Oh, Cheesy Pizza Pockets! Just the thought of them brings me right back to Friday nights when the kids were little. Pizza night was a sacred tradition, but sometimes, you know, Mama needed a little help from the freezer aisle. But those store-bought things? They just weren’t cutting it. They were either all bread and no filling, or the filling was some weird, unidentifiable goo. It was time to take matters into my own hands, and that’s how my version of Cheesy Pizza Pockets was born.
This Cheesy Pizza Pockets recipe isn’t just about making something quick and easy (though it is both of those things!). It’s about creating a memory, a little pocket of cheesy goodness that my family devours every time. And believe me, there were definitely some kitchen fails along the way! I remember one time I completely forgot to dock the dough (poke holes with a fork) and they puffed up like little balloons in the oven! Now, I always make sure to poke those holes. Learning from my mistakes? You bet! This Cheesy Pizza Pockets recipe is tried and true now.
I know how crazy weeknights can be, and how hard it is to get a decent meal on the table, let alone something everyone actually *likes*. That’s why I’m so excited to share my Cheesy Pizza Pockets recipe with you. It’s a total game-changer. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started! I promise, these homemade pizza pockets will become a family favorite in no time. They certainly did in my family! You won’t regret making these Cheesy Pizza Pockets!
Ingredients for Cheesy Pizza Pockets
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pizza dough. I usually go for the store brand – it works just as well for these Cheesy Pizza Pockets and saves a few bucks.
- 1 cup pizza sauce. My kids are partial to a classic marinara, but feel free to experiment! Sometimes I even sneak in a little pesto for extra flavor in our Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. I always buy a block and shred it myself. It melts so much better than the pre-shredded stuff, making for extra Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, chopped. Or any other pizza toppings your heart desires! We’ve done sausage, mushrooms, olives…the possibilities are endless when making homemade pizza pockets.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil. This helps give the Cheesy Pizza Pockets a nice golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Because everything is better with garlic, right? Especially Cheesy Pizza Pockets!
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Adds that classic pizza flavor.
- Optional: Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) for extra browning. I don’t always do this, but it makes for a prettier Cheesy Pizza Pockets, if you have time.
I often get asked where I buy my dough. For these Cheesy Pizza Pockets, I stick to a simple store bought version to make the process fast and easy.
How to Make Cheesy Pizza Pockets – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze after you devour your Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
Step 2: Roll Out and Cut the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter). I use a large bowl as a guide. Don’t stress about them being perfect! Imperfect circles are just as delicious when you’re making Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
Getting the dough just right is key. If it’s too thin, the filling might burst through, and if it’s too thick, the pizza pockets can be a bit doughy inside. Aim for that sweet spot where the crust is sturdy enough to hold the filling but still has a pleasant, slightly chewy texture.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni (or other toppings), garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This is your Cheesy Pizza Pockets filling! Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking. More cheese? Yes, please! For other easy cheesy recipes, check out this Cheesy Pizzagna Bake
Step 4: Fill the Dough Circles
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Don’t overfill them, or they’ll be hard to seal! It will explode and make a huge mess of your Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
When adding the filling, remember that less is often more. Overfilling can lead to the dough tearing or the filling leaking out during baking. Aim for a generous spoonful, but leave enough room around the edges to properly seal the pockets.
Step 5: Fold and Seal the Pockets
Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Make sure they’re sealed tight! Otherwise, the cheese will leak out while baking. That would be a tragedy for your Cheesy Pizza Pockets. Here’s a great resource from the FDA on safe food practices to keep in mind during your preparation.
Sealing the edges properly is crucial. A fork works great for creating a tight seal and adding a decorative touch. Press firmly along the edges to ensure the filling stays inside during baking.
Step 6: Brush with Olive Oil
Brush the tops of the Cheesy Pizza Pockets with olive oil (or egg wash, if using). This will help them brown beautifully in the oven. If you’re using egg wash, be gentle! Too much pressure will flatten your Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
A light brushing of olive oil or egg wash adds a beautiful golden sheen to the baked pockets. It also enhances the flavor and helps the crust become perfectly crisp.
Step 7: Poke Holes for Steam
Use a fork to poke a few holes in the top of each pocket. This allows steam to escape and prevents them from exploding in the oven. Learned that one the hard way! Poking the dough also helps make sure your homemade pizza pockets don’t come apart while baking.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them! Ovens vary, and you don’t want to burn your Cheesy Pizza Pockets. I usually set a timer for 15 minutes and then check them every minute or so after that. Did you know the USDA provides a lot of great information on safe internal cooking temperatures for food?
Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close watch. The pockets are done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let cool slightly before serving. Be careful, the filling will be hot! I usually give them a few minutes to cool down before letting the kids dig in. This helps avoid burnt tongues and unhappy campers! They are so good!
Serving and Enjoying Your Cheesy Pizza Pockets
My kids love these Cheesy Pizza Pockets with a side of carrot sticks or a simple salad. It’s all about balance, right? My husband likes to dip his in extra pizza sauce, because apparently, there’s no such thing as too much sauce for these Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
These are perfect for after-school snacks, quick dinners, or even lunchbox treats. They’re also a hit at parties! I’ve made a big batch for birthday celebrations and potlucks, and they always disappear fast. Seriously, people go crazy for these Cheesy Pizza Pockets! For a simple but delicious pairing, why not try this Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps as a side!
For presentation, I like to arrange them on a platter with a small bowl of pizza sauce for dipping. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese never hurts either! If you have any leftover Cheesy Pizza Pockets (which is rare in my house!), they reheat well in the microwave or oven. Just be careful not to overcook them, or the crust will get tough. Seriously, if you make them and have any left over, let me know because I am not sure that is possible!
FAQs About Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Can I use different kinds of cheese in my Cheesy Pizza Pockets?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Provolone, cheddar, or even a little bit of Parmesan would be delicious in these Cheesy Pizza Pockets. A blend of cheeses would also add a nice depth of flavor.
Can I freeze these Cheesy Pizza Pockets?
Yes, you can! Assemble them, but don’t bake them. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add a few minutes to the baking time. Just make sure they are sealed tightly!
What other fillings can I use for these Cheesy Pizza Pockets?
The possibilities are endless! Try sausage, mushrooms, olives, onions, peppers…anything you would put on a pizza! Get creative and have fun experimenting with different flavor combinations for your homemade pizza pockets.
My dough is too sticky. What should I do?
Add a little more flour to your work surface and your hands. Sticky dough can be tricky to work with, but a little extra flour will help. Just don’t add too much, or your Cheesy Pizza Pockets will be tough.
My filling is too watery. What can I do?
Make sure you drain any excess liquid from your toppings before adding them to the filling. You can also add a little bit of breadcrumbs to the filling to help absorb excess moisture in your Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
How can I make these Cheesy Pizza Pockets healthier?
Use whole wheat pizza dough, load them up with veggies, and use part-skim mozzarella cheese. You can also use turkey pepperoni or sausage for a leaner protein option. Or skip the meat entirely and make vegetarian Cheesy Pizza Pockets!
Can I make these Cheesy Pizza Pockets ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just make sure they are covered tightly so the dough doesn’t dry out and ruin your Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
Closing Thoughts on Cheesy Pizza Pockets
These Cheesy Pizza Pockets are more than just a recipe to me. They represent family time, laughter, and those simple moments that make life so special. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. From frozen pizza to these, my family has been so happy!
My Personal Cheesy Pizza Pockets Tips:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings! That’s how you create your own signature Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
- Make sure to seal the edges tightly! Nobody wants a leaky pizza pocket.
- Let them cool slightly before serving! Patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with molten cheese.
Some Cheesy Pizza Pockets variations we’ve tried and loved include adding pineapple and ham (for a Hawaiian twist), using a spicy marinara sauce, and stuffing them with leftover pulled pork. My daughter loves the Hawaiian variation, while my son is a fan of anything with extra cheese. My husband like spicy sauce in his Cheesy Pizza Pockets!
I truly hope you give this Cheesy Pizza Pockets recipe a try. Don’t be intimidated! It’s easier than it looks. And even if they’re not perfect the first time, they’ll still be delicious. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun! Here is to many years of fun Cheesy Pizza Pockets with your family! Let me know how they turn out!
Cheesy Pizza Pockets
These Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a quick and easy meal or snack, filled with your favorite pizza toppings and plenty of melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fun lunchbox treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 package (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices, quartered
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unroll the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into 6 equal squares.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce onto one half of each square, leaving a small border.
- Top with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and Parmesan cheese.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to form a pocket. Press the edges firmly to seal, using a fork if desired.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and garlic powder (if using). Brush the tops of the pizza pockets with the mixture.
- Place the pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve these pizza pockets with a side of marinara sauce for dipping, or add your favorite veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling.