Homemade Cheesy Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Cheesy Pizza is a quick and delicious treat perfect for any time you crave a comforting snack or meal. Using simple ingredients and ready-to-use dough, you can whip up these cheesy pockets in no time. They’re great for sharing and customizable to your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
• ½ cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup pepperoni slices
• Optional add-ins: mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Olive oil or melted butter for brushing
• Grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Roll out the dough on a clean surface, then cut it into rectangles of your desired size.
3. Step 3: Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce evenly onto each rectangle.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, then add pepperoni slices or your choice of optional toppings.
5. Step 5: Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket and carefully seal the edges by pressing them together.
6. Step 6: Brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
7. Step 7: Place the pockets on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking while baking.
• Try adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
• Substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage or vegetables for a different twist.
• For a crispier crust, brush dough with olive oil before adding the sauce and toppings.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes for a crispy crust, or microwave for 30-60 seconds if in a hurry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes, you can prepare the pockets and freeze them before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What type of dough works best for this recipe?

Refrigerated crescent roll dough is convenient and quick, but pizza dough (homemade or store-bought) provides a chewier texture and more traditional pizza flavor. Both work well, so choose based on your preference and time available.

Homemade Cheesy Pizza Recipe

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4.5 from 109 reviews

This Homemade Cheesy Pizza recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite made from scratch using refrigerated crescent roll or pizza dough. Loaded with gooey mozzarella cheese, flavorful pizza sauce, and savory pepperoni or chosen toppings, these individual folded pizzas are baked to golden perfection and perfect for dipping in extra sauce. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe offers flexibility with optional add-ins like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage to customize each pizza to your taste.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 individual pizzas 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Pizza Base

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough

Fillings

• ½ cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup pepperoni slices
• Optional add-ins: mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage (as desired)

Seasonings & Finishing

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Olive oil or melted butter for brushing
• Grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Dough: On a clean surface, roll out the refrigerated crescent roll or pizza dough. Cut the dough into rectangles, which will form individual pizza pockets.
3. Add Sauce: Spread about ½ cup of pizza sauce evenly over each dough rectangle, leaving some space around the edges for sealing.
4. Layer Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, then add pepperoni slices or your chosen optional toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage.
5. Seal the Pizzas: Fold each dough rectangle over the fillings to create a sealed pocket. Pinch or crimp the edges firmly to prevent filling leakage during baking.
6. Brush and Season: Lightly brush the tops of the folded dough with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning over the top for added flavor.
7. Bake: Place the prepared pizza pockets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• For a crispier crust, brush the dough edges with olive oil before folding to help seal better.
• Customize toppings to your preference—vegetables like spinach or olives work well.
• Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to avoid filling leaking during baking.
• Using pizza dough instead of crescent roll dough provides a chewier texture.
• Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Keywords: homemade cheesy pizza, easy pizza recipe, crescent roll pizza, mini pizza pockets, quick pizza, pepperoni pizza, pizza dough recipe