These homemade cheesy pizza pockets are my go-to comfort food when I need something quick, easy, and satisfying. With golden, flaky dough on the outside and gooey melted cheese with savory pepperoni inside, they bring all the best parts of pizza into a fun handheld version. I love how they bake up in just minutes, making them perfect for busy nights, casual gatherings, or even lunchboxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish. The ingredients are simple and often already in my fridge or pantry. I also enjoy how customizable they are—sometimes I swap out pepperoni for veggies or even make a breakfast version with eggs and cheddar. These pockets always make everyone happy, and I don’t need any special kitchen gadgets to pull them off.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. I roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. For crescent dough, I separate it into triangles. For pizza dough, I cut it into 8 rectangles.

3. I spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on each piece, leaving space around the edges.

4. I add mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and any extra toppings I’m using.

5. I sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the filling.

6. I fold or roll the dough into pocket shapes and press the edges with a fork to seal them.

7. I brush the tops with olive oil or butter, then sprinkle Parmesan over each one.

8. I bake them for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

9. I let them cool slightly before serving with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 pizza pockets, which serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes make a veggie version with spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.

• For breakfast, I’ve filled the dough with scrambled eggs and cheddar.

• A Mediterranean twist with feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes is one of my favorites.

• Dessert pockets are fun too—I like filling them with Nutella and bananas.

storage/reheating

I store cooled pizza pockets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If I want to freeze them, I arrange them on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer them into bags for up to 3 months. When reheating, I prefer the oven at 350°F—about 5–7 minutes if refrigerated, or 10–12 minutes if frozen. I avoid microwaving since it makes the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use different pizza toppings in these pockets?

Yes, I like experimenting with mushrooms or sausage. I just make sure not to overfill them so they don’t burst.

How do I keep the pockets from leaking?

I press the edges tightly with a fork and avoid adding too much sauce. That keeps them sealed while baking.

Can I freeze these pizza pockets?

Absolutely. I freeze them before baking and then bake straight from frozen, adding about 5–10 extra minutes.

What sides go well with pizza pockets?

I usually serve them with a crisp salad or fruit for a balanced meal. Dipping sauces like marinara or ranch are always a hit too.

How long do leftovers last?

They last up to 3 days in the fridge. I reheat them in the oven or toaster oven so they stay crispy.

Conclusion

These homemade cheesy pizza pockets are one of my favorite quick meals. They’re simple, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m making them for family dinner, a snack, or packing them for lunch, they never disappoint. I love that I can change up the fillings depending on what I have on hand, and every time they come out golden, cheesy, and delicious.

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