Description
These homemade pizza pockets are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal option, featuring a crispy golden crust filled with gooey mozzarella, savory pepperoni, and flavorful pizza sauce. Perfect for kids and adults alike, they bring all the classic flavors of pizza in a convenient, handheld form.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough, divided into 6 equal pieces
- Flour for dusting
Filling
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped regular pepperoni
Toppings and Finish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll each of the 6 dough pieces into a 6-inch circle, creating an even base for the pizza pockets.
- Add sauce and fillings: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a ½-inch border around the edge. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices evenly.
- Fold and seal pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly to seal the pockets and use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security, preventing fillings from leaking during baking.
- Prepare for baking: Place the sealed pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash, then brush it over each pocket to give them a shiny golden finish when baked.
- Add final touches: Lightly brush the tops of the pockets with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning for added flavor and a beautiful appearance.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the pizza pockets are puffed up and golden brown all over.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the pizza pockets cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from the hot filling.
Notes
- Substitute pepperoni with cooked sausage, sautéed vegetables, or your favorite pizza toppings to customize your pockets.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best texture when reheating, warm leftover pizza pockets in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.
