Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

There’s something so comforting about homemade pizza, but sometimes, you just don’t have the time (or patience) to make a whole pie from scratch. That’s where these Cheesy Pizza Pockets come in! They’re everything you love about pizza—melty cheese, flavorful sauce, and crispy golden crust—wrapped up in a fun, handheld treat. Whether you need a quick snack, a kid-friendly meal, or an easy party appetizer, these pizza pockets are the perfect solution.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how simple and customizable it is. You can stick to the classic pepperoni and cheese combo or get creative with your favorite toppings. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you get all the crispiness without the extra oil. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible homemade pizza pockets!

What You’ll Need

Before we start assembling these delicious pizza pockets, here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 pound pizza dough – Store-bought or homemade, whichever you prefer.
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce – Adds that signature pizza flavor.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Because the cheesier, the better!
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni – For that classic pizza pocket filling.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps create a golden, crispy crust.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a little extra flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings out those traditional pizza flavors.

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the fun part—making these cheesy pizza pockets from scratch!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Take your pizza dough and divide it into six equal portions. If you’re using store-bought dough, make sure to let it come to room temperature before rolling—it’ll be much easier to work with.

Once divided, roll each piece into a small round circle, about 5-6 inches in diameter. You don’t need to be perfect here—just aim for a size that will comfortably hold the filling while still being easy to fold.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza Pockets

Now comes the best part—stuffing these pockets with all that cheesy goodness!

1. Spread the Sauce – Take about one tablespoon of marinara sauce and spread it on one half of each dough circle. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges to prevent the sauce from leaking out.
2. Add the Cheese – Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce. The more cheese, the gooier the filling!
3. Layer the Pepperoni – Add a few slices of pepperoni on top of the cheese. If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, this is where you can swap in your favorite toppings.
4. Fold and Seal – Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together and use a fork to crimp the edges, sealing in all that delicious filling.

And just like that, your pizza pockets are starting to take shape! But we’re not done yet—next, we’ll add a little extra flavor and bake them to crispy perfection.

Step 4: Season and Bake

Now that your pizza pockets are assembled and sealed, it’s time to add some extra flavor and get them perfectly golden and crispy.

1. Brush with Olive Oil – Lightly brush the tops of each pizza pocket with olive oil. This helps them turn a beautiful golden brown while baking.
2. Sprinkle with Seasoning – For that extra burst of flavor, sprinkle the tops with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This small step makes a big difference and gives these pockets that irresistible pizzeria-style taste.
3. Arrange on the Baking Sheet – Place your pizza pockets on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one to ensure even baking.

Now, pop them into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and slightly crisp. If you like an extra crispy crust, you can bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes.

While they’re baking, your kitchen will be filled with the delicious aroma of melted cheese, seasoned dough, and savory pepperoni. It’s enough to make anyone hungry!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your cheesy pizza pockets are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The cheese inside will be incredibly hot, so giving them a little time to cool will help prevent any burned mouths!

These pizza pockets are best served warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping. The combination of the crispy crust, gooey cheese, and rich tomato sauce is absolutely irresistible.

Tips for the Best Pizza Pockets

Want to take your homemade pizza pockets to the next level? Here are some easy tips and variations to make them even better:

• Try Different Fillings – Don’t stop at pepperoni! Add cooked sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, or even spinach for a different twist.
• Make Them Extra Crispy – Instead of brushing with olive oil, try an egg wash (one beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) for an even shinier and crispier crust.
• Use Store-Bought Dough for Convenience – If you’re short on time, pre-made pizza dough works great and saves you a step.
• Make-Ahead Option – Assemble the pizza pockets in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and bake them when you’re ready. They can be kept in the fridge for up to two days before baking.
• Freeze for Later – You can also freeze unbaked pizza pockets. Simply place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Making homemade cheesy pizza pockets is simple, but you might have some questions along the way. Here are the most common ones, answered!

1. Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works great and makes this recipe even quicker. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before rolling it out to make it easier to work with.

2. What other fillings can I use?

You can get creative with your pizza pockets! Some great alternatives include cooked sausage, ham, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, spinach, or even cooked chicken. Just be sure not to overfill them, or they may not seal properly.

3. How do I keep the pizza pockets from leaking?

To prevent leaks, don’t overfill them, and make sure to leave a small border around the edges when adding the sauce and toppings. Also, pressing the edges together firmly with a fork helps create a tight seal.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pizza pockets and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. If you want to store them longer, freezing is the best option.

5. How do I freeze pizza pockets?

To freeze, place the unbaked pizza pockets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, place them directly in the oven from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

6. How do I reheat leftover pizza pockets?

If you have leftovers, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheat. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.

7. Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! To make pizza pockets in an air fryer, preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll turn out crispy and golden brown.

Final Thoughts

These cheesy pizza pockets are the perfect homemade snack, whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a fun party appetizer, or a grab-and-go lunch. With their crispy crust, gooey cheese, and customizable fillings, they’re sure to become a household favorite.

The best part? They’re super simple to make and require just a few basic ingredients. Whether you’re sticking with the classic pepperoni and cheese or experimenting with new flavors, these pizza pockets are a guaranteed hit.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how you customized yours! Do you have a favorite filling combination? Share your thoughts in the comments! Happy baking!

Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe

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These homemade cheesy pizza pockets are a fun and easy twist on classic pizza. With a crispy golden crust and a gooey, cheesy filling, they make the perfect snack or quick meal.

• Author: Mark's Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound pizza dough
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dough
Divide the pizza dough into six equal portions. Roll each piece into a small round circle, about 5-6 inches in diameter.

Assemble the Pizza Pockets
Spread a tablespoon of marinara sauce on one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add a few slices of pepperoni. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape and press the edges together with a fork to seal.

Season and Bake
Brush the tops of the pizza pockets with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve
Let the pizza pockets cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Feel free to customize the filling with other toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked sausage.
• For a crispier crust, brush the pockets with an egg wash instead of olive oil.
• These can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking.