Whether you’re looking for an easy lunch, a grab-and-go snack, or a fun twist on pizza night, these Cheesy Pizza Pockets check all the boxes. Golden on the outside, melty on the inside, and customizable to fit any craving—these hand-held pockets are the homemade answer to store-bought Hot Pockets.
They’re kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and perfect for meal prepping ahead. With just a few ingredients, you can have gooey, cheesy pizza goodness any time you want—no delivery required!
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough (or use homemade)
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Flour, for dusting the work surface
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Work Surface
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour your counter or a large cutting board.
Step 2: Roll Out the Dough
- Unroll the pizza dough and roll it out slightly to smooth the edges. Cut into 6 to 8 equal rectangles.
Step 3: Fill the Pockets
- Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of pizza sauce onto half of each rectangle. Top with shredded mozzarella, a few pepperoni slices (or other fillings), and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Seal the Edges
- Fold each dough rectangle in half over the filling to form a pocket. Use a fork to crimp the edges shut on all sides. Place the sealed pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Brush & Bake
- Brush the tops of the pockets with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and puffy.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
- Let the pockets cool for a few minutes before serving—filling will be hot! Serve with warm marinara or ranch on the side.
Variation
- Veggie Version: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach
- Meat Lovers: Fill with bacon, ham, sausage, or pepperoni
- Breakfast Pockets: Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and crumbled bacon
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños
- Cheese Overload: Mix mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for extra cheesiness
Cooking Note
Don’t overfill the pockets or they may burst during baking. If needed, poke a small slit in the top with a knife to let steam escape. A light egg wash (instead of butter/oil) can also give a shinier finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of warm marinara, garlic butter, or ranch dip
- Great alongside a Caesar salad or soup for a full meal
- Pack in lunchboxes—wrap in foil and reheat in toaster ovens
- Slice into triangles and serve as a party appetizer
- Pair with fruit or veggie sticks for a balanced kid-friendly lunch
Tips
- Make ahead and freeze unbaked—just add 5–7 minutes to bake time from frozen
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness
- Use crescent roll dough or puff pastry for a different texture
- Customize with leftover meats or veggies from your fridge
- Use mini cookie cutters to create fun shapes for kids
Time Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Pocket – Approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~13g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~540mg
Nutrition may vary based on fillings and dough used.
FAQs
Can I freeze cheesy pizza pockets?
- Yes! Freeze unbaked or baked pockets in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in oven or air fryer.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
- Definitely! Air fry at 370°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
Can I use crescent dough or puff pastry?
- Yes. Crescent dough gives a softer bite, puff pastry a flakier crust. Adjust bake time accordingly.
Do I have to use meat?
- Nope—cheese and veggie options are just as delicious!
How do I keep the filling from leaking?
- Seal the edges tightly and don’t overfill. Crimping with a fork and adding a small slit on top helps steam escape.
Conclusion
Cheesy Pizza Pockets are the ultimate DIY snack that brings all the best parts of pizza into a crispy, cheesy, handheld bite. Easy to prep, endlessly customizable, and loved by kids and adults alike, they’re perfect for quick meals, after-school snacks, or party trays.
Once you try these golden pockets of gooey goodness, you’ll never go back to frozen again.