Introduction
There’s something truly special about a homemade snack, and these Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are no exception. Bursting with gooey cheese and your favorite toppings, they make for a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for lunchboxes, movie nights, or a quick after-school snack, these little pockets of joy are sure to please everyone at the table!
Ingredients
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni (or any desired toppings)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Olive oil for brushing
- Flour for dusting
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 pizza pockets
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough into a rectangle.
- Cut the dough into equal squares, about 4 inches each.
- In a bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, chopped pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture onto the center of each square.
- Fold the corners of the dough over the filling to create a pocket, pressing the edges to seal.
- Place the pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to customize the filling with veggies, different cheeses, or other meats.
- For an extra crispy crust, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping!
Cooking Techniques
The key to achieving perfect pizza pockets lies in sealing the dough properly. Make sure to press the edges firmly to avoid any leaks while baking. A light brushing of olive oil before baking not only adds flavor but also gives a beautiful golden finish to your pockets.
FAQ
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the pockets and refrigerate or freeze them. Just bake when ready to enjoy.
- What if I don’t have marinara sauce? You can use any sauce you like, such as pesto or a creamy Alfredo.
- Are these suitable for freezing? Absolutely! They freeze well and can be baked directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are not just a delicious snack; they’re a celebration of flavors wrapped in a bit of dough! Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as a delightful leftover, these little bites of happiness are sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every cheesy bite!