Cheesy Pizza Pockets

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

These Cheesy Pizza Pockets offer the perfect combination of crispy dough and savory pizza flavors. They are simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and bake up quickly. Whether you’re craving something savory for lunch or need a quick snack, these pizza pockets are sure to hit the spot. Plus, they’re fully customizable, so you can add any toppings you love, from pepperoni to mushrooms or even veggies. They’re a great alternative to regular pizza and perfect for kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

• 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough if preferred)

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup pizza sauce

• ½ cup mini pepperoni slices (or any preferred toppings)

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste
  (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface, stretching it into a rectangular shape. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into equal-sized squares.

3. Place a spoonful of pizza sauce on each square, leaving about ½ inch around the edges.

4. Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni slices or your preferred toppings.

5. Fold the dough square into a pocket, sealing the edges by pinching them together tightly. You can crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they stay sealed.

6. Place the pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. Brush the tops of the pockets with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

9. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8-10 pizza pockets, depending on the size of the dough squares.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap out the pepperoni for vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for a veggie-packed pizza pocket.

• Meat Lover’s: Add extra meat toppings such as sausage, bacon, or ham to make a heartier version.

• Spicy: Include jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

• Cheese: Mix different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan for extra flavor.

• Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat pizza dough for a healthier, fiber-rich option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or microwave them for about 20-30 seconds until heated through. For extra crispiness, reheating in the oven is the best option.

FAQs

How do I make the pizza pockets crispy?

For a crispier crust, brush the outside of the pockets with olive oil before baking and bake them until golden brown.

Can I freeze pizza pockets?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled but uncooked pizza pockets. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen for about 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Can I use store-bought pizza sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza sauce works just as well as homemade, making the recipe even quicker and easier.

How do I seal the pizza pockets properly?

Make sure to pinch the edges tightly and crimp with a fork to prevent any of the cheese or sauce from leaking out during baking.

What other toppings can I use?

You can use any toppings you like, such as olives, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, or even a variety of cheeses. The possibilities are endless!

Can I use homemade pizza dough?

Yes, you can! Simply roll out your homemade dough as directed in the recipe and follow the same steps for assembly and baking.

Can I add sauce inside the pockets?

You can, but be careful not to add too much sauce, or it could make the dough soggy. A thin layer of sauce works best.

How do I know when the pizza pockets are done?

The pizza pockets are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can also check by gently pressing on them, and if they feel firm and cooked through, they’re ready.

Are these pizza pockets kid-friendly?

Yes! They are perfect for kids, as they are easy to hold and customizable with favorite toppings.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using it for your pizza pockets.

Conclusion

Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a fun, customizable, and tasty snack or meal that’s perfect for pizza lovers of all ages. Whether you’re enjoying them on a busy weeknight or serving them as a party appetizer, these pockets are always a crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy the flavors of pizza in a convenient and delicious form anytime!

Cheesy Pizza Pockets

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Cheesy Pizza Pockets are the perfect snack for pizza lovers, featuring golden, flaky pockets filled with gooey melted cheese, savory pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings. They’re easy to make and ideal for both lunch or a quick snack.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 pizza pockets
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Prepare the Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface. Cut the dough into small squares or circles, depending on your desired shape for the pockets.
• Fill the Pockets: Place a small spoonful of pizza sauce in the center of each dough piece. Add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and any optional toppings (like pepperoni). Sprinkle with a pinch of oregano and garlic powder for extra flavor.
• Seal the Pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket, pinching the edges together to seal tightly. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
• Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the tops of the pizza pockets with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if using.
• Bake: Place the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese inside is bubbling.
• Serve: Let the pizza pockets cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with extra pizza sauce for dipping!

Notes

• You can customize the filling with various pizza toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or olives.
• If you want a crispy finish, try brushing the dough with garlic butter instead of olive oil.
• These can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to two days or frozen for longer storage.