Easy Cheesy Homemade Pizza Pockets

Easy Cheesy Homemade Pizza Pockets are a family-friendly favorite that combines all the flavors of a classic pizza in a convenient handheld form.

These pizza pockets are perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal prep. Customize them with your favorite fillings and enjoy a melty, cheesy, golden-brown treat that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Pastry brush
• Small bowl
• Fork

Ingredients Overview

• Pizza dough: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personal touch.
• Pizza sauce: A tangy and flavorful base for the filling.
• Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice for its meltiness, but feel free to add other cheeses like Parmesan or cheddar.
• Fillings: Pepperoni, cooked sausage, or veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms for customization.
• Egg wash: Helps create a beautiful golden crust.

Ingredients

• 1 lb pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup additional fillings (pepperoni, cooked sausage, veggies, etc.)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Prepare the dough:
   Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 6–8 equal rectangles or circles.
3. Add the filling:
   Place a spoonful of pizza sauce in the center of each piece of dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Add shredded mozzarella and your desired fillings.
4. Seal the pockets:
   Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket (rectangle, triangle, or half-moon shape). Press the edges together with your fingers, then crimp them with a fork to seal.
5. Apply the egg wash:
   Brush the tops of the pizza pockets with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan, if desired.
6. Bake:
   Place the pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
7. Cool and serve:
   Let the pizza pockets cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with extra pizza sauce for dipping!

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Nutrition (per pocket, serves 6–8)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Expert Tips

• Avoid overfilling: Too much filling can cause the pizza pockets to burst while baking.
• Customize the dough: Crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or biscuit dough can be used as a substitute for pizza dough.
• Freezer-friendly: Assemble and freeze unbaked pizza pockets. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 5–7 minutes to the cook time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sauce?
Yes! Marinara, Alfredo, or even pesto work well as a substitute for pizza sauce.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pizza dough for a gluten-free option.

What other cheeses work well?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses can be used for variety.

Storing & Reheating

Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispness.

Substitutions & Variations

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or olives.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy pepperoni.
• Mini pockets: Make smaller pizza pockets for bite-sized appetizers.

Easy Cheesy Homemade Pizza Pockets

Easy Cheesy Homemade Pizza Pockets are a family-friendly favorite that combines all the flavors of a classic pizza in a convenient handheld form.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Rolling pin
• - Baking sheet
• - Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• - Pastry brush
• - Small bowl
• - Fork

Ingredients

  

• - 1 lb pizza dough store-bought or homemade
• - 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• - 1/2 cup additional fillings pepperoni, cooked sausage, veggies, etc.
• - 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
• - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning optional, for garnish
• - 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• **Preheat oven**:
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• **Prepare the dough**:
• Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into 6–8 equal rectangles or circles.
• **Add the filling**:
• Place a spoonful of pizza sauce in the center of each piece of dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Add shredded mozzarella and your desired fillings.
• **Seal the pockets**:
• Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket (rectangle, triangle, or half-moon shape). Press the edges together with your fingers, then crimp them with a fork to seal.
• **Apply the egg wash**:
• Brush the tops of the pizza pockets with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and Parmesan, if desired.
• **Bake**:
• Place the pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
• **Cool and serve**:
• Let the pizza pockets cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with extra pizza sauce for dipping!