Craving pizza but want something handheld and fun? Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets are Pizza Snack Pockets that pack gooey cheese and savory sauce into a crispy, golden crust. Ready in under 30 minutes using refrigerated dough, these cheesy pizza bites are perfect for after-school snacks, party appetizers, or quick dinners. Let’s make these Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets and bring pizzeria vibes to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets
- Quick and Easy: These Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets come together fast with store-bought dough.
- Kid-Friendly: Easy to hold and love for savory pizza pockets.
- Customizable: Fill with your favorite pizza toppings for cheesy pizza bites.
- Make-Ahead: Freeze for quick, grab-and-go pizza hand pies.
- Party-Ready: Ideal for game nights or gatherings.
Ingredients for Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Here’s what you’ll need for these savory pizza pockets (makes ~6–8 pockets):
Dough:
- 1 can (13.8 oz/391g) refrigerated pizza dough
Filling:
- ½ cup (120ml) pizza sauce or marinara
- 1½ cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: ¼ cup pepperoni slices, chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked sausage
Topping:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- Pinch of sea salt or Italian seasoning
Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter or knife
- Mixing bowls
- Fork (for sealing)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Ingredient Tips
- Dough: Let refrigerated dough sit at room temperature for 15 minutes for easier rolling of Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
- Cheese: Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent soggy cheesy pizza bites.
- Sauce: Drain excess liquid from sauce for crisp pizza hand pies.
- Toppings: Chop veggies finely and drain moisture for sturdy savory pizza pockets.
- Gluten-Free: Swap for gluten-free pizza dough for dietary-friendly cheesy pizza bites.
Directions
Prep the Dough
I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, I roll out 1 can of refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle for savory pizza pockets.
Cut and Fill
Using a pizza cutter, I divide the dough into 6–8 equal rectangles. I spread 1–2 tsp pizza sauce in the center of each, leaving a border. I top with 1½ cups mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp garlic powder, and optional toppings like pepperoni for cheesy pizza bites.
Seal and Shape
I fold each rectangle over the filling to form a pocket, pressing the edges with a fork to seal tightly, ensuring no leaks in these pizza hand pies. I place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush and Bake
I brush each pocket with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt or Italian seasoning for a golden finish. I bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed, creating perfect Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
Cool and Serve
I let the pockets cool for 5 minutes before serving with extra pizza sauce for dipping, completing these savory pizza pockets.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: ~27–30 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 pockets
- Calories: ~200–250 kcal per pocket
- Macros per Serving: 25g carbs, 10g protein, 10g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Try these twists on these cheesy pizza bites:
- Calzone-Style: Add ¼ cup ricotta and spinach for rich pizza hand pies.
- Veggie-Packed: Include chopped olives, zucchini, or mushrooms for healthy savory pizza pockets, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Vegan Breakfast Cookies.
- Meat Lovers: Add cooked sausage or ground beef for hearty cheesy pizza bites.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough for dietary-friendly pizza hand pies.
- Spicy Kick: Mix ½ tsp red pepper flakes into the sauce for bold Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh side.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a fun meal.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a sweet finish.
Storage
I store cooled savory pizza pockets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. I reheat in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes or an air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes for crisp cheesy pizza bites.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets on a platter with dipping sauces for parties.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or fresh basil for a pizza hand pie flair.
- Pairing: Enjoy with marinara or LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca for refreshment.
- Portion Size: 1–2 pockets per person for a snack or meal.
- Occasions: Perfect for game nights, lunchboxes, or quick dinners.
FAQs About Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, prepare and bake, then store or freeze for quick Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
Can I use homemade dough?
Yes, roll it thin for easy folding of savory pizza pockets.
Are these lunchbox-friendly?
Yes, cool completely before packing to keep cheesy pizza bites crisp.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pizza dough for dietary-friendly pizza hand pies.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes, bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes for crispy cheesy pizza bites.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes You’ll Love
- Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks
- Air Fryer Eggplant Asian Style
- Smoked Mexican Street Corn Dip
- Leftover Mashed Potato Cheese Puffs
Conclusion
Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a fun, gooey twist on pizza that’s perfect for any occasion. These pizza hand pies are quick, customizable, and loved by all. Bake these savory pizza pockets, share with family, and enjoy their cheesy, comforting goodness!
Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 can 13.8 oz/391g refrigerated pizza dough
Filling:
- ½ cup 120ml pizza sauce or marinara
- 1½ cups 150g shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup 25g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: ¼ cup pepperoni slices chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked sausage
Topping:
- 1 tbsp olive oil for brushing
- Pinch of sea salt or Italian seasoning
Instructions
Prep the Dough
- I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, I roll out 1 can of refrigerated pizza dough into a large rectangle for savory pizza pockets.
Cut and Fill
- Using a pizza cutter, I divide the dough into 6–8 equal rectangles. I spread 1–2 tsp pizza sauce in the center of each, leaving a border. I top with 1½ cups mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp garlic powder, and optional toppings like pepperoni for cheesy pizza bites.
Seal and Shape
- I fold each rectangle over the filling to form a pocket, pressing the edges with a fork to seal tightly, ensuring no leaks in these pizza hand pies. I place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush and Bake
- I brush each pocket with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt or Italian seasoning for a golden finish. I bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and puffed, creating perfect Homemade Cheesy Pizza Pockets.
Cool and Serve
- I let the pockets cool for 5 minutes before serving with extra pizza sauce for dipping, completing these savory pizza pockets.
Notes
- Don’t overfill the pockets to avoid leaks while baking.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick baking.
- Seal edges well with a fork to keep cheese inside.
- Brush with oil or butter for a bakery-style finish.
- Cool before packing in lunchboxes to prevent sogginess.
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