Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets

These Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a fun, bite-sized twist on traditional pizza. With gooey melted cheese, savory pepperoni, and a crispy golden crust, they’re perfect for snacks, lunches, or even parties. Made with store-bought dough for convenience, these pockets are quick to assemble and bake, making them a family-friendly favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or veggies.
• Kid-Friendly: Fun to make and eat—perfect for little hands!

 Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
• ½ cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup pepperoni slices (or other toppings like mushrooms, bell peppers, sausage, etc.)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
• Olive oil or melted butter , for brushing
• Parmesan cheese , for sprinkling

 Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. Roll out the crescent roll dough or pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface.
   • If using crescent roll dough, separate it into triangles.
   • If using pizza dough, cut it into 8 even rectangles using a knife or pizza cutter.

Step 3: Add the Filling

1. Spread a small spoonful of pizza sauce (about 1–2 teaspoons) onto each triangle or rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
2. Sprinkle a small handful of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
3. Add a few slices of pepperoni or your favorite toppings (e.g., cooked sausage, diced mushrooms, or bell peppers).

Step 4: Season and Fold

1. Sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the filling for extra flavor.
2. Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal and prevent leaks during baking.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

1. Lightly brush the tops of each pizza pocket with olive oil or melted butter for a golden, crispy crust.
2. Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
3. Place the pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes , or until the pockets are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Allow the pizza pockets to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
2. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Prevent Leaks: Be sure to press the edges firmly with a fork to seal the pockets tightly.
• Switch Up Toppings: Experiment with different fillings like ham and pineapple, spinach and feta, or BBQ chicken.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the pizza pockets ahead of time, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.

Nutritional Information (per pocket, serves 8):

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: ~7g
• Carbohydrates: ~18g
• Fat: ~9g

Enjoy these Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets as a delicious, customizable snack or meal that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re feeding kids, hosting a game night, or just craving a cheesy treat, these pockets are a guaranteed hit!