Skip the delivery and enjoy these gooey, cheesy pizza pockets right at home! These pizza pockets are stuffed with melty mozzarella, savory toppings, and wrapped in golden, flaky dough. They’re a perfect choice for snacks, quick meals, or game night appetizers. Whether you’re craving a classic pepperoni version or want to experiment with other delicious fillings, these pizza pockets will satisfy every craving.
These homemade cheesy pizza pockets are incredibly easy to make and can be customized with your favorite pizza toppings. The best part? They’re baked until golden and crispy, creating the ultimate handheld snack with all the flavors of pizza. Plus, they make for a fun and interactive cooking experience for the whole family!
Let’s dive into the simple yet tasty recipe to make these irresistible pizza pockets.
Ingredients:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup diced pepperoni (or other favorite toppings like sausage, veggies, etc.)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough:
Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface. Use a knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 6-8 rectangles or circles depending on your preference for pocket shapes.
3. Fill the Pockets:
Spread a small spoonful of pizza sauce onto the center of each dough piece, leaving space around the edges. Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and top with diced pepperoni or your choice of toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or veggies.
4. Seal the Pockets:
Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Press the edges together, and use a fork to crimp the edges to ensure they are sealed tightly, preventing the cheese from spilling out during baking.
5. Add Egg Wash:
Brush the tops of the pockets with the beaten egg to give them a golden, glossy finish. Sprinkle Italian seasoning on top, and add a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and color, if desired.
6. Bake:
Place the pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve Hot:
Once baked, let the pizza pockets cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these cheesy, flavorful pizza pockets while they’re hot and gooey!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, brush the tops of the pockets with garlic butter before baking or after they come out of the oven.
- Marinara sauce is the perfect dipping sauce to pair with these pizza pockets for an authentic pizza experience.
- These pizza pockets can be made ahead of time and frozen for a quick meal or snack option. Just bake from frozen for an extra 5-7 minutes.
These Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a quick, customizable, and fun way to enjoy pizza in a handheld form. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a snack, they are sure to become a family favorite.