These Pizza Pockets are everything I crave in a comfort snack—crispy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside, and packed with all the classic pizza flavors I love.
Whether you’re making them for game night, after-school bites, or a quick dinner, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles all around.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Personal-sized and perfect for dipping
Easy to customize with your favorite fillings
Crispy, golden crust and cheesy interior
Freezer-friendly and kid-approved
Uses store-bought or homemade dough
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Pizza dough or crescent dough – Store-bought keeps things easy, but homemade adds extra love.
Marinara or pizza sauce – The tangy base layer that brings everything together.
Mozzarella + Parmesan cheese – Creamy, melty, salty goodness.
Mini pepperoni, sausage, or veggies – Optional, but adds fun texture and flavor.
Italian seasoning + red pepper flakes – For that classic pizzeria aroma and a little kick.
Egg wash + oregano or garlic powder – Gives a golden finish and savory flair.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and no sticking.
Don’t overfill—less is more to prevent leaking.
Seal edges well with a fork to lock in all that cheese.
Brushing with egg wash ensures a golden, shiny crust.
Add herbs on top for extra color and aroma.
How to Make Pizza Pockets
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
Roll out your dough and cut it into 4×4-inch squares or circles, depending on your style preference.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Fillings
On each piece of dough, spread a small spoonful of marinara sauce—leave a border around the edges.
Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and any extras like pepperoni, sausage, or veggies.
Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 4: Fold and Seal
Fold each piece over to create a pocket (triangle or half-moon shape).
Press edges with a fork to seal tightly.
Step 5: Brush and Garnish
Brush the tops with beaten egg.
Sprinkle with dried oregano or garlic powder.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
The filling should be hot and bubbly inside.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let cool slightly before serving.
Serve with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
What to Serve It With
A green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Garlic butter or ranch dipping sauce
Roasted veggies or sweet potato fries
A chilled soda or sparkling water
Variations / Substitutions
Use whole wheat or gluten-free dough
Swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar
Make vegetarian with just cheese and mushrooms
Add fresh basil or pesto inside for a gourmet twist
Turn them into breakfast pockets with scrambled eggs and bacon
Storage & Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture
Freeze before or after baking—just reheat until hot and crispy
Wrap individually for grab-and-go snacks
FAQs
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of pizza dough?
Yes! Crescent dough gives a flakier, buttery finish that’s super tasty.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Don’t overfill, and make sure to seal edges tightly with a fork.
Can I air fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely—air fry at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Warm marinara, ranch, or garlic butter are all delicious choices.
Can kids help make these?
Yes! Kids love adding their own toppings and sealing the edges—fun and interactive.
Do I need to cook the veggies or meat first?
Yes, pre-cook any meat or firm veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms before adding.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
You can assemble and refrigerate them for up to a day, then bake fresh when ready.
Final Thoughts
These Pizza Pockets bring together everything I love in one delicious handheld bite—crispy edges, melty cheese, flavorful fillings, and that nostalgic pizza taste.
They’re fun to make, easy to customize, and even easier to eat.
Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to in your snack or dinner rotation!
Pizza Pockets
Ingredients
Dough Options:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
- Optional: Homemade pizza dough
Filling:
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mini pepperoni or cooked sausage optional
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers mushrooms, or olives (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
Topping:
- 1 egg beaten
- Dried oregano or garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough and cut into 4×4 inch pieces.
- Spread a spoonful of sauce on each, leaving edges clear.
- Add cheeses and toppings. Sprinkle with seasoning.
- Fold over and seal with a fork.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle herbs on top.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/pizza-pockets/
Notes
- Custom Toppings: Feel free to customize your filling with your favorite pizza toppings. Mushrooms, olives, and bell peppers are great additions.
- Dough Options: Store-bought pizza dough or crescent rolls work perfectly for this recipe, but you can also use your own homemade dough.
