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- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough - 1 cup marinara sauce - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup diced pepperoni - 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color) - 1/4 cup finely chopped onions - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon olive oil The main ingredients for these cheesy pizza pockets ensure great flavor. The refrigerated pizza dough makes it easy. You can roll it out without much fuss. Marinara sauce adds a rich taste. Shredded mozzarella cheese gives that gooey, cheesy goodness we crave. If you want to customize, add diced pepperoni for a classic touch. Sliced bell peppers bring color and crunch. Finely chopped onions add a nice bite. Don’t forget the seasonings! Dried oregano gives a hint of Italian flair. Garlic powder adds depth. A drizzle of olive oil helps the dough crisp up nicely. With these ingredients, you can create a delicious meal or snack. Now, let’s get cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven and preparing the baking sheet: First, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat will help the pizza pockets puff and brown nicely. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps your pockets from sticking and makes cleanup easy. 2. Rolling out and cutting the pizza dough: Take the package of refrigerated pizza dough and open it. Place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into squares, around 4x4 inches. These will be the pockets that hold all that cheesy goodness. 1. Combining marinara sauce and cheese with fillings: In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of marinara sauce, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and your choice of fillings. I like to add 1/2 cup of diced pepperoni, 1/2 cup of sliced bell peppers, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped onions. To add flavor, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir all the ingredients well. This is where the magic happens! 1. Filling and sealing the pizza pockets: Now comes the fun part! Take each dough square and place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center. Be careful not to overfill, or they won't seal properly. Fold the dough over to create a triangle. Press the edges tightly to seal them. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security. 2. Baking and cooling instructions: Before baking, beat 1 egg in a small bowl. Brush the egg wash over the top of each pocket. This gives them a shiny, golden finish. Place the pizza pockets on your prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and puff up. Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious cheesy pizza pockets! To seal edges properly, make sure to press the dough firmly. After you fold it, use a fork to crimp the edges. This adds a fun design and keeps the filling inside. Avoiding overfilling is key. A spoonful in the center works best. If you add too much, the pockets may burst during baking. Bake the pizza pockets at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes. This temperature helps them puff up and turn golden. To achieve a golden finish, brush the tops with an egg wash. This simple step adds a lovely shine and enhances the look. Serve your cheesy pizza pockets with marinara sauce for dipping. This adds a tasty touch and keeps it fun. For presentation, use a wooden board or colorful plate. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for extra flair. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the taste and texture of your pizza pockets. Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to overfill the pockets; otherwise, they may burst during baking. A spoonful of filling is usually sufficient to keep them intact. Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize your filling! Try different proteins like cooked chicken or veggies like spinach and mushrooms for a unique twist. Serve with Dipping Sauces: Enhance your meal by serving the pizza pockets with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, garlic butter, or spicy marinara for extra flavor. {{image_2}} You have many tasty options for fillings. If you want a veggie twist, try spinach and mushrooms. These ingredients add great flavor and nutrients. You can also mix in some diced tomatoes for extra juiciness. If you prefer meat, consider using ham or sausage. Both add a rich, savory taste to your pizza pockets. While marinara sauce is a classic choice, you can change it up. Try using pesto for a fresh and herby flavor. Alfredo sauce is another creamy option that pairs well with cheese. Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheese blends too. A mix of mozzarella and cheddar can give a unique taste. Want to add some heat? You can include jalapeños or spicy sausage in your filling. These will give your pizza pockets a kick. For added depth, sprinkle in Italian herbs like basil and oregano. A dash of hot sauce can also enhance the flavor, making each bite exciting. To keep your cheesy pizza pockets fresh, store them right. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent sogginess. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before putting them in the container. This extra layer keeps them tasty. When reheating, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pizza pockets on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes. This gives them a crispy texture. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Heat them for 30 seconds to 1 minute. But be aware, they may not be crispy. You can freeze both baked and unbaked pizza pockets. For unbaked, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Seal it tightly. For baked pockets, let them cool first, then wrap them. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake them directly from frozen for about 15-20 minutes. How long do cheesy pizza pockets last in the fridge? Cheesy pizza pockets last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Can I make these pizza pockets ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare these pizza pockets ahead of time. Assemble them, then store them in the fridge for up to a day. Bake them when you’re ready to eat. What temperature do I cook pizza pockets at? Cook pizza pockets at 425°F (220°C). This temperature helps them become golden and crispy. How do I know when they are done? Pizza pockets are done when they are golden brown and puffed up. This usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes in the oven. Can I use homemade dough instead of refrigerated? Yes, you can use homemade dough. Just make sure it’s rolled out to about 1/4 inch thick. What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese? You can use any cheese you like! Cheddar, provolone, or even vegan cheese work well. Making pizza pockets is fun and easy. You only need a few key ingredients: dough, sauce, and cheese. You can add many tasty fillings and spices. I shared tips for making perfect pockets and baking them right. Remember to store leftovers properly for later. You can even freeze them! Experiment with different flavors and find your favorite. Enjoy creating your own delicious pizza pockets!

Cheesy Pizza Pockets

Delicious pizza pockets filled with cheese, pepperoni, and vegetables, perfect for a quick snack or meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup diced pepperoni
  • 0.5 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
  • 0.25 cup finely chopped onions
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Roll out the refrigerated pizza dough on a lightly floured surface until you create a large rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Cut the dough into squares, approximately 4x4 inches.
  • In a bowl, combine the marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
  • Place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center of each square of dough. Be careful not to overfill, as you need to close the pockets.
  • Fold the dough over to create a triangle, covering the filling. Press the edges tightly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges for added security.
  • Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of each pocket to create a golden finish. This step will give a beautiful shine when cooked.
  • Place the prepared pizza pockets on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.
  • Remove the pizza pockets from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, cheesy, pizza, snack