Name: Homemade Pizza Pockets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
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

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Homemade Pizza Pockets

Few dishes bring as much joy to both kids and adults as pizza pockets. These golden, hand-held delights are the perfect balance of crispy crust and gooey, flavorful filling. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack, pizza pockets are a versatile option that can be tailored to your taste buds. Inspired by Italian-American cuisine, they capture the familiar comfort of pizza but in a convenient, portable form.

Pizza Pockets

The best part? You don’t need a pizzeria to enjoy them.this recipe makes it easy to whip up fresh, homemade pizza pockets right in your own kitchen. Picture biting into a flaky crust, followed by the melt of shredded mozzarella, the savory kick of pepperoni, and the tangy richness of pizza sauce. Or maybe you prefer a more comforting veggie option with broccoli, cheddar cheese, and olive oil blended with Italian seasoning. Either way, these fillings wrap beautifully inside classic pizza dough, making every bite a burst of flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a game night, packing school lunches, or simply craving something indulgent yet satisfying, homemade pizza pockets are the solution. They’re customizable, kid-friendly, and freeze well for future meals. In this post, you’ll find everything from a step-by-step guide to nutrition values, FAQs, and even cooking time breakdowns. By the end, you’ll be ready to bake a batch of these delicious pockets that rival any frozen store-bought version.

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.

Recipe Summary

Golden-baked pizza pockets filled with either pepperoni and mozzarella or broccoli and cheddar. Crispy outside, melty inside ,perfect for lunch, dinner, or snacking. Ready in under an hour and customizable for the whole family.

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.

FAQs

Q. Can I freeze pizza pockets?

A: Yes! After baking, let them cool completely. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

Q. Can I make pizza pockets in an air fryer?

A: Absolutely. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. This creates an even crispier crust.

Q. What other fillings can I try?

A: Popular options include: sautéed mushrooms, spinach & ricotta, ham & pineapple, or even leftover rotisserie chicken.

Q. Can I make these gluten-free?

A: Yes, use a gluten-free pizza dough. Check baking times since GF dough tends to cook faster.

Q. Are pizza pockets kid-friendly?

A: Definitely! Kids love customizing their own fillings. Reduce spices for picky eaters, or sneak in veggies with extra cheese.

Q. Can I use homemade dough?

A: Of course. Homemade dough offers richer flavor and texture, though it adds about 1 hour for rising time.

Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe