The Best Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe: Crispy & Flavor-Packed

Pizza pockets have become my ultimate quick-fix comfort meal when cravings strike unexpectedly.

Crispy golden edges and melted cheese always spark joy in my kitchen.

Stuffed with savory ingredients, these pockets pack serious flavor into every bite.

Families adore how simple they are to customize with favorite fillings.

Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this recipe a weeknight champion.

A touch of creativity turns basic dough into something magical and delicious.

These irresistible pockets are about to become your new go-to snack sensation.

What Makes Homemade Pizza Pockets Perfect for Snacking

• Customize Your Meal: Easily swap ingredients to match family preferences, making these pizza pockets perfect for picky eaters and personalized dinners.
• Quick Weeknight Savior: Prepare these delicious calzones in under an hour, providing a fast and satisfying meal solution for busy households.
• Kid-Friendly Cooking: Involve children in assembling their own pizza pockets, creating a fun and interactive cooking experience that teaches basic kitchen skills.
• Versatile Flavor Options: Create multiple variations with different fillings like classic pepperoni, vegetarian broccoli-cheddar, or experiment with unique ingredient combinations.

Homemade Pizza Pockets – Ingredient Rundown

• Pizza Dough: Foundational base for creating crispy, delicious pockets perfect for holding various fillings.

• Pizza Sauce, Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps bind ingredients together. Fresh, high-quality cheese ensures better taste.

• Pepperoni, Black Olives, Broccoli: Add depth of flavor and nutritional variety. Choose fresh, crisp vegetables and high-quality cured meats.

• Olive Oil, Italian Seasoning: Enhances overall flavor and helps create a golden, crispy exterior. Extra virgin olive oil offers the best taste.

• Flour: Used for rolling out dough and preventing sticking. All-purpose flour works best.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier.

Assembling and Baking Homemade Pizza Pockets

Step 1: Create Dough Circles

Roll out pizza dough on a floured surface.

Slice the dough into two equal portions.

Shape each portion into round circles measuring 6-8 inches wide.

Gently transfer these circles onto prepared baking sheets.

Step 2: Prepare Classic Pizza Filling

• Pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices
• Black olives

Spread sauce on one half of each dough circle.

Generously scatter cheese, pepperoni, and olives across the sauced section.

Step 3: Shape Pizza Pocket Shells

Fold the empty dough half over the loaded section.

Press edges firmly with fingertips or fork tines.

Create small steam-release cuts on top of each pocket.

Ensure edges are completely sealed to prevent filling leakage.

Step 4: Craft Broccoli Cheese Variation

• Chopped broccoli
• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning

Brush dough circles with olive oil.

Sprinkle Italian seasoning across surface.

Mix broccoli and cheeses in a separate bowl.

Distribute broccoli mixture onto one half of each dough circle.

Step 5: Seal and Prepare for Baking

Fold dough over broccoli mixture.

Crimp edges tightly.

Cut small ventilation slits across the top of each pocket.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Position oven rack in middle position.

Bake pizza pockets for 25-30 minutes.

Rotate baking trays midway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Remove when crusts turn beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow pizza pockets to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven.

This helps filling set and prevents burning mouths.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Best Practices for Pizza Pocket Perfection

• Swap ingredients based on dietary needs or preferences, like using gluten-free dough or plant-based cheese for vegan options.
• Press edges firmly with a fork or fingers to prevent filling from leaking during baking, ensuring a neat and tidy pizza pocket.
• Pat wet ingredients like broccoli dry to avoid soggy dough and maintain a crispy crust texture.
• Rotate baking trays midway to promote even browning and prevent uneven cooking of pizza pockets.
• Use parchment paper or lightly grease baking trays to ensure easy removal and clean-up after baking.

Store Homemade Pizza Pockets

• Store leftover pizza pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate each pocket with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual pizza pockets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness and flavor.
• Restore crispiness by baking frozen or refrigerated pockets at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Place directly on the oven rack for extra crunch.
• For quick reheating, microwave refrigerated pockets for 1-2 minutes, then finish in a preheated oven for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the crust.

