Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets: The Ultimate Family Favorite Recipe
Introduction
These homemade easy cheesy pizza pockets are a delicious and fun meal that the whole family will love. Crispy on the outside and filled with gooey cheese and savory toppings, they make a perfect snack or dinner option. Plus, they’re quick to prepare and customizable to 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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Roll out the dough and cut it into 4×4 inch squares or circles, based on your preference.
- Step 3: Spread a small spoonful of marinara sauce onto each piece of dough, leaving the edges clear for sealing.
- Step 4: Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and any desired toppings. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 5: Fold the dough over to form a pocket and press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal.
- Step 6: Brush the tops of the pockets with the beaten egg and sprinkle with dried oregano or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Step 7: Bake in the oven for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 8: Let the pizza pockets cool slightly before serving. Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- For a flakier crust, use crescent roll dough instead of regular pizza dough.
- Customize fillings with your favorite veggies or meats to suit your family’s taste.
- Try adding fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
- Make ahead and freeze unbaked pockets for a quick, ready-to-bake meal.
Storage
Store leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness. You can also freeze baked pockets for up to 1 month and reheat straight from frozen.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and lets you control the ingredients and texture. Just roll it out to the same size before assembling your pockets.
Can I make these pizza pockets ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pockets and store them in the fridge or freezer before baking. Bake straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
PrintHomemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets: The Ultimate Family Favorite Recipe
These Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a delicious and fun family favorite, perfect for a quick snack or meal. Made with a crispy golden crust stuffed with gooey mozzarella, Parmesan, and savory toppings like pepperoni and veggies, these pockets are baked to perfection and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 pizza pockets 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
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 the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a floured surface and cut it into 4×4 inch squares or circles according to your preference for shape.
- Add Sauce: Spread a small spoonful of marinara sauce onto the center of each dough piece, leaving the edges free so that you can seal the pockets properly.
- Add Fillings: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly on each dough piece. Add any desired toppings such as mini pepperoni, cooked sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives. Sprinkle with 1 tsp Italian seasoning and, if you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Seal the Pockets: Fold the dough over the fillings to create a pocket shape and press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges ensuring the pockets are securely sealed to prevent leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Garnish: Brush the tops of the pockets with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish. Sprinkle dried oregano or garlic powder over the top for added flavor.
- Bake: Place the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pizza pockets cool slightly before serving. Pair them with extra marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the experience.
Notes
- You can substitute crescent roll dough for a flakier, lighter texture.
- Feel free to customize fillings with any favorite pizza toppings.
- For a vegetarian option, omit meat and increase veggies.
- Use a pizza stone if available for a crispier bottom crust.
- Ensure edges are sealed tightly to prevent fillings from oozing out during baking.
- Leftover pockets can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Keywords: pizza pockets, cheesy pockets, homemade pizza pockets, easy pizza recipe, family snack, pizza dough recipe, baked pockets
