Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe

Introduction

These homemade pizza pockets are a delightful and portable twist on classic pizza. Filled with melty mozzarella and tangy pizza sauce, they make perfect snacks or easy meals for any time of day.

Ingredients

• 16 oz ball fresh pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg yolk, whipped with a fork in a small bowl
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Place the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface and roll it out with a rolling pin to a 1/4 inch thick rectangle.
3. Step 3: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 8 evenly sized rectangles.
4. Step 4: Roll each rectangle out again until about 8 inches long. Arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet with half of each rectangle hanging over the edge.
5. Step 5: Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on one end of each rectangle using a spoon.
6. Step 6: Top the sauce with 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese and any additional desired toppings.
7. Step 7: Fold the empty half of the rectangle over the filled half and seal the edges firmly with the tines of a fork.
8. Step 8: Brush each pizza pocket with the whisked egg yolk (mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to give them a golden finish.
9. Step 9: Bake the pockets on the parchment-lined sheet for 12 to 17 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
10. Step 10: Let the pizza pockets rest for a few minutes before serving, as they will be very hot right out of the oven.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the sauce or sprinkle some on top before baking.
• Try different fillings such as pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, or cooked sausage to customize your pizza pockets.
• If you don’t have fresh dough, packaged refrigerated pizza dough works well too.

Storage

Store cooled pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these pizza pockets?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked pizza pockets by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What other cheeses can I use instead of mozzarella?

Cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses work well and add different flavors. Choose shredded versions for easy melting.

Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 80 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 pizza pockets 1x

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Description

Homemade Pizza Pockets are a delicious and convenient snack or meal option featuring fresh pizza dough stuffed with classic pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese. These golden-brown pockets are baked to perfection and offer a crispy crust with a gooey, cheesy filling, perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Dough

• 16 oz ball fresh pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)

Filling

• 1 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Finishing

• 1 egg yolk, whipped with a fork in a small bowl
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Roll out Dough: Place the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface, and using a rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
3. Cut Dough Rectangles: Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 8 equal-sized rectangles for uniform pizza pockets.
4. Stretch Rectangles: Roll each rectangle again gently until approximately 8 inches long. Arrange them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing half of each rectangle to hang over the edge for easier folding later.
5. Add Sauce: Spoon 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce onto one end of each rectangle, spreading it evenly to cover the area that will become the filling.
6. Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce and add any additional desired toppings.
7. Fold and Seal: Fold the empty half of each rectangle over the filling side, creating a pocket, and press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.
8. Brush with Egg Wash: Whisk the egg yolk with one tablespoon of water, then brush the tops of each pizza pocket to promote a golden, glossy finish when baked.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the pizza pockets for 12 to 17 minutes or until they turn golden brown and cooked through.
10. Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the pizza pockets rest for a few minutes before serving, as they will be very hot right out of the oven.
11. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Notes

• Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite pizza toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
• If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
• Egg wash gives the crust a shiny, golden finish but can be skipped if avoiding eggs.
• To freeze, place baked pockets on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheat baked pizza pockets in an oven or air fryer for crispy crust instead of a microwave.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Pizza pockets, homemade pizza, snack, easy pizza recipe, baked pizza pockets, mozzarella cheese pockets