Pepperoni Pizza Pockets

The smell of melted cheese and pepperoni makes my tummy growl. The crust is warm and golden, and the filling is gooey and fun. It feels like pizza night but even easier.

I made these pizza pockets for a snack, and they were gone in minutes. Everyone grabbed one, and the cheesy bites made us all smile. It was so simple but felt so tasty.

That’s why I love sharing this recipe. It’s quick, fun, and perfect for any day. Let’s make these Pepperoni Pizza Pockets together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Portable and Mess-Free: Unlike a slice of pizza, these pockets are easy to eat on the go, making them great for lunchboxes, picnics, or even road trips.
• Golden and Crisp: The pie crust creates a perfect balance of flaky crispiness while holding all the gooey, cheesy, pepperoni-filled goodness inside.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch out the fillings for other toppings you love—mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or even sausage. The possibilities are endless!
• Quick and Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have piping hot pizza pockets ready in no time.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make a batch and freeze them for later—just heat them up whenever you’re craving a quick and tasty meal.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you dive into this mouthwatering recipe, make sure you have these kitchen tools ready:

• Baking Sheet: For baking your pizza pockets to crispy perfection.
• Pastry Brush: To apply the egg wash for a beautifully golden, shiny crust.
• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the pie dough if you’re using homemade crust.
• Knife or Pizza Cutter: For cutting the dough and sealing the pockets.
• Mixing Bowl: For mixing the pizza sauce and any other filling ingredients.
• Parchment Paper (optional): For easy cleanup when baking your pizza pockets.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious pizza pockets (exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below):

• 2 (9-inch) Pie Crusts (Homemade or Store-bought): The base for your pizza pockets. You can either make your own pie crust or grab a store-bought version for convenience.
• 1/3 cup Pizza Sauce (Homemade or Store-bought): A flavorful, tangy sauce that brings the pizza flavor. You can make your own or opt for a store-bought version that you love.
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups Mozzarella Cheese: This is the gooey, melty cheese that makes the pockets a true pizza experience.
• 1/2 cup Diced Pepperoni: The savory, slightly spicy pepperoni gives that classic pizza taste.
• 2 tablespoons Minced Fresh Basil: Adds a pop of freshness to balance out the richness of the cheese and pepperoni.
• 1 Egg + 1 tablespoon Water: For the egg wash that gives the pockets a beautiful golden color when baked.

Variations for Pepperoni Pizza Pockets

While this recipe features the classic pepperoni and cheese combo, there are so many ways you can mix things up. Here are a few variations to get your creativity flowing:

• Add Veggies: Try adding some diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach for a more colorful and flavorful filling.
• Switch the Meat: If you’re not a fan of pepperoni, substitute it with cooked sausage, chicken, or even bacon for a new twist.
• Spicy Twist: If you love heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to your pizza pockets for an extra kick.
• Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar, parmesan, or provolone, for a more complex flavor profile.
• Make it Vegan: Use dairy-free cheese and omit the pepperoni or swap for plant-based pepperoni to make these pizza pockets vegan-friendly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these Pepperoni Pizza Pockets is straightforward, and the results are incredibly satisfying. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be savoring your very own pizza pockets in no time!

1. Roll Out the Pie Dough

If you’re using store-bought pie crust, simply unroll the dough on a lightly floured surface. If you’re making your own pie crust, roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness using a rolling pin. Make sure it’s large enough to cut out circles for your pockets. You can use a round cutter or an overturned bowl to cut out 5-6 inch circles of dough.

2. Assemble the Pizza Pockets

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• On each circle of dough, spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce in the center, leaving a border around the edges.
• Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
• Add about 1 tablespoon of diced pepperoni on top of the cheese.
• Sprinkle a little bit of minced fresh basil for a fresh, aromatic touch.

3. Fold and Seal the Pockets

• Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
• Press the edges together gently to seal the pocket. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or pinch them with your fingers for a more rustic look.
• Repeat with the remaining dough circles and fillings.

4. Apply the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create the egg wash. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the egg wash over the top of each pocket. This will help the pockets develop a beautiful golden color as they bake.

5. Bake the Pizza Pockets

Place the prepared pizza pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (or lightly greased). Make sure they are spaced out evenly so they don’t touch while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Cool and Serve

Once the pizza pockets are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or meal!

How to Serve Pepperoni Pizza Pockets

These Pepperoni Pizza Pockets are so versatile, and they can be served in many different ways:

• With a Side of Marinara Sauce: Dip your pizza pockets in extra pizza sauce or marinara for added flavor.
• As an Appetizer: Perfect for parties, gatherings, or game day—everyone will love grabbing a pocket and dipping it into sauce!
• In Lunchboxes: These pockets make a great meal to pack for lunch—just make sure to keep them in a container to avoid them getting squished.
• With a Salad: Pair the pizza pockets with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that’s both fun and satisfying.
• As a Snack: Need something quick? These pizza pockets are perfect for an afternoon snack.

Storing Pepperoni Pizza Pockets

• Freezing: These pizza pockets freeze wonderfully. After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• Refrigerating: You can store leftover pizza pockets in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutrition (Per Serving, 1 Pizza Pocket)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	300
Protein	12g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	500mg
Fiber	1g
Sugars	2g

Conclusion

Pepperoni Pizza Pockets are a fun, delicious, and easy way to enjoy your favorite pizza flavors in a portable, mess-free form. With a buttery, flaky crust and the irresistible combination of cheese, pepperoni, and fresh basil, these pockets are bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re packing them in lunchboxes, serving them as appetizers, or simply enjoying them as a snack, these pizza pockets are perfect for any occasion.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon be hooked on this homemade, pocket-sized pizza delight!