Making your own pizza pockets at home has never been simpler or more delicious. These Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets combine the classic flavors of pizza—gooey cheese, savory pepperoni, and zesty sauce—all wrapped up in golden, flaky dough. Perfect for a quick snack, lunch, or casual dinner, these pockets bring the comfort of pizza into a portable, mess-free form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy and versatile, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a fun cooking activity with kids. You can customize each pocket with your favorite toppings and have a homemade meal ready in just about 25 minutes. Plus, they are freezer-friendly, which means you can always have some on hand for when the craving strikes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
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1/2 cup pizza sauce
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or other favorite toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, sausage, etc.)
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1/4 tsp garlic powder
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1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
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Olive oil or melted butter, for brushing
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Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Unroll the crescent or pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface. Separate into triangles if using crescent dough, or cut into 8 rectangles if using pizza dough.
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Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto each piece of dough.
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Add a portion of mozzarella cheese and a few pepperoni slices over the sauce.
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Sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the fillings.
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Fold the dough over to form a pocket and firmly seal the edges with a fork.
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Brush each pocket lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
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Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of each pocket.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Let the pizza pockets cool slightly before serving. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 8 pizza pockets
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per pizza pocket
Variations
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Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni and load up with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.
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Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage, bacon bits, or ham along with the pepperoni.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes inside the pockets or use spicy pepperoni.
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Cheese Lovers: Mix mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a rich cheesy flavor.
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Healthier Option: Use whole wheat pizza dough and low-fat cheese.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the baked and cooled pockets in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes if refrigerated, or 20 minutes if frozen, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in an air fryer for an extra crispy finish.
FAQs
How do I prevent the pizza pockets from leaking during baking?
Seal the edges firmly with a fork and avoid overfilling them.
Can I use homemade dough instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly for this recipe.
What other sauces can I use instead of pizza sauce?
You can try marinara, Alfredo, or even barbecue sauce for different flavor profiles.
How can I make these pizza pockets healthier?
Use whole wheat dough, low-fat cheese, and plenty of vegetables for a lighter version.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them unbaked.
How do I know when the pizza pockets are done baking?
They should be golden brown and slightly puffed, with melted cheese inside.
What other cheeses can I use besides mozzarella?
Cheddar, provolone, gouda, or a mix of cheeses will all work wonderfully.
Are these good for kids’ lunches?
Absolutely, they are portable, customizable, and can be eaten warm or at room temperature.
How can I make these pizza pockets spicier?
Add spicy pepperoni, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes inside.
Can I air fry these pizza pockets instead of baking?
Yes, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, checking halfway through.
Conclusion
Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional pizza, offering convenience without sacrificing taste. Whether you stick to the classic pepperoni and cheese combination or experiment with your favorite toppings, these pockets are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the crispy outside, melty inside, and endless customization possibilities!
Print
Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pizza pockets
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Make delicious Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets in just 25 minutes! Perfectly golden pockets filled with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and pizza sauce—an easy, kid-friendly snack or dinner idea!
Ingredients
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1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
-
1/2 cup pizza sauce
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or substitute with mushrooms, bell peppers, sausage, etc.)
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1/4 tsp garlic powder
-
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
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Olive oil or melted butter, for brushing
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Parmesan cheese, for sprinkling
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Unroll the crescent or pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface.
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If using crescent dough, separate into triangles; if using pizza dough, cut into 8 rectangles.
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Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto each piece of dough.
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Add mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices (or your favorite toppings) over the sauce.
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Sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
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Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket and seal the edges tightly with a fork.
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Brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter.
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Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pockets.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with extra pizza sauce for dipping if desired.
Notes
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You can easily customize the fillings based on what you have—try cooked sausage, veggies, or even pineapple!
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To make them extra crispy, brush with butter midway through baking.
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These freeze well! Let them cool completely, then freeze and reheat in the oven.
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