Description
These homemade pizza pockets are a delicious and convenient snack or main course. Made with soft pizza dough filled with classic pizza ingredients like mozzarella cheese, pizza sauce, and optional pepperoni or sausage, they are baked to golden perfection. Perfect for kid-friendly meals or anytime you crave the flavors of pizza in a handheld form.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough Base
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Finishing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Grated Parmesan and fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle about 1/4-inch thick to create even thickness for uniform baking.
- Cut Dough: Cut the rolled-out dough into 6 equal rectangles, which will become individual pizza pockets.
- Add Filling: Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce onto one half of each dough rectangle, leaving a border around the edges. Next, add shredded mozzarella cheese and your choice of chopped pepperoni or cooked sausage if using. Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the filling for added flavor.
- Seal Pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to form pockets. Press the edges together firmly with a fork to create a tight seal and prevent leaks during baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the sealed pockets to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give a golden, shiny finish when baked.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the pockets are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the pizza pockets to cool slightly on a wire rack. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving for extra flavor and presentation appeal.
Notes
- Customize the filling by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives, or try different cheeses such as cheddar or provolone.
- You can substitute pizza sauce with marinara sauce if preferred.
- These pizza pockets freeze well, making them perfect for meal prep—reheat conveniently in the oven or air fryer when needed.
- Ensure the edges are well sealed to avoid any filling leakage during baking.
