Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
