Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe

If you’re craving all the ooey-gooey, cheesy joy of pizza in a super fun, hand-held form, these Homemade Pizza Pockets are guaranteed to hit the spot! They’re crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and endlessly customizable—think of them as the ultimate weeknight crowd-pleaser the whole family will love.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely love how the simplest ingredients come together to create something so crave-worthy! Each one builds the signature flavor, texture, and look we expect from classic Homemade Pizza Pockets.

• 16 oz ball fresh pizza dough: Whether you use store-bought or homemade, fresh dough creates that golden, crispy-yet-chewy pocket. Let it rest to make rolling easier!
• 1 cup pizza sauce: Rich and zesty, this is the flavor base—homemade or high-quality jarred sauce both shine here.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For ultimate meltiness and that irresistible cheese pull—don’t skimp!
• 1 egg yolk (for egg wash): Whisked with a splash of water, this gives your pizza pockets that gorgeous, glossy golden finish.
• Salt & pepper, to taste: Just a dash really balances all the flavors—season the filling before sealing your pockets.

Variations

The beauty of Homemade Pizza Pockets is how endlessly flexible they are—swap out fillings, sauces, or even dough to suit your cravings or whatever you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to personalize them for picky eaters or adventurous palettes!

• Classic Pepperoni: Layer pepperoni slices between the sauce and mozzarella for a pizzeria favorite at home.
• Veggie Supreme: Load up with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and baby spinach for a colorful, flavorful vegetarian version.
• Buffalo Chicken: Toss shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and mix in with cheese for a spicy twist.
• Breakfast Pockets: Add scrambled eggs, cooked bacon, and cheddar for a morning-friendly pocket that’s out-of-this-world!

How to Make Homemade Pizza Pockets

Step 1: Prepare and Roll Out the Dough

First, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Dust your work surface with flour, then place your pizza dough on it. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out into a large rectangle, aiming for about 1/4 inch thick so it bakes up beautifully airy yet sturdy.

Step 2: Slice and Shape the Rectangles

With a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice your rolled-out dough into eight even rectangles. Don’t worry about perfect shapes—just try to keep them similar in size. Roll each rectangle again so it’s about 8 inches long—this gives you plenty of room for that glorious filling!

Step 3: Fill Those Pockets

Now comes the fun part. Spoon about one tablespoon of pizza sauce onto the lower half of each rectangle. Sprinkle on roughly two tablespoons of mozzarella cheese and any of your favorite toppings, making sure to leave a small border for easy folding and sealing. Don’t overload—less is more for perfectly sealed pockets.

Step 4: Fold, Seal, and Egg Wash

Carefully fold the empty half of each rectangle over the filled half to create a neat pocket. Press the edges down with a fork to seal tightly (this step is satisfying and helps keep the cheese inside!). Next, brush the tops with your egg yolk wash for bakery-style golden-brown shine.

Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!

Arrange the pizza pockets on your prepared baking sheet. Slide into the oven and bake for 12–17 minutes, or until the pockets are puffed and deeply golden. Let them cool for a few minutes—those cheesy, saucy insides are piping hot! Dig in while they’re still warm and crisp.

How to Serve Homemade Pizza Pockets

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil, a pinch of grated parmesan, or a drizzle of good olive oil turns simple Homemade Pizza Pockets into something extra special. For a hint of heat, try a little red pepper flake scattered on top before baking.

Side Dishes

Serve these pizza pockets with a crisp green salad, garlic breadsticks, or a small bowl of marinara for dunking. Even a handful of baby carrots or a cup of tomato soup makes the meal beautifully balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting friends or a family game night, arrange Homemade Pizza Pockets on a board with dipping bowls of ranch, pesto, or spicy honey. Or, wrap individually in parchment for a “grab-and-go” lunchbox upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover pizza pockets to room temperature, then wrap in foil or pop them into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—making them a perfect make-ahead lunch or snack!

Freezing

Homemade Pizza Pockets freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then wrap each tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. Reheat straight from frozen for an easy, ultra-satisfying meal in minutes whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat pizza pockets in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until warmed through. For a quick snack, the microwave works too, but the crust will be softer. If reheating from frozen, bake uncovered until fully heated and crispy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting and downright fun about sharing a batch of Homemade Pizza Pockets—warm from the oven, filled with melty cheese, and totally customized to suit every craving. Give them a try and add your own twist—you just might find yourself making them on repeat!

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