Description
These Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a quick and delightful snack featuring gooey mozzarella cheese, savory pepperoni, and a crispy golden crust. Perfect for a family meal or party appetizer, they combine classic pizza flavors wrapped in a convenient handheld form baked to perfection in under 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Pockets
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza toppings)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking, then cut it into 8 equal rectangles or adjust the size as preferred for your pockets.
- Add fillings: In the center of each dough rectangle, spread about a tablespoon of pizza sauce. Add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese followed by your chosen toppings, such as pepperoni slices, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Form pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket shape. Seal the edges firmly by pressing with your fingers or using a fork to crimp, ensuring the filling stays inside while baking.
- Apply egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg until smooth and brush it evenly over the tops of each pizza pocket. This will help them develop a beautiful golden, shiny crust upon baking.
- Brush with olive oil: Place the prepared pockets on the baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with olive oil to promote extra crispiness and golden color.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the dough turns golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbling.
- Cool and serve: Remove the pizza pockets from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the fillings with your favorite pizza toppings such as mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or sausage.
- Ensure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent any filling leakage during baking.
- Brushing with egg wash gives a nice golden finish, but you can skip or substitute with milk for a lighter crust.
- For a crispier bottom, place the baking sheet on the lower rack in the oven.
- These pockets can be made ahead and frozen; just bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes.
