If you’re craving a fun and cheesy snack or meal, these Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are the perfect solution! These pockets are packed with gooey cheese, savory marinara sauce, and a variety of tasty fillings, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy dough. You can customize them with your favorite toppings, making them perfect for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking them in the oven or air frying them for a quicker option, these pizza pockets are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect dish for every pizza lover. You can load up the pockets with all your favorite pizza toppings, or keep them simple with just cheese and sauce. It’s also a quick and easy meal, ready in less than 30 minutes, and it’s easily customizable for dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a lunch, dinner, or party snack, these cheesy pockets will satisfy your craving without the hassle of making a full pizza.

Ingredients

1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or use crescent roll dough for flakier pockets)
Optional: Homemade pizza dough if you prefer
Filling:
- 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mini pepperoni or cooked sausage (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Dried oregano or garlic powder (for garnish)

Tip: You can make these pockets your own by swapping in dairy-free cheese, adding fresh basil, or loading them up with extra veggies.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F or your air fryer to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll and Cut Dough
Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into even rectangles or circles, about 4×6 inches in size.
Add the Filling
Spoon 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce onto each piece of dough. Then, add a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, followed by some Parmesan cheese and your preferred toppings.
Seal the Pockets
Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Use a fork to press the edges together, sealing them tightly.
Bake or Air Fry
Brush the tops of each pocket with the beaten egg wash. Sprinkle with garlic powder or dried oregano for extra flavor.
- Oven: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
- Air Fryer: Cook in batches for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cool and Serve
Let the pizza pockets cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes about 6–8 pizza pockets, depending on the size.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes (Oven) or 8–10 minutes (Air Fryer)
Total Time: 25–28 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni or sausage and load up with extra veggies like spinach, onions, or artichokes.
Spicy: Add some jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the filling for an extra kick.
Cheese Lovers: Try using a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone for a richer flavor.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and make sure the dough doesn’t contain any dairy for a vegan option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes until crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated dough?

Yes, you can use homemade pizza dough if you prefer. Just make sure it’s rolled out to the appropriate size before filling.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pizza pockets, seal them, and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking or air frying.

3. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem! These pizza pockets can be baked in the oven as well. Simply follow the baking instructions.

4. Can I freeze these pizza pockets?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 400°F for 18–22 minutes.

5. How do I prevent the dough from getting soggy?

Be sure to drain any wet toppings, like vegetables or cooked sausage, before adding them to the pockets. Also, avoid overloading the pockets with too much sauce.

6. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! You can use gluten-free pizza dough to make these pockets gluten-free. Check the dough’s ingredients to ensure they align with your dietary needs.

7. How can I make the dough crispier?

For a crispier crust, brush the tops with a little extra egg wash and bake at a slightly higher temperature (around 425°F) for a few extra minutes.

8. What can I serve these pizza pockets with?

These pockets are perfect with a side of marinara sauce, but you can also serve them with a light salad or even some garlic bread for a complete meal.

9. Can I add more cheese inside the pockets?

Yes, feel free to add as much cheese as you like! You can even layer different types of cheese for more flavor.

10. Are these pizza pockets suitable for kids?

Absolutely! These pizza pockets are fun and easy to eat, making them a great choice for kids. You can even let them help assemble their own pockets.

Conclusion

Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are the ultimate quick and customizable snack or meal. Whether you bake them in the oven or air fry them for a faster option, these cheesy delights are sure to become a family favorite. With endless possibilities for fillings and toppings, you can enjoy them exactly how you like. Grab your ingredients, get creative, and treat yourself to a delicious homemade pizza experience in pocket form!