These Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are super fun and tasty! With gooey cheese and your favorite toppings tucked inside, kids will love to munch on them.
Making these is a blast, plus they are perfect for little hands. I like to let my kids help fold and fill them. It’s like crafting with food! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use refrigerated pizza dough or biscuit dough. If you want a healthier option, consider whole wheat dough or a gluten-free alternative. Making dough from scratch can be fun, but store-bought saves time!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is perfect for its meltiness. You can swap it for cheddar or Italian blends if you prefer. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese products that melt well.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperonis are kid-friendly and add a nice flavor. If you need meatless options, opt for veggies like bell peppers or olives, or use veggie pepperoni.
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought pizza sauce is quick, but you can use marinara or spaghetti sauce too. For a twist, try pesto or white sauce as a base.
How Do I Properly Seal the Pizza Pockets?
Sealing the pockets well is key to keeping the filling inside during baking. Start by pressing the edges tightly together after folding. Here’s a little guide:
- Make sure the filling is centered and not too full, or it might burst open.
- Run your finger around the edge with a bit of water before sealing. This helps the dough stick together.
- Use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra secure seal and a nice decorative touch.
Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or biscuit dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Flour for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 30 minutes total! You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping and 15-18 minutes baking. Plus, you’ll want to let them cool for a few minutes before diving in. Perfect for a quick snack or meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will help the pizza pockets not stick!
2. Preparing the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface to keep the dough from sticking. Roll out the pizza dough (or biscuit dough) to about 1/4 inch thickness. The thinner it is, the easier it will be to fold!
3. Cutting Out Circles:
Using a cup or round cutter that’s about 4 inches in diameter, cut out circles from the rolled-out dough. You’ll need enough circles to make pairs for each pizza pocket.
4. Filling the Circles:
Place a spoonful of pizza sauce in the center of each dough circle—don’t overfill! Then, add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and some mini pepperoni slices on top of the sauce.
5. Seasoning the Filling:
Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning and garlic powder over each filling for that extra burst of flavor.
6. Folding and Sealing:
Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape. Make sure the edges meet, then press them firmly together to seal. For a fancy touch, use a fork to crimp the edges tightly, ensuring nothing leaks out!
7. Preparing for Baking:
Place the filled pockets on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg. This will help them turn a beautiful golden brown while baking!
8. Sprinkling with Cheese:
Top the pizza pockets with a little grated Parmesan cheese for flavor and a nice finish.
9. Baking:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the pizza pockets are golden and puffy. Keep an eye on them as they cook!
10. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, let the pizza pockets cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your cheesy delights!
These Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are sure to be a hit; perfect for lunch, snacks, or a fun dinner! Enjoy warm and fresh!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough?
Absolutely! Using refrigerated pizza or biscuit dough makes this recipe quick and easy. If you want to save time, store-bought dough is a great choice for busy days.
What Other Fillings Can I Use?
The beauty of pizza pockets is their versatility! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, or different cheeses. Just keep the total filling amount similar to avoid overflow.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the pizza pockets and refrigerate them covered for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze them before baking; just make sure to thaw in the fridge before baking from frozen!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a microwave or oven until warmed through. For the best texture, reheating in the oven is recommended!
