Homemade Pizza Pockets

Recipes

Homemade Pizza Pockets

Enjoy these delicious homemade pizza pockets with two flavorful options: Classic Pizza Calzone and Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Calzone. Perfect for a family meal or a fun cooking project!

Ingredients

For the Classic Pizza Calzone:

  • 1 refrigerated classic pizza crust
  • ½ cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 oz pepperoni slices
  • 1 (4 oz) can sliced black olives, drained

For the Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese Calzone:

  • 1 refrigerated classic pizza crust
  • ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1½ cups finely chopped broccoli (from a 12 oz frozen bag, thawed)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Position the oven racks in the middle.
  • Grease two baking trays or line them with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Dough

  • On a lightly floured surface, divide each pizza crust into two halves, making four pieces in total.
  • Roll out each half into a circle approximately 6-8 inches in diameter.
  • Place two dough circles on each prepared baking tray.

3. Assemble the Classic Pizza Calzones

  • Spread pizza sauce over half of each dough circle designated for the classic calzones.
  • Top with shredded mozzarella, pepperoni slices, and black olives.
  • Fold the empty half of the dough over the fillings to create a pocket.
  • Seal the edges by pressing with your fingers or a fork.
  • Cut a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape.

4. Assemble the Broccoli & Cheddar Calzones

  • Brush olive oil over the dough circles for the broccoli calzones.
  • Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
  • In a medium bowl, mix the chopped broccoli with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
  • Spoon the broccoli mixture onto half of each dough circle.
  • Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
  • Cut a few small slits on top for steam to escape.

5. Bake the Calzones

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, swapping the trays halfway through for even cooking.
  • Check for a golden brown and crispy crust.
  • Remove from the oven and let the calzones cool slightly before serving.

Serving Tips

  • Serve Warm: Enjoy the pizza pockets while they’re warm for the best taste and texture.
  • Pair with Dips: Offer marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy sriracha mayo on the side.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
  • Slice for Sharing: Cut into smaller pieces for easy handling, especially for kids or party guests.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to retain crispiness.
  • Freezing: Allow the pizza pockets to cool completely. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  • Reheating from Frozen: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake frozen calzones for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Reheating from Refrigerated: Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.

Enjoy your homemade pizza pockets! They’re a delightful treat that’s easy to customize and perfect for any occasion.