Name: Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Pockets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tube refrigerated pizza crust; 6 tablespoons pasta or marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; About 12 slices of pepperoni; Dried oregano, for garnish; Olive oil, for brushing

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Introduction

Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a delicious and easy snack that combines the best of pizza in a convenient hand-held form. Perfect for movie nights or quick lunches, these pockets are stuffed with gooey mozzarella, pepperoni, and savory marinara sauce.

The image shows three square-shaped pizza pockets stacked on a white plate with a smooth, slightly glossy melted cheese layer on top. The cheese is light golden with some browned spots, and dried herbs sprinkled evenly over it add speckled dark green texture. The edges of the pockets are crimped tightly, showing a reddish-orange tomato sauce peeking through slightly. Each pizza pocket has a soft, puffy crust that blends the colors of golden baked dough and melted cheese. The plate rests on a wooden surface with a blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tube refrigerated pizza crust
6 tablespoons pasta or marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
About 12 slices of pepperoni
Dried oregano, for optional garnish
Olive oil, for optional brushing

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Unroll the refrigerated pizza dough onto the parchment or a lightly floured surface. Slice the dough into 6 equal squares using a knife or pizza cutter.
Step 3: On one half of each dough square, spoon 1 tablespoon of pasta sauce, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, then top with 2 slices of pepperoni.
Step 4: Fold each square diagonally into a triangle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal the filling inside.
Step 5: For extra flavor and a golden crust, lightly brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano and a little extra mozzarella (optional).
Step 6: Bake the pockets for 10 to 13 minutes, or until they are puffed, golden brown, and the cheese inside is bubbling.
Step 7: Let the pizza pockets cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with warm pasta sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Try adding cooked vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
For a spicier kick, use pepperoni with chili flakes or add a pinch of red pepper flakes inside the pockets.
Substitute mozzarella with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a sharper taste.
Brush the tops with garlic butter instead of olive oil for a rich, savory crust.

Storage

Store leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Three square pieces of baked pizza pockets are stacked on a white plate. Each pizza pocket has a golden, lightly browned melted cheese layer on top with small brown spots, sprinkled with black herbs. The edges of the pockets are crimped, showing some tomato sauce peeking through with an orange-red color. The plate sits on a wooden cutting board, and the background shows soft indoor lighting with a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of refrigerated crust?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works wonderfully and can add a personal touch to your pizza pockets. Just roll it out to a similar thickness before cutting into squares.

Can I freeze the pizza pockets before baking?

Absolutely. Place the assembled pockets on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.