These Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are the perfect fun treat for kids! With gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings tucked inside, they are super tasty and easy to make.
Who wouldn’t love a handheld pizza? I could eat these for lunch every day! 😄 What’s great is that kids can help fill them with toppings, making it a fun cooking activity!
Making these pizza pockets is a breeze. Just fill dough with cheese and toppings, bake until golden, and enjoy! They’re great for lunchboxes or after-school snacks!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: You can use either refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough. I love using crescent dough for a flakier texture. You could also try using homemade dough if you want a more personal touch!
Cheese: Mozzarella is the classic choice here, but you can mix it up! I sometimes add a bit of cheddar for extra flavor or use a dairy-free cheese if you have dietary needs.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperonis are fun and cute! If you need a veggie option, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives work great too.
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought sauce is fast, but homemade sauce is a delicious option if you have time. Simply simmer crushed tomatoes with garlic and herbs.
How Do You Ensure Your Pizza Pockets Are Properly Sealed?
Sealing the pizza pockets well is key to keeping the fillings inside as they bake. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a fork to press down on the edges after folding the dough over. This pushes the dough together tightly.
- To add extra security, you can moisten the edges with a little water before pressing. This helps the dough stick better.
- If you’re worried about leaks, you can also create small holes on top of each pocket with a knife to let steam escape.
Following these tips will help you make perfect pizza pockets every time!
Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or diced pepperoni
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake, making the total time around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy option for lunch or a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make for easy cleanup later.
2. Roll and Cut the Dough:
On a clean surface, roll out the pizza dough. Cut it into rectangles about 4×6 inches. If you’re using crescent roll dough, just press the seams together to form a rectangle.
3. Add the Sauce:
Take about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce and spread it onto one half of each rectangle. Make sure to leave a little space around the edges so we can seal them later!
4. Layer on the Cheese and Toppings:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce. Next, add the mini pepperoni slices (or any other toppings you like!).
5. Optional Seasoning:
If you want to kick up the flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning or oregano on top of the cheese and pepperoni.
6. Seal the Pockets:
Fold the dough over to create a pocket and use a fork to press the edges together firmly. This will keep all the tasty fillings inside while they bake!
7. Bake the Pizza Pockets:
Place the filled pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil to give them a nice golden color when baked.
8. Enjoy!
Bake the pockets in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few moments.
Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping, and enjoy your fun and cheesy pizza pockets!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Can I Use Different Fillings?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings. Try adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives, or even vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Store Leftover Pizza Pockets?
Store any leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Can I Freeze the Pizza Pockets?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked pizza pockets. Just assemble them, flash freeze on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake them from frozen for an extra 5 minutes, adding about 5-10 minutes to the total baking time.
How Can I Get a Crispier Crust?
If you prefer a crispier crust, you can pre-bake the pizza dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings. This gives the dough a head start and results in a nice crunchy texture!
