Hi,
It’s Jessica from easyyummyrecipe.com. If you’ve ever wished pizza was easier to hold and a little less messy, you’ll love these homemade pizza pockets. They’re cheesy, crisp, and fun to make. My kids always ask for them when we have movie night or need something quick after school.
I started making these as a way to use up leftover pizza sauce and random bits of cheese. Now they’re a go-to dinner when I want something easy, warm, and satisfying. They also pack well in lunchboxes and reheat in the air fryer like a dream.
Let me walk you through exactly how I make them.
Ingredients (Makes 8 pockets)
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup pizza sauce (plus more for dipping)
- ¼ cup mini pepperoni or chopped cooked sausage (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped bell peppers or mushrooms (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (or follow the instructions on your dough package). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
Unroll the dough onto a floured surface. If using crescent rolls, pinch the seams to form a solid rectangle. Cut the dough into 8 equal squares or rectangles.
Pro tip: Use a pizza cutter for quick, straight cuts.
Step 3: Add the Fillings
Spoon a little pizza sauce into the center of each square. Don’t overdo it or it’ll leak out while baking.
Top with shredded cheese and your choice of toppings. Keep everything toward the center so you can fold the dough easily.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Fold each square into a triangle or rectangle. Press the edges with a fork to seal them shut.
Place each pocket on your baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
Step 5: Season and Bake
Brush the tops with olive oil. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a little Parmesan if you want.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be hot.
Serving Ideas
These are great with extra pizza sauce or ranch on the side for dipping. You can also serve them with a salad or roasted veggies for a full meal.
I sometimes make a double batch and freeze the extras. They reheat well in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition Info (Per Pocket)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
Numbers will change depending on your dough, cheese, and fillings.
FAQs
Can I use homemade dough?
Yes. If you like making your own dough, go for it. Store-bought is just faster.
What other fillings can I use?
Anything you’d put on a pizza—cooked ground beef, olives, spinach, mushrooms, or leftover chicken.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. Check halfway through.
Can I freeze them?
Yep. Let them cool, then freeze in a bag. Reheat at 350°F until warm, about 10–12 minutes.
Can I make them ahead?
You can assemble and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Bake when ready to serve.
Why I Love These
These pizza pockets are fun to make and even better to eat. They’re warm, cheesy, and totally customizable. You can keep them simple with just cheese and sauce, or load them with veggies and meats.
They’re also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. Mine love building their own. It’s like pizza night, but easier to clean up.
Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a snack, these are always a hit at my house. If you try them, tag me @easyyummyrecipe or leave a comment. I’d love to know what fillings you used!
Until next time,
–Jessica
