Description
These Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal featuring gooey mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and savory pizza sauce wrapped in golden, flaky pizza dough. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner or quick grab-and-go option, they bake to golden perfection with a crispy crust and melty cheesy filling.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Dough
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
Filling
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Egg Wash
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza dough and cut it into 6 equal rectangular pieces, creating the base for your pockets.
- Add Sauce: Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto one half of each rectangular piece, leaving space around the edges to seal properly.
- Layer Toppings: Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni slices, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for rich flavor.
- Seal Pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket shape, then press the edges firmly with a fork to seal airtight and prevent filling from leaking.
- Apply Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water, then brush this mixture over the tops of each pocket to achieve a glossy, golden finish when baked.
- Season: Sprinkle the tops with Italian seasoning and garlic powder to boost flavor and aroma.
- Vent Pockets: Cut a small slit on the top of each pocket to allow steam to escape during baking, which keeps the crust crispy.
- Bake: Place the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza pockets to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving to avoid burning and to let the cheese set slightly.
Notes
- Customize your pockets by adding favorite toppings such as cooked sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling before sealing.
- Serve with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
- These pockets can be frozen before baking; bake them straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