Best Matches for Pizza Pockets

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, savory pizza pocket ingredients and cuts through the cheesy filling.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Serve cold Italian craft beer or crisp pilsner to balance the calzone's warm, hearty texture and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Perfect Side Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, fresh contrast against the heavy, cheesy pizza pockets and add brightness to the meal.
• Herb-Infused Dipping Sauce: Create a quick marinara or garlic aioli with fresh herbs like basil and parsley to enhance the calzones' flavor profile and provide an exciting additional taste dimension.

Pizza Pockets Stuffing Options

• Gluten-Free Pizza Pockets: Replace regular pizza dough with gluten-free flour blend or cauliflower crust for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Veggie Pockets: Swap mozzarella and cheddar with plant-based cheese alternatives, use tofu or tempeh instead of pepperoni, and load up with roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
• Mediterranean Inspired Pocket: Fill with crumbled feta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and kalamata olives for a Greek-style version that offers a lighter, herbaceous flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Pizza Pocket: Create a cauliflower-based crust using riced cauliflower, eggs, and cheese as a base, then stuff with low-carb fillings like grilled chicken and mushrooms.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the calzone from leaking?

Seal the edges tightly by pressing with your fingers or using a fork. Make sure there are no gaps or holes when folding the dough over the filling. This creates a secure pocket that keeps ingredients inside during baking.

• Can I freeze these pizza pockets?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap each pocket individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.

• What if I don't have pizza dough?

You can substitute with store-bought refrigerated pizza dough, puff pastry, or even pre-made bread dough. Each will give a slightly different texture but works well for making calzones.

• How do I know when the calzones are fully cooked?

Look for a golden brown crust and crispy edges. The dough should be firm and not doughy. Internal temperature should reach about 165°F, and cheese should be completely melted.

Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Scrumptious homemade pizza pockets bring comfort and flavor straight from your kitchen. Crispy golden pastry encases melted cheese and savory fillings, promising a delightful bite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 refrigerated classic pizza crust (for both variations)
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped broccoli (12 ounces / 340 grams frozen bag, thawed)
• 2 ounces (57 grams) pepperoni slices
• 4 ounces (113 grams) can sliced black olives, drained

Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Prepare the workspace by warming the oven to 375°F (190°C) and arranging racks centrally. Coat two baking surfaces with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
2. Dust a clean surface with flour and partition pizza dough into two equal portions. Gently transform each section into round discs measuring 6-8 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer these discs onto prepared baking trays.
3. Craft classic pizza pockets by evenly distributing tomato sauce across one hemisphere of each dough circle. Layer generously with shredded mozzarella, crisp pepperoni slices, and sliced black olives.
4. Carefully fold the bare dough section over the loaded surface, creating a half-moon shape. Firmly press edges together using fingertips or fork tines to create a tight seal. Delicately score small ventilation slits atop each pocket to release internal steam.
5. For vegetable variation, lightly brush dough with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle italian herb blend. Create a harmonious mixture of chopped broccoli florets blended with sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella cheeses.
6. Distribute broccoli-cheese combination across one side of each dough circle. Fold remaining dough over filling, sealing edges meticulously and creating strategic steam release cuts.
7. Position trays in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Midway through cooking, rotate trays to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent crispness.
8. Remove from oven and allow pizza pockets to rest momentarily, permitting internal temperatures to stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Customize toppings by using leftovers like cooked chicken, ham, or roasted vegetables for variety and reducing food waste.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by preheating a baking stone or using a perforated pizza pan for crispy, evenly cooked crusts.
• Make ahead and freeze unbaked calzones by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, extending meal preparation convenience for busy days.
• Enhance flavor profiles by brushing edges with garlic butter or egg wash before baking to create a glossy, rich golden-brown finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg