Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are fun little treats filled with gooey cheese and your favorite pizza toppings. Perfect for kids, these pockets are simple to make and tasty to eat!
Kids love helping in the kitchen, and these pizza pockets are a great way to get them involved. Just roll, fill, and bake! You might want to make a few extra—trust me, they’ll disappear fast! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pizza Dough: I like using refrigerated pizza dough for its ease. Crescent roll dough works too for a flakier texture! Can’t find either? You could use homemade dough or even puff pastry as a fun twist.
Mozzarella Cheese: The key to that stretchy, cheesy goodness. If you want a bit of kick, try using pepper jack or mixing in some cheddar. Vegan cheese is also great if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni adds fun and flavor. If your kids prefer veggies, try chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives instead. Or go classic Margherita with just cheese and sauce!
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought sauce is convenient, but making a quick homemade version with canned tomatoes and Italian spices can give it a fresh taste. Kids love helping with this part!
How Do You Seal the Pizza Pockets Properly?
Sealing the pizza pockets is essential to keep everything inside during baking. Here’s how to do it right:
- After filling the dough, fold it over gently but firmly.
- Use a fork to press down along the edges. This creates a crimp and seals in the toppings.
- Make sure to pinch the edges again if they feel loose!
Sealing well will help avoid any messy leaks when they bake, keeping all that cheesy goodness inside. Plus, kids can get creative with different shapes and sizes!
Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or chopped pepperoni
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Flour (for rolling surface)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and another 12-15 minutes for baking. So in just around 25 minutes, you can have delicious cheesy pizza pockets ready for munching!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important for getting that nice, golden-brown finish! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease so the pizza pockets don’t stick.
2. Roll Out the Dough:
Next, lightly flour a clean surface to prevent sticking. Unroll your pizza dough (or crescent roll dough) on the floured surface. Roll it out gently with a rolling pin to smooth out any folds. We want a nice, even surface to work with!
3. Cut Your Dough:
Now, grab a knife or a pizza cutter and cut the dough into about 6 equal squares or rectangles. These will be the pockets that hold all the yummy fillings.
4. Fill Each Pocket:
On each piece of dough, spoon about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce right in the center. Then, sprinkle on some shredded mozzarella cheese and add a few mini pepperoni slices. For a little extra flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning on top if you’d like!
5. Seal the Pockets:
Time to fold! Gently fold each square over to create a pocket. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal them closed. This is a fun step for kids to help with—watch out for any overflowing fillings!
6. Bake the Pizza Pockets:
Place the sealed pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with either olive oil or melted butter. This helps them get that lovely golden color when they bake.
7. Final Bake:
Pop them in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the pizza pockets warm with extra pizza sauce on the side for dipping. They’re going to be a hit!
Enjoy your easy, cheesy pizza pockets that are perfect for little hands! Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Fillings?
Absolutely! You can customize the pizza pockets with other fillings like cooked sausage, veggies (like bell peppers or spinach), or even different types of cheese. Just make sure whatever you use is precooked if needed, so it warms through in the oven!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Freeze These Pizza Pockets?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked pizza pockets before baking. Just assemble them, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Any Tips for Making Them Extra Crispy?
To achieve a crispier crust, you can brush the dough with olive oil or melted butter before baking. You can also bake them on a preheated pizza stone or a cast-iron skillet for that extra crunch on the bottom!
