There’s something irresistibly comforting about biting into a warm, cheesy pizza pocket fresh from the oven. These homemade pockets capture all the flavors of your favorite pizza but in a convenient, portable form that’s perfect for busy weeknights, lunch boxes, or casual weekend snacking.
Unlike store-bought versions, these Cheesy Pizza Pockets let you control the ingredients while delivering that perfect balance of crispy exterior and gooey, savory filling. They’re surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to become a new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This
- Customizable filling options let everyone create their perfect pizza pocket
- Make-ahead friendly – prepare a batch and freeze for quick meals later
- Kid-approved and perfect for picky eaters
- No special equipment needed – just basic kitchen tools
- Less expensive and more delicious than store-bought alternatives
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 can of pizza dough or crescent rolls, refrigerated
- 1/2 cup pepperoni or any toppings you like—mushrooms, sausage, or diced peppers
- A quarter teaspoon of Italian herbs
- A light sprinkle of powdered garlic
- Melted butter or olive oil, to brush on top
- Some grated Parmesan for finishing
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cover a baking sheet with parchment or baking paper.
- Spread the dough on a floured counter. If it’s crescent rolls, break it apart into triangles. For pizza dough, slice it into 8 small rectangles.
- Smear a thin layer of marinara sauce on each piece of dough. Add some shredded mozzarella and scatter a couple of pepperoni slices or other toppings over it.
- Sprinkle on some garlic and Italian seasoning. Fold each dough piece to make a pocket, then firmly press the edges together using a fork.
- Lightly coat the top of each pocket with butter or oil using a pastry brush. Toss a bit of Parmesan on each one. Bake them for 12–15 minutes until they’re golden and bubbling.
- Let the pockets cool off just a little. They’re great with extra marinara for dipping if you like!
Tips & Variations
- For a quicker version, use refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry sheets
- Try different fillings like ham and pineapple, spinach and feta, or buffalo chicken
- Add a sprinkle of cornmeal to the baking sheet for extra crispiness on the bottom
- Make mini versions using smaller dough circles for appetizers or kids’ lunches
- Brush the tops with garlic butter instead of egg wash for extra flavor
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat pizza dough and load up on vegetables
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cheesy Pizza Pockets with a side of extra warm pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. A simple green salad with Italian dressing makes the perfect accompaniment for a complete meal.
For a fun pizza night, create a pizza pocket bar with various fillings and let everyone assemble their own before baking. Pair with some garlic knots or breadsticks and a selection of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, place cooled pockets on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheat frozen pockets in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
- The pockets are done when the crust is golden brown and you can see the cheese bubbling through the steam vent.
FAQs
Can I make these pizza pockets ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to leave a border around the edge of the dough, don’t overfill, and firmly seal the edges with a fork. The small steam vent on top also helps prevent explosions.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that classic pizza pull, feel free to experiment with cheddar, provolone, or a pizza blend.
Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Simply omit the pepperoni and add extra vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version. Try adding olives, onions, or artichoke hearts for more flavor.
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