Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets

These Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are my go-to snack when I’m craving something cheesy, golden, and comforting. They have a crispy, flaky crust on the outside and a gooey, savory pizza filling on the inside — everything I love about pizza, but handheld and perfect for quick meals or snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, fun to make, and tastes just like classic pizzeria flavors in a pocket-sized form. They’re great for meal prep, kids’ lunches, or even a casual dinner when I want something easy but delicious. I can fill them with my favorite pizza toppings, bake or air fry them, and they always come out melty and irresistible.

Ingredients

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

• 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade dough)

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/4 cup mini pepperoni slices (optional)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Directions

1. Preheat and prepare
   I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roll out the dough
   On a lightly floured surface, I roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle about 1/8 inch thick. I cut it into equal squares or rectangles, depending on how large I want each pocket.

3. Fill the pockets
   On one half of each dough piece, I spread about a tablespoon of pizza sauce, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, add a pinch of Italian seasoning, and a few mini pepperoni slices if I’m using them. I make sure to leave a small border around the edges for sealing.

4. Seal and egg wash
   I fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket, pressing the edges together with a fork to seal tightly. Then I brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish.

5. Bake
   I place the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crisp.

6. Cool and serve
   I let them cool for a few minutes before serving — the cheese will be piping hot! I like dipping them in extra pizza sauce or ranch dressing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 pizza pockets (depending on dough size).

• Prep time: ~10 minutes

• Cooking time: ~15 minutes

• Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes swap pepperoni for diced cooked sausage, veggies, or shredded chicken.

• For extra cheesiness, I mix mozzarella with cheddar or provolone.

• I sprinkle a little garlic powder or extra Italian seasoning on top before baking for a flavor boost.

• These work beautifully in an air fryer — I cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

• For a healthier version, I use whole wheat dough and reduced-fat cheese.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–8 minutes to restore their crispiness. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months — I wrap each pocket individually, then reheat straight from frozen until hot in the center.

FAQs

Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?

Yes! I love using puff pastry when I want a flakier, lighter texture. I just bake them a few minutes less, about 10–12 minutes.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Definitely. I assemble them up to a day ahead, store them in the fridge, and bake when I’m ready. They’re great for parties or lunch prep.

What kind of sauce works best?

I use classic pizza or marinara sauce, but garlic tomato sauce or even Alfredo works beautifully for variety.

Can I skip the egg wash?

You can, but the egg wash helps the crust brown and gives it that shiny, bakery look. A little milk or olive oil can work as a substitute.

How can I make them extra crispy?

I bake them on a preheated baking sheet or brush the tops lightly with olive oil before baking. Using a pizza stone also helps achieve a crisp crust.

Conclusion

These Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are everything I love about pizza in a fun, portable form. They’re cheesy, crisp, and completely customizable — I can fill them with anything I have on hand and still end up with a delicious, golden pocket of flavor. Once I made these at home, I stopped buying the frozen ones for good. They’re quick, easy, and always a hit with everyone who tries them.