If you love the comforting taste of pizza but want something more fun and portable, these Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are the answer. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and loaded with your favorite toppings, these pizza pockets are perfect for quick dinners, snacks, or even party appetizers.
Unlike frozen store-bought versions, this homemade recipe allows you to control the ingredients and customize fillings to suit every taste. They’re also freezer-friendly, making them a great make-ahead option for busy days.
Ingredients
Makes 8 pizza pockets
- 1 pound (450g) pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (250ml) pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or diced cooked chicken, ham, or veggies)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for brushing after baking)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Divide pizza dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a circle about 5–6 inches wide.
Step 2: Add Fillings
- Spread 1–2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add pepperoni or desired toppings.
- Sprinkle lightly with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Step 3: Seal the Pockets
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape.
- Press the edges with a fork to seal tightly and prevent leaks.
Step 4: Bake
- Place pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
- Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with extra pizza sauce or ranch for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve alongside roasted veggies for a healthier twist.
- Freeze leftovers and reheat in the oven or air fryer for a quick snack.
- Experiment with different fillings like mushrooms, olives, or spinach for variety.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 pizza pocket) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 12 grams |
| Total Fat | 11 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 32 grams |
| Sugars | 4 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 520 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Mozzarella cheese provides protein and calcium while adding gooey texture.
- Pizza sauce delivers antioxidants from tomatoes.
- Customizable toppings allow for lean proteins and extra vegetables for balance.
Tips for Perfect Pizza Pockets
- For a crispier crust, brush pockets with olive oil before baking.
- Make them vegetarian by swapping pepperoni for roasted vegetables.
- To freeze, bake as directed, let cool, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheat frozen pizza pockets at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until heated through.
Variations to Try
- BBQ Chicken Pizza Pockets: Replace sauce with BBQ sauce and fill with shredded chicken, onions, and cheese.
- Veggie Lovers’ Pockets: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and olives.
- Cheesy Supreme: Combine mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar for a cheese-loaded version.
- Breakfast Pizza Pockets: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crumbled sausage.
These Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are the perfect balance of crispy crust and melty cheese, making them a hit with both kids and adults. Simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and freezer-friendly, they’re an ideal solution for quick meals or snacks anytime.
Once you try these, frozen pizza pockets will be a thing of the past!