: 20 minutes
Onto the Recipe!
Ingredients you will need to make these pizza poppers:- Pizza dough
- Chilzo’s Arrabiata Sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Pepperoni slices (or any topping/filling of your choice)
- Italian herbs (optional)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Start by rolling out your pizza dough on a floured surface. Let's aim for about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Using a knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into cute little squares or rectangles, roughly 2 inches by 2 inches.
- Now, it's sauce time! Spoon a dollop of Chilzo’s zesty Arrabiata sauce right into the centre of each dough square.
- Time to fill 'em up with your favourite fillings on top of the sauce.
- Sprinkle on some mozzarella, whether in cube form or shredded, for that gooey goodness.
- Sprinkle a pinch of Italian herbs over the cheese, because we simply must!
- Fold, pinch, and seal! Bring the corners of the dough together over the filling, making little pouches. Seal those edges tightly to keep all the goodness inside.
Once they're done, serve these little pockets of joy warm as appetisers or snacks. Want an extra kick? How about some arrabiata sauce or Chilzo’s Hot sauce on the side for dipping? That’s a perfect binge snack if there ever was one!
