The Ultimate Family Favorite Recipe
These Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a delicious, family-friendly recipe combining gooey cheeses, flavorful marinara, and optional toppings wrapped in flaky or soft dough. Perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or casual dinner, these pockets bake up golden and crisp with a tasty Italian-inspired filling everyone will love.
- Author: lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 pizza pockets 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Halal
Dough Options:
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or crescent roll dough for flakier texture)
- 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 (for egg wash)
- Dried oregano or garlic powder (for garnish)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Prepare Dough: Roll out the dough and cut it into 4×4 inch squares or circles according to your preference for shape and size.
- Add Sauce: Spread a small spoonful of marinara sauce onto each dough piece, making sure to leave the edges clear so you can seal the pockets effectively.
- Assemble Filling: Sprinkle mozzarella, Parmesan, and your choice of optional toppings like mini pepperoni or veggies on top of the sauce. Season with Italian seasoning and add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
- Form Pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket and press edges firmly with a fork to seal and prevent leakage during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top of each pocket with the beaten egg to help achieve a golden, glossy finish, then sprinkle dried oregano or garlic powder for extra flavor and aroma.
- Bake: Place the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pizza pockets to cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious on their own or with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Crescent dough creates a lighter, flakier pocket—ideal for snack-sized portions.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Freeze extras before baking for quick future meals—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pizza pocket
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pizza pockets, cheesy pockets, easy snack, homemade pizza, family recipe, appetizer, quick dinner, Italian-inspired snack