Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me all the comfort and satisfaction of pizza without the hassle of delivery or dough tossing. The filling is cheesy and flavorful, and the crust bakes up beautifully crisp. I can make them in advance, freeze them for later, and even let everyone customize their own fillings. They’re easy, fun, and always a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 package (about 8 oz) refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices or diced pepperoni
1/3 cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives for extra veggies

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. On a lightly floured surface, I roll out the pizza dough until smooth. If I’m using crescent roll dough, I separate it into triangles.

3. I cut the dough into 8 equal squares (or use the crescent triangles as-is).

4. On each piece of dough, I spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce, then add mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and any optional vegetables I’m using. I sprinkle everything with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

5. I fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket or triangle, then press the edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.

6. I place the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden finish.

7. I bake them for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and golden brown.

8. I let them cool for a few minutes before serving them warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 pizza pockets and takes about 25 minutes total—10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking.

Variations

Sometimes I like to make these vegetarian by skipping the pepperoni and adding extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. I’ve also used plant-based sausage or pepperoni for a meat-free option. For cheese lovers, I mix mozzarella with provolone or a little cheddar for extra flavor. When I want something fancy, I brush the tops with melted garlic butter and sprinkle them with Parmesan before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes or in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes until warm and crispy again. These also freeze really well—I assemble them but don’t bake, freeze them on a tray until solid, then store in a freezer bag. When I’m ready to bake, I cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of baking time.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble them in advance and refrigerate or freeze until I’m ready to bake.

What’s the best dough to use?

I like using refrigerated pizza dough for a chewy crust or crescent roll dough for a flakier, buttery texture.

Can I air fry them instead of baking?

Absolutely. I air fry at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes, I skip the pepperoni and load them with vegetables or use a plant-based meat substitute.

How can I keep the filling from leaking?

I make sure not to overfill and seal the edges well with a fork.

Can I add more cheese?

Of course. I sometimes mix mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a little Parmesan for extra cheesiness.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

I love serving them with extra pizza sauce, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping.

Can I use homemade dough?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works perfectly and adds even more flavor.

How do I reheat them so they stay crispy?

I use the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave to keep the crust crisp.

Can I serve them cold?

They’re best warm, but they’re still tasty at room temperature—great for lunchboxes or picnics.

Conclusion

I love how these Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets turn a classic comfort food into something quick, portable, and endlessly customizable. The melty cheese, flavorful filling, and golden crust make them irresistible every time. Whether I’m making them for family dinner, game night, or meal prep, they’re always a hit and disappear fast from the plate.