If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a warm, crispy parcel bursting with rich pizza flavors, then you are going to adore this Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe. These little pockets are the ultimate comfort food—think of them as portable pizzas with perfectly golden, flaky crusts wrapped around savory turkey pepperoni, bacon, melted cheese, and tender veggies. Whether you need a fun appetizer, a kid-friendly lunch, or freezer-friendly snacks, this recipe makes it all incredibly simple and delicious. Once you try this, it might just become your go-to for pizza cravings on the fly!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is easy because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays its part beautifully to give you that perfect pizza pocket experience. From the dough that puffs up just right to the flavorful fillings that make your taste buds dance, every item is key.
- Fleischmann’s active dry yeast (2 tsp.): Essential for getting that light, airy dough that makes the pockets soft but with a nice chew.
- Warm water (1 1/3 cups): Activates the yeast and helps combine everything smoothly—make sure it’s around 110°F to get the best rise.
- Salt (2 tsp.): Balances flavor perfectly, bringing out the rich notes in both dough and filling.
- Granulated sugar (2 tsp.): Feeds the yeast and helps the crust brown beautifully in the oven.
- Olive oil (1/8 cup): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough’s texture.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/2 cups + extra): The structure builder—adds body to the dough and provides the perfect chew.
- Turkey bacon slices (4-6 strips, cooked): Introduces a smoky, savory layer without overwhelming the palate.
- Turkey pepperoni slices (160 g): Classic pizza flavor with a lean twist, perfect for filling.
- Grated cheese (1 cup): Melts to luscious gooeyness, binding the pocket fillings together.
- Homemade or store-bought pizza sauce (1 batch or amount needed): The zesty tang that makes these pockets scream pizza!
- Veggies of your choosing: Adding sautéed onions and mushrooms makes it hearty and adds a lovely earthiness.
- Egg (1 beaten): Used as an egg wash—this gives the pockets that gorgeous golden and shiny finish.
How to Make Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by mixing your yeast, sugar, and warm water in the bowl of your stand mixer. Give it a gentle stir and then let it sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes until it bubbles up and gets frothy—this tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Once the yeast is bubbly, add salt and olive oil to the mix. Using the dough hook, slowly incorporate flour in half-cup increments on a low mixer setting. You’ll notice the dough comes together but remains slightly sticky—that’s exactly how you want it!
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Lightly coat a large bowl with oil to prevent sticking, then place your dough inside. Cover it up with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise until it doubles in size, roughly an hour depending on your kitchen’s temperature. This rise is crucial for those pockets to become soft and pillowy.
Step 4: Roll and Cut the Dough
Generously flour your countertop and tip the dough out. Knead it a few times until it’s smooth and elastic but not too sticky. Roll it out with a pin, then use a cookie cutter or the rim of a large cup to cut out round shapes—aim for about two dozen. Roll each round out to your desired thinness, but not so thin that they won’t hold their fillings.
Step 5: Assemble the Pizza Pockets
Place a modest amount of your fillings—think turkey bacon, pepperoni, sautéed veggies, cheese, and a dollop of pizza sauce—in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill; less is more for easy sealing! Fold the dough over the filling, then press the edges firmly with a fork to seal well.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Brush each pocket with the beaten egg wash to create that irresistible golden glaze. For an extra touch, sprinkle garlic powder and dried parsley on top if you like. Preheat your oven to 400°F, and bake the pockets on a parchment-lined sheet for about 15 to 20 minutes or until they are beautifully golden and cooked through.
How to Serve Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe
Garnishes
These homemade pockets shine on their own but adding a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a pinch of chili flakes on top just before serving can brighten the flavors and add a lovely fresh contrast. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a little parmesan can elevate them even further.
Side Dishes
Pair your pizza pockets with a crisp green salad or a cool cucumber and tomato salad to balance the richness. Feeling indulgent? Serve with a side of garlic dipping sauce or a warm marinara dip for dunking and lots of smiles around the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange these pockets neatly on a wooden board with small bowls of assorted dips like ranch, spicy mustard, or honey sriracha. They also work wonderfully as a lunchbox addition or party finger food. Try stacking them in a basket lined with colorful napkins for a cozy, inviting look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, place a paper towel underneath the pockets to absorb any moisture and maintain that inviting crisp.
Freezing
This Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe truly shines in its freezer-friendly nature. After assembly but before baking, freeze the pockets individually on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to three months. You can bake them straight from frozen, just add a few more minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat and keep that fantastic crispy crust, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving whenever possible to prevent them from becoming chewy or soggy. A toaster oven works perfectly for single servings.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon in the Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe?
Absolutely! Regular bacon works wonderfully and adds even more smoky richness. Just cook it thoroughly, drain excess grease, and add it to your filling as you would with turkey bacon.
Is it possible to make these pizza pockets vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the meat and load up on your favorite veggies and mozzarella or other cheeses. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach all make fantastic fillings that satisfy just as well.
What type of cheese is best for these pockets?
A good melting cheese like mozzarella is classic, but feel free to mix in cheddar, provolone, or even a little parmesan for extra flavor. The key is to use cheese that melts smoothly to bind everything together deliciously.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
Look for the dough to double in size and become puffy and soft to the touch. If you gently poke it with a finger, the indentation should slowly spring back. This means your yeast has done its job perfectly.
Can I make the dough by hand if I don’t have a stand mixer?
Definitely! Mixing by hand with a sturdy spoon and kneading on a floured surface works just fine. It might take a little extra elbow grease, but the outcome will be just as rewarding.
Final Thoughts
If you want to warm hearts and delight your palate, this Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe is a treasure. It’s fun to make, versatile, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for family meals, snacks, or entertaining friends. Dive in, enjoy the process, and savor the satisfying taste of freshly baked pizza pockets right from your own kitchen. Trust me, these will be on your regular rotation before long!
Print
Homemade Pizza Pockets Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus 1 hour rising time)
- Yield: 24 small pizza pockets
- Category: Snack/Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make homemade pizza pockets that are small, perfect for snacking, and freezer-friendly. These pockets feature a soft, fluffy dough filled with flavorful turkey bacon, pepperoni, cheese, homemade or store-bought pizza sauce, and sautéed veggies. Baked until golden brown, they make a great savory treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 tsp Fleischmann’s active dry yeast (or brand of your choice)
- 1 1/3 cup warm water (approx. 110°F)
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for kneading
Filling
- 4–6 strips turkey bacon, sliced and cooked
- 160 g turkey pepperoni slices
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 1 batch homemade pizza sauce or store-bought
- Vegetables of your choosing (recommendation: 2 small onions thinly sliced, 8 oz sliced mushrooms sautéed in 1 tbsp butter, seasoned with salt and pepper)
Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: garlic powder and dried parsley for seasoning
Instructions
- Activate Yeast and Make Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine yeast, sugar, and warm water. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes until the yeast is bubbly and foamy. Add salt and olive oil, then gradually add flour 1/2 cup at a time on low speed with the dough hook attachment until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil and transfer the dough into it. Cover with a clean cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour, depending on ambient temperature.
- Knead and Roll Dough: Generously flour your work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead briefly until elastic and less sticky. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin. If it sticks, sprinkle flour on top as needed.
- Cut Dough Circles: Use a round cookie cutter or large cup opening to cut out about two dozen small circles from the dough. Reroll scraps and continue cutting until all dough is used. Then roll each small circle thinner to your preferred size.
- Add Filling and Seal Pockets: Place a small amount of turkey bacon, turkey pepperoni, grated cheese, sautéed veggies, and pizza sauce in the center of each dough circle—do not overfill. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and press edges firmly with a fork to seal completely.
- Apply Egg Wash and Season: Brush the tops of each pocket with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color when baked. Optionally sprinkle garlic powder and dried parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Arrange the pizza pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, leaving space between them. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the pizza pockets to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm or freezing for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use caution not to overfill the pockets to prevent leakage during baking.
- The dough can be kept refrigerated or frozen for longer storage before baking.
- Customize the filling with your favorite veggies or meats.
- The egg wash ensures a shiny, golden crust but can be omitted for an egg-free option.
- These pockets freeze well; thaw completely before reheating in the oven or air fryer.
