These Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a fun, tasty treat kids love! With gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings wrapped in warm dough, they’re perfect for lunch or a snack.
Making these is a game-changer! I love letting the kids help fill them with cheese and pepperoni. It’s like little mini pizzas they can hold, and they always ask for seconds! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: I love using refrigerated biscuit dough since it’s super easy and quick. But if you want a homemade touch, pizza dough works just as well! You can make your own or buy fresh dough from the bakery section.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that classic pizza flavor. You can swap it with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a different taste. Just choose cheeses that melt well!
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni slices are perfect for kids’ pizza pockets. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try cooked diced chicken or veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms instead!
Pizza Sauce: Any marinara or pizza sauce works here. If you don’t have any, you can use store-bought pasta sauce for convenience or even homemade if you have some on hand.
How Do You Seal Pizza Pockets Properly?
Sealing your pizza pockets is crucial so the gooey cheese and toppings don’t spill out while baking. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- After folding the dough over the filling, press the edges firmly with your fingers. This helps make a tight seal.
- To make sure they’re extra secure, use a fork to crimp the edges. This not only seals them but also gives a pretty design!
- If you see any open spots or tears, just press them together gently with your fingers.
This technique helps keep all the tasty filling inside, ensuring every bite is packed with cheesy goodness!
Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets for Kids
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough (or pizza dough)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or finely chopped regular pepperoni)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake, for a total of around 25-30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick snack or lunch that kids can help with!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Prepare the Dough:
If you’re using biscuit dough, open the can and separate the dough into individual rounds. For pizza dough, roll it out on a lightly floured surface and cut it into 4-6 inch circles. Both options work great for these little pockets!
3. Add the Sauce:
Take each piece of dough and place a small spoonful of pizza sauce in the center. Don’t go overboard—just enough to add flavor without spilling out when you fold them!
4. Sprinkle on the Cheese:
Next, sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. The gooey cheese is what makes these pockets so delicious!
5. Add Toppings:
Top the cheese with a few mini pepperoni slices. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add some chopped veggies or other favorite toppings. A tiny sprinkle of Italian seasoning adds an extra kick.
6. Seal the Pockets:
Now it’s time to fold! Gently fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal everything in. For an extra secure seal, crimp the edges with a fork.
7. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
Place your sealed pizza pockets onto the prepared baking sheet. We want them to have a little space between them, so they bake evenly. Don’t forget to brush the tops lightly with olive oil or melted butter for a lovely golden color!
8. Bake and Enjoy:
Pop them into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them so they don’t over-bake!
9. Serve and Dip:
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes (trust me, they’re hot!). Serve these cheesy pockets with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Kids will absolutely love this tasty treat!
Enjoy these cheesy, melty pizza pockets that kids will love to make and eat!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Can I Use Store-Bought Pizza Dough Instead of Biscuit Dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly for these pizza pockets. Just roll it out and cut it into circles as needed! It gives a nice chewy texture and can be a fun twist on the recipe.
Can I Freeze Leftover Pizza Pockets?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just let the cooked pizza pockets cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake them directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
What Can I Use Instead of Pepperoni?
If pepperoni isn’t your thing, no worries! You can substitute with cooked sausage, diced chicken, veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, or even cheese alone for a simple cheesy pocket. Get creative with whatever your kids love!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up or back in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
