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Got some dough from the store? With a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up gooey, cheesy pizza pockets in under half an hour. I started making these when my nephews visited—now I rely on them for speedy snacks and instant crowd-pleasers at lunchtime.
This idea popped up one stormy Saturday when we couldn't get to our favorite pizza spot. Sealing the edges with a fork became a hit—the kids and I now make this a must-do every time they come over.
Delicious Ingredients
- Olive oil brushed over the tops makes everything turn out golden and crunchy
- Parmesan cheese finishes things off with a savory, nutty kick that feels kind of fancy
- Italian seasoning brings those classic herb flavors and gives a homemade vibe
- Garlic powder bumps up that mouthwatering pizza smell and flavor
- Pizza sauce makes the pockets packed with flavor—look for those tasty bits of herbs
- Turkey pepperoni gives you all the zing of regular pepperoni without as much fat
- Cheddar cheese melts into sharp, bold goodness
- Mozzarella cheese melts super stretchy and creamy, just like regular pizza
- Refrigerated pizza dough is the shortcut for that chewy, crisp bite
Simple Step-by-Step
- Serve
- Let everything cool for a bit—2 or 3 minutes is enough so you don't burn your mouth on hot cheese. Grab extra pizza sauce for dunking. That crispy outside with gooey inside? So good together.
- Bake
- Bake on the middle oven rack for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye after about 10 minutes—you're looking for a deep golden color and a little puffing. If the corners are browning too fast, just spin the pan around halfway.
- Add Seasoning
- Move your sealed pockets over to the pan with parchment, leaving a bit of space between so they don't stick. Brush on olive oil, getting every pocket nice and shiny. Sprinkle garlic powder, Italian herbs, and Parmesan, packing a little extra in the thickest spots.
- Seal the Pockets
- Fold each rectangle over the filling to close. Pinch the edges tight with your fingers. Go over them again with a fork to make ridges, but don't go all the way through. Double check for holes and fix them so nothing leaks.
- Fill the Pockets
- Spoon a tablespoon of pizza sauce onto half of each dough piece, leaving space on the edges for sealing. Add turkey pepperoni slices, then toss on a mix of your cheeses—about two tablespoons is good. Go easy on the fillings or you'll have a mess.
- Roll Out Dough
- Dust your counter with just a little flour to keep the dough from sticking. Roll it out gently so it's the same thickness everywhere. Cut the dough into 6 rectangles, each roughly 5 by 3 inches.
- Preheat Oven
- First, heat your oven to 400°F and line your baking sheet with parchment. No need for extra oil—parchment keeps the sticking away and makes cleaning up a breeze.
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Secret move: a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes for the grown-ups. My brother-in-law always knows when I've made his "spicy version" and jokes about it every visit. It’s become a running family laugh at this point.
Easy Storage and Reheating
Pop the finished pizza pockets into an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. They'll stay good for about three days. Don't reheat in the microwave—try the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, and they'll crunch back up just right. Want to make a big batch? Freeze extras wrapped in foil and tucked in a bag for up to 2 months. Heat frozen ones at 350°F for 15-20 minutes straight from the freezer—they’ll taste fresh!
Mix It Up
The fun never stops since you can swap in all kinds of fillings. Use mushrooms, peppers and olives if you want a veggie version. Got meat fans? Crumbled sausage, bits of bacon or cooked ground beef all work. If you love white pizza, use ricotta, add garlic, spinach, mozzarella, and leave out the sauce. Or, fill them with scrambled eggs, cheese and breakfast sausage for a morning spin. The ready-made dough doesn’t care what you stuff inside.
How to Make Everyone Happy
Got picky folks? Set up a little pizza pocket station and let everyone stuff their own. Lay out a handful of fun toppings for everyone to grab. That way, each person gets something they like, and kids love making their “special pocket” too. Put different shapes or crimp patterns on the edges so you can tell them apart—my niece swears her heart-shaped one tastes extra good.
Common Queries
- → Can I try different dough options?
Definitely! Switch things up with homemade dough, puff pastry, or crescent rolls for a fresh twist in flavor and texture.
- → What else can I stuff inside them?
Mix it up with cooked sausage, colorful veggies like mushrooms or peppers, or try swapping turkey pepperoni with regular or even plant-based options.
- → Can these be prepped ahead of time?
For sure! Assemble and pop them into a sealed container in the fridge. Bake fresh later when you're ready to eat.
- → How can I make sure the pockets stay sealed?
Press the edges down with a fork and avoid too much filling. Dab a little water around the edges if needed for a better seal.
- → What dips taste great with these?
Classic pizza sauce is always a hit, but try ranch, garlicky butter, or spicy marinara for extra flavor fun.
- → How can I get a crispier finish?
Swipe olive oil over the tops before baking. Crank up the heat for a few minutes toward the end for extra crispiness.