Name: Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough; ½ cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup pepperoni slices; Optional add-ins: mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning; Olive oil or melted butter for brushing; Grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

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Introduction

These homemade cheesy pizza pockets are a delightful snack that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and filled with gooey cheese and your favorite toppings, they are sure to please both kids and adults alike.

The image shows a close-up of three golden-brown square pastries stacked on a white plate, placed on a white marbled textured surface. Each pastry has a crispy, bubbly crust with slightly crimped edges for sealing. The top pastry is covered with melted white cheese that oozes slightly over the sides, with melted pepperoni slices partially visible underneath and sprinkled with dried herbs. The middle and bottom pastries have a more uniformly baked crust, also sprinkled with herbs. The background is softly blurred, focusing on the texture and color of the pastries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough or pizza dough
½ cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup pepperoni slices
Optional add-ins: mushrooms, bell peppers, or sausage
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Olive oil or melted butter for brushing
Grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
Step 2: Roll out the dough on a clean surface and cut it into rectangles of your desired size.
Step 3: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce evenly over each rectangle, then sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Add shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices or any other toppings you like.
Step 5: Fold the dough over the filling to form pockets and carefully seal the edges by pressing them together.
Step 6: Brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Place the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 8: Serve warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a crispier crust, bake the pizza pockets on a preheated baking stone or steel.
Try adding fresh basil or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use cooked sausage or sautéed vegetables for varied fillings.
Brush with garlic butter instead of olive oil to enhance the savory taste.
To make these pockets ahead, assemble and refrigerate them, then bake within 24 hours.

Storage

Store leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows four square-shaped pizza pockets on a white plate, each with a golden brown, crispy crust that has small bubbles and a slightly uneven texture. The top pizza pocket is slightly opened, revealing a layer of melted white cheese that is creamy and stretchy, along with a visible layer of red pepperoni underneath. The surface of the pockets is sprinkled with small black herbs, adding a contrast on the golden crust. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm tones of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of crescent roll dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly and gives a more authentic texture. Just roll it out and follow the same instructions.

Can I freeze the prepared pizza pockets before baking?

Absolutely! Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.