Description
These homemade pizza pockets are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or main course, perfect for lunch or dinner. Made with a soft, homemade dough filled with classic pizza toppings like mozzarella, pepperoni, and your choice of veggies or sausage, they are baked to golden perfection. Ideal for freezer-friendly meal prep and customizable with various fillings, these pizza pockets bring the joy of pizza in a convenient, handheld form.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water
Filling
- ¾ cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini pepperoni or chopped pepperoni
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional fillings: sautéed mushrooms, cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, olives
Other
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a dough begins to form. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let dough rise: Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the pizza pockets: Punch down the risen dough to release air. Divide it into 6 to 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a small circle or oval shape on a lightly floured surface.
- Add fillings: Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce over one half of each dough circle, leaving a ½-inch border. Top with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and any optional fillings you desire.
- Seal the pockets: Fold the dough over to cover the filling completely. Press the edges together firmly and crimp around the edges with a fork to seal well.
- Apply egg wash and season: Place the sealed pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give a golden color when baked. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the tops for extra flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the pizza pockets cool slightly before serving to avoid burning.
Notes
- Store leftover pizza pockets in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture and crispiness.
- You can customize fillings by swapping pepperoni for cooked sausage, additional vegetables, or keeping them cheese-only.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
