These easy homemade cheesy pizza pockets are a tasty treat! With gooey cheese and your favorite pizza fillings wrapped in a soft dough, they’re super fun to eat.
Making these is a breeze! I like to toss in everything from pepperoni to veggies. They’re perfect for a snack or a meal, and the kids love to help out too. 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your dough. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella provides that classic pizza cheese stretchiness. Feel free to use other cheeses like cheddar or a blend, but mozzarella is my go-to.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni is perfect for these pockets, but you can use diced ham, cooked sausage, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Customize to your liking!
Pizza Sauce: Any marinara sauce works if you don’t have pizza sauce on hand. You can also make a quick sauce by mixing tomato sauce with Italian spices, which is what I like to do sometimes!
Dried Oregano and Garlic Powder: They add great flavor. Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried; just remember that fresh has a stronger flavor, so adjust accordingly.
How Do You Seal the Pizza Pockets Properly?
Sealing your pizza pockets is crucial to keep the delicious filling inside. Here’s how you can do it:
- Please ensure the edges of the dough are clean and free from filling. This makes it easier to seal.
- After folding the dough over, press firmly along the edges with your fingers to seal. You can also run a little water along the edge for better sticking.
- Using a fork to crimp the edges adds decoration and ensures a tight seal. This is one of my favorite tips because it makes the pockets look so cute!
Remember, a good seal helps prevent leaks while baking. Happy cooking!
Easy Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or chopped regular pepperoni)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to bake in the oven. So, you can have these delicious cheesy pizza pockets ready in about 30-35 minutes, perfect for a quick snack or meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. This is the base of your dough and helps it rise.
3. Make the Dough:
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring the mixture. You want to mix until a soft dough forms. If you find that it’s too sticky, don’t worry! Just add a little more flour until it feels right.
4. Roll Out the Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to form a rectangle that’s about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure it’s even to ensure nice pockets!
5. Add the Sauce:
Spread the pizza sauce evenly over half of the dough rectangle. Be generous, but leave some space around the edges to seal the pockets properly.
6. Layer It Up!
Now, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and mini pepperoni slices over the sauce. For extra flavor, add the dried oregano and garlic powder on top.
7. Fold and Seal:
Carefully fold the dough over the filling to cover it. Press the edges firmly together to seal them. You can also use a fork to crimp the edges, which gives it a nice touch and ensures no filling escapes!
8. Prepare to Bake:
Transfer your sealed pizza pockets onto the prepared baking sheet. It’s time to brush the tops lightly with olive oil. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top!
9. Bake ‘Em Up!
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. The smell will be amazing!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re great with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your warm, cheesy pizza pockets!
FAQ about Easy Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Can I Use Different Fillings in My Pizza Pockets?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your fillings. You can substitute the pepperoni with cooked sausage, diced ham, or vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Just make sure any meat is cooked before adding it to the pockets!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out when you’re ready to make the pizza pockets.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza Pockets?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or a toaster oven until warmed through. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just be sure to wrap them tightly!
Can I Bake These Pizza Pockets in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C), and cook the pizza pockets for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown. It’s a fantastic way to get that crispy texture without using the oven!
