These Easy Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a fun, tasty treat! With warm dough filled with gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, they’re sure to please everyone.
Making these pockets is a breeze! I love how quick they are for lunch or snacks. Plus, you can pick your fillings! Who wouldn’t want a cheesy pocket of joy? 🍕😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your dough, giving it structure. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute half with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
Baking Powder: It makes the dough rise and stay fluffy. If you need to save some, you can use a combination of baking soda (1 tsp) and vinegar (1 tsp) instead, but the taste may vary a bit.
Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully! You can swap it for cheddar, provolone, or even a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni is perfect for these pockets! If you prefer a vegetarian version, try olives, mushrooms, or bell peppers as a filling.
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce or make your own with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Homemade sauce can be fresher and fun to customize!
What’s the Best Way to Roll and Seal Dough for Pizza Pockets?
Rolling and sealing your dough properly is key to a successful pizza pocket. Here’s how you can do this easily:
- After dividing the dough, use a rolling pin to flatten each piece into a circle. Aim for about 5-6 inches in diameter.
- When adding filling, don’t overstuff! About 1 tablespoon of sauce and a sprinkle of cheese is perfect. This keeps them from leaking while baking.
- To seal, fold the dough over tightly and press the edges firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring they’re well sealed.
Taking the time to roll and seal carefully means your pockets will be perfectly crunchy outside and cheesy goodness inside!
Easy Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices (or chopped regular pepperoni)
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for serving)
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: dried oregano or Italian seasoning for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake. In total, you can enjoy warm pizza pockets in about 30-35 minutes! Perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your pizza pockets bake evenly and become lovely and golden. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light greasing to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Next, add the milk and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir everything together until a dough forms. If your dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour until it’s manageable!
3. Knead and Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for a few moments until it feels smooth. Once it’s ready, divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 5-6 inches in diameter. A little extra flour on your rolling surface helps keep it from sticking!
4. Fill the Pizza Pockets
Take each dough circle and spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on one half. Then, sprinkle on the shredded mozzarella cheese, and add the mini pepperoni. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle that on as well. Don’t overload them; a little filling goes a long way!
5. Seal the Pockets
Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Make sure to press the edges firmly together. Use a fork to crimp the edges, which helps to keep all that delicious filling inside.
6. Bake Your Pizza Pockets
Place the stuffed pockets onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with some dried oregano or Italian seasoning if you like. Now, pop them into the oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and your kitchen smells amazing!
7. Cool and Serve
Once they’re out of the oven, let the pizza pockets cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy your homemade cheesy pizza pockets that are crispy on the outside and gooey cheesy on the inside!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly denser and the flavor a bit nuttier.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
You can get creative with the fillings! Try vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, or switch to different meats like cooked sausage or ham. Just make sure anything you add is pre-cooked and cut into small pieces.
How Can I Store Leftover Pizza Pockets?
Store any leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for about 30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Freeze the Pizza Pockets?
Yes, you can! Before baking, freeze the assembled pizza pockets on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
