Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

Introduction

These homemade easy cheesy pizza pockets are a perfect handheld treat for pizza lovers of all ages. With a crispy golden crust and gooey cheese inside, they make a delightful snack or quick meal. You can customize them with your favorite toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent roll dough for flakier texture)
• 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mini pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Dried oregano or garlic powder (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Roll out the dough and cut it into 4×4 inch squares or circles, based on your preference.
3. Step 3: Spread a small spoonful of marinara sauce on each dough piece, leaving the edges clear for sealing.
4. Step 4: Add shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and any desired toppings such as pepperoni or vegetables. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Step 5: Fold the dough over to form a pocket, then seal the edges by pressing them with a fork to prevent filling from leaking out.
6. Step 6: Brush the tops of each pocket with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish. Sprinkle with dried oregano or garlic powder for extra flavor.
7. Step 7: Bake the pizza pockets for 12–15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
8. Step 8: Let the pockets cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For a flakier crust, use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough.
• Try adding cooked spinach or caramelized onions for additional flavor.
• Brush with garlic butter instead of egg wash for a richer taste.
• Use gluten-free dough to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
• Freeze assembled pockets before baking for a convenient make-ahead snack.

Storage

Store leftover 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 8–10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the dough soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough for these pockets?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works great and allows you to control the ingredients and texture to your liking.

Can I make these pizza pockets ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the pockets, freeze them raw, and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

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5 from 107 reviews

These Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a fun and delicious snack or meal option featuring gooey mozzarella, tangy marinara, and your favorite pizza toppings all wrapped in flaky or soft dough. Perfectly golden and crispy, they’re ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or anytime craving pizza in a portable form.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 pizza pockets 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Options:

• 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent roll dough for flakier texture)
• Optional: Homemade pizza dough

Filling:

• 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mini pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives (optional)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Dried oregano or garlic powder (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare Dough: Roll out the dough on a clean surface and cut it into 4×4 inch squares or circles based on your preference for shape.
3. Add Sauce: Spread a small spoonful of marinara or pizza sauce onto the center of each dough piece, making sure to leave the edges clear for sealing.
4. Layer Cheese and Toppings: Add mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and any optional toppings such as mini pepperoni, cooked sausage, or chopped vegetables. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
5. Seal Pockets: Fold the dough over to create a pocket, then seal the edges by pressing them down firmly with a fork to prevent filling from leaking out during baking.
6. Apply Egg Wash and Garnish: Brush the tops of the pockets with the beaten egg to achieve a golden, shiny crust. Sprinkle with dried oregano or garlic powder for extra flavor and color.
7. Bake: Place the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza pockets to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

• You can substitute the pizza dough with crescent roll dough for a flakier texture.
• Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings or omit meat for a vegetarian version.
• Make sure to leave edges of the dough clear to ensure proper sealing and prevent filling leaks.
• These pockets reheat well in the oven or air fryer for crispy results.
• Optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick but can be omitted for a milder flavor.

Keywords: pizza pockets, cheesy pizza pockets, easy snack, homemade pizza, finger food, pizza dough recipe, baked pizza pockets