Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets
These deliciously cheesy pizza pockets are like personal pizza bundles — made with soft dough and stuffed with gooey mozzarella, rich tomato sauce, and your favorite fillings. Perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or a fun dinner for kids and adults alike. They can be baked or air-fried for a healthier twist!
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Dough Rest (if homemade): 60 minutes
Total Time: ~35–40 minutes
Makes: 8–10 pockets
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
¾ cup warm water
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
¾ cup pizza or marinara sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup mini pepperoni or cooked crumbled sausage (optional)
¼ cup chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives (optional)
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
Topping:
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Grated Parmesan
Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions:
1. Make the Dough (if from scratch):
In a bowl, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix and knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth.
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
Skip this step if using store-bought dough.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, mix mozzarella, oregano, garlic powder, and any optional fillings.
Set sauce aside separately.
3. Assemble the Pizza Pockets:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Roll dough on a floured surface into a large rectangle, about ¼-inch thick.
Cut into 8–10 squares or circles.
On each piece, add:
1 tbsp of pizza sauce
2–3 tbsp of the cheese mixture
Fold into a pocket (triangle or half-moon), and pinch or crimp edges with a fork.
4. Bake or Air Fry:
Oven Method:
Place pockets on a parchment-lined tray.
Brush tops with egg wash. Sprinkle with Parmesan and oregano.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Air Fryer Method:
Air fry in batches at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway if needed.
Notes & Tips:
Freezer-friendly: Freeze assembled raw pockets on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
Customize: Use ham, spinach, jalapenos, caramelized onions, or sun-dried tomatoes for fun combos.
Cheese tip: Blend mozzarella with a bit of provolone or cheddar for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use puff pastry or crescent dough?
A: Yes! They make great flaky versions. Reduce baking time slightly if using puff pastry.
Q: What sauce works best?
A: Classic pizza sauce, marinara, or even pesto work well.
Q: How do I prevent leaks?
A: Don’t overfill, and seal the edges tightly with a fork or twist-crimp the edge.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~220
Fat: 9g
Carbs: 24g
Protein: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 350mg