These homemade cheesy pizza pockets are golden, crispy, and loaded with melty cheese and your favorite pizza fillings. They’re perfect for kids, adults, and party snacks, and they’re much better than store-bought frozen options. The best part? You can customize them with your favorite toppings!
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20–25 minutes
Total: ~40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4–6
🛒 Ingredients
1 can refrigerated pizza dough or homemade pizza dough (about 1 lb)
1 cup pizza sauce or marinara
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup pepperoni slices, diced (optional)
½ cup cooked vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms, onions – optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: grated Parmesan for topping
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, about ½ inch thick. If using pre-rolled dough, just unroll and flatten slightly.
Step 3: Add Fillings
Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over half of the dough.
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Add pepperoni or your favorite fillings.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Fold the dough over the fillings to form a pocket.
Press the edges with a fork to seal completely, making sure no sauce or cheese leaks out.
Step 5: Egg Wash
Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden-brown finish. If you like, sprinkle Parmesan over the top for extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the pizza pockets are golden and crispy.
Let them cool slightly before serving—they’ll be very hot inside.
🌟 Practical Tips for Perfect Pizza Pockets
✔️ Don’t Overfill
Overfilling can cause leaking and make the pockets soggy. Keep a moderate amount of cheese and sauce.
✔️ Use Pre-Cooked Ingredients
If adding vegetables or meats, make sure they are cooked beforehand. Raw fillings may release water during baking, making the pockets soggy.
✔️ Seal Edges Well
Use a fork or pinch the edges tightly. A well-sealed pocket ensures the cheese melts inside without spilling.
✔️ Customize Your Flavors
Veggie Lovers: Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers
Meat Lovers: Ham, sausage, bacon bits
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños
✔️ Make Ahead
You can assemble and freeze these pizza pockets before baking. Bake directly from frozen for 30–35 minutes at 400°F.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping
Pair with a side salad for a light lunch
Pack in lunchboxes as a fun, hot snack
✅ Why You’ll Love Homemade Pizza Pockets
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes
Customizable: Add any topping you love
Kid-Friendly: Perfect for picky eaters
Fresh and Cheesy: No preservatives or frozen dough additives
Optional Twist: Mini Pizza Pockets
For a party or appetizer version, cut dough into small squares and make bite-sized pizza pockets. Bake for 12–15 minutes for quick, snackable bites.
These Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, with crispy golden crust, gooey cheese, and endless possibilities for toppings. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining friends and family.