Description

These Cheesy Pizza Pockets are the ultimate comfort food, combining the classic flavors of pizza with the convenience of a handheld snack. Perfect for busy weeknights, parties, or a quick lunch, these pockets are crispy on the outside and filled with gooey cheese, savory sauce, and your favorite pizza toppings. Ready in just 30 minutes, these pizza pockets are both customizable and delicious, making them an instant hit for both kids and adults!

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 package refrigerated pizza dough (for convenience)

For the Filling:

1 tablespoon marinara or pizza sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup mini pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)

1/2 cup chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives (optional)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For the Topping:

1 large egg, beaten (for brushing the tops)

1 teaspoon dried oregano or garlic powder (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Dough: Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 4×6-inch rectangles.
Assemble the Pockets: Spoon 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce onto the center of each rectangle, leaving space at the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the sauce. Add optional mini pepperoni, chopped veggies, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Seal the Pockets: Fold each rectangle over to create a pocket and seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork.
Brush and Garnish: Brush the tops of the pockets with the beaten egg and sprinkle with dried oregano or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. For the air fryer, cook in batches at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
Cool and Serve: Let the pizza pockets cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Make Them Veggie: Skip the pepperoni and use only vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed filling.
Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce inside the pockets for some heat.
Cheese Swap: Try mixing different cheeses like provolone, ricotta, or gouda for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella.
Make Them Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough to make these pockets gluten-free.

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American