Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy & Simple: Ready in about 20 minutes using store-bought dough.
Customizable: From classic pepperoni to veggies or gourmet fillings—tailor to your taste.
Freezer‑Friendly: Make a batch ahead for quick meals—reheat in oven, air fryer, or microwave.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 refrigerated pizza crust or crescent/pizza dough
Pizza sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni slices (or other fillings per taste)
Optional seasonings: garlic powder, Italian seasoning, oregano, Parmesan
Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)

directions

Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C) (or 375 °F (190 °C) depending on dough thickness).
Roll out dough on a floured surface to about ¼″ thick; cut into rectangles or squares.
Spoon ~1 Tbsp sauce onto each piece, leaving a small border.
Add cheese (~2 Tbsp) and pepperoni or other desired fillings.
Fold dough over to form pockets; seal edges firmly with a fork.
Brush tops with oil or butter, and sprinkle with optional seasonings (garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, oregano).
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Let them rest briefly before serving—serve with extra sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

Yields: 6–8 pizza pockets
Prep time: 8–10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: ~20–25 minutes

Variations

Meat‑lover’s: Add sausage, ham, or cooked bacon.
Veggie-packed: Include mushrooms, peppers, spinach, or olives.
Gourmet twist: Use pesto, goat cheese, sun‑dried tomatoes.
Spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.
Herb buttery finish: Brush with garlic‑butter & sprinkle Parmesan for a richer crust.

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 3 days; reheat in oven at 350 °F for 5–10 min.
Freezer: Cool completely, wrap individually, freeze up to 3 months.
- Microwave: 2–3 min from frozen.
- Oven: 350 °F for 15–20 min.
- Air Fryer: 5–7 min at 375 °F for crispiness.

FAQs

What dough is best for pizza pockets?

You can use store-bought pizza, crescent, or homemade dough. Crescent roll dough bakes faster at lower temps, while thicker pizza dough may benefit from a higher heat.

Can I prep these beforehand?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead, then bake fresh before eating.

Are pizza pockets freezer-safe?

Absolutely—freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat as needed.

How do I seal them properly?

Press seams firmly, seal edges with a fork, and brush with water or egg wash to help stick.

How prevent soggy bottoms?

Use thick sauce and don’t overfill. Brushing the pan with oil or using parchment helps ensure crisp bottoms.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free pizza or crescent dough; baking time remains similar.

What’s the best way to reheat for crispiness?

Air fryer or oven reheats will restore the original crisp texture better than a microwave.

Can kids help make these?

Definitely! They can spoon sauce, add fillings, and crimp edges—a fun activity.

What fillings work best?

Classic pepperoni-cheese, sausage, ham & pineapple, spinach & feta, or even breakfast fillings like egg & cheese.

How to make them dairy-free or vegan?

Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and egg wash substitutes (plant-based milk). Many vegan doughs and toppings are available.

Conclusion

Homemade cheesy pizza pockets are a fun, customizable, and conveniently portable meal. Whether you’re feeding kids or meal-prepping for busy days, they deliver gooey satisfaction in every bite. Make a batch, freeze extras, and enjoy this delicious variation on pizza anytime.