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Delicious DIY Pizza Pockets with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Tomato Sauce Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a fun, tasty, and totally doable snack or meal idea, I have just the thing: Delicious DIY Pizza Pockets with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Tomato Sauce Recipe. These pockets are perfect when you want all the comfort and flavor of pizza but in a portable, hand-held form. Plus, making them yourself means you get to control every ingredient, making them fresher and even yummier than store-bought versions.

What I love most about this Delicious DIY Pizza Pockets with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Tomato Sauce Recipe is how versatile and satisfying it is. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a weekend hangout, or even a kids’ lunchbox, they fit right in. And don’t worry—this recipe uses a simple dough made with just flour and Greek yogurt, which means it’s super easy to whip up even if you’re not a baking pro.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe works together to build a wonderfully balanced pizza pocket. The dough, made from flour and Greek yogurt, is soft yet sturdy enough to hold all that melty cheese and savory pepperoni without getting soggy. Let’s talk through what you’ll need and why these choices make all the difference.

  • Flour: This is the backbone of your dough—plain all-purpose flour works wonderfully. You want a moderate protein content so the dough’s soft but with some chew.
  • Greek Yogurt: It adds moisture and a slight tang to the dough, and the protein helps create a tender texture without needing yeast.
  • Baking Powder: Essential for giving the dough its rise, making the pockets puff up lightly and stay fluffy.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it! Also balances the tang from the yogurt.
  • Shredded Mozzarella: I like whole milk mozzarella because it melts beautifully, but low-moisture works too for less liquid.
  • Pepperoni Slices: You can adjust the amount based on how meaty and spicy you want your pockets. I prefer classic pepperoni for that smoky flavor.
  • Tomato Sauce: Choose a simple, savory tomato sauce—homemade or store-bought. Don’t use too watery a sauce to avoid sogginess.

Variations

I absolutely encourage playing around with this recipe to suit your tastes and what you have in the fridge. I often tweak the filling depending on the season or my craving that day. It’s your pizza pocket—it should be as unique as you are!

  • Vegetarian Version: Swap the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers. I once made these with caramelized onions and they were out of this world.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the tomato sauce or toss some jalapeño slices inside the pockets. It gives a fantastic heat without overwhelming.
  • Whole Wheat Dough: For extra nutrition, try substituting whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour. It adds a lovely nuttiness but might make the dough a bit denser.
  • Cheese Variations: Mix in some sharp provolone or parmesan with the mozzarella. It amps up the flavor and adds delightful complexity.
  • Mini Party Pockets: Make bite-sized pockets for appetizer spreads. Perfect for sharing at casual get-togethers!

How to Make Delicious DIY Pizza Pockets with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Tomato Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Simple Dough

Start by combining your flour, baking powder, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Mixing those dry ingredients really helps distribute everything evenly. Then, add your Greek yogurt and stir together until you get a shaggy dough. I like to use my hands here—it’s easier to feel when the dough comes together. If it feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour, but don’t overdo it. The dough should be soft, slightly tacky, but manageable.

Step 2: Roll and Shape the Dough

Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough out into a rectangle or circle about 1/4 inch thick. Don’t stress about perfect shape; these are rustic and charming! Cut the dough into squares or circles, depending on your preference. I usually make about 6-8 medium-sized pockets from this batch.

Step 3: Fill ‘Em Up

Place a spoonful of tomato sauce onto the center of each dough piece, followed by shredded mozzarella and a few pepperoni slices. I usually don’t overload these because too much filling can make sealing tricky and the pockets soggy. Keep it balanced and delicious!

Step 4: Seal and Bake

Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket and press the edges firmly together. If needed, use a fork to crimp the edges for a tight seal. Place the pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and puffed up. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are nicely browned and you can smell that wonderful pizza aroma.

How to Serve Delicious DIY Pizza Pockets with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Tomato Sauce Recipe

Delicious DIY Pizza Pockets with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Tomato Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

While these pockets are perfect on their own, I love sprinkling some fresh basil or oregano on top when they come out of the oven—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. A little drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil just before serving takes things up a notch too.

Side Dishes

Pair your pizza pockets with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpoint. Or throw together some roasted veggies or even sweet potato fries for a heartier meal. I often like carrot sticks and cucumber slices for a quick crunch on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or kids’ lunches, I’ve served these in colorful paper cupcake liners or stacked them in a fun tiered tray. You can also cut them into smaller triangles for bite-sized snacks paired with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or even a spicy mayo. Presentation definitely amps up the fun factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These pizza pockets keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I find they maintain their flavor and texture, though the crust softens a little—which can be fixed with reheating.

Freezing

Freezing is a total game changer here. After baking and cooling completely, I wrap each pocket individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to a month, meaning you have delicious snacks or meals ready at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually unwrap the pocket and warm it in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, which crisps up the outside nicely while melting the cheese inside again. The microwave works in a pinch but can make the dough chewy or soggy, so if you have time, the oven is best.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the dough ahead of time for this pizza pockets recipe?

    Absolutely! You can mix the dough, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling and filling. This actually can make the dough easier to work with and enhance the flavor slightly.

  2. What can I use instead of pepperoni?

    If you’re not a fan of pepperoni or need a vegetarian option, try sliced olives, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted veggies for a tasty alternative. You can also swap for cooked sausage or ham if you prefer.

  3. How do I avoid soggy pizza pockets?

    Use a thicker tomato sauce or drain excess liquid before filling. Also, avoid overfilling the pockets, and be sure to seal the edges very well to keep moisture inside without leaking.

  4. Can I make these gluten-free?

    Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking and check the baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may differ slightly, but the recipe adapts nicely.

  5. How long do these pizza pockets last once baked?

    Once baked, store them in the fridge and consume within 3 days for best taste and texture. Freezing extends their life up to a month.

Final Thoughts

I’m honestly so happy to share this Delicious DIY Pizza Pockets with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Tomato Sauce Recipe because it’s one of those meals that brings so much joy with very little fuss. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your family, or a crowd, they’re delicious, comforting, and fun to eat. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple it is to bring a little homemade pizza magic to your kitchen anytime you want.

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Delicious DIY Pizza Pockets with Mozzarella, Pepperoni, and Tomato Sauce Recipe

  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 68 pizza pockets 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This recipe for DIY Pizza Pockets combines a simple homemade dough with a classic pizza filling to create a delicious, handheld snack that’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. The dough is made with flour, Greek yogurt, baking powder, and kosher salt, providing a tender and slightly tangy base. Filled with shredded mozzarella, sliced pepperoni, and tomato sauce, these pockets are baked until golden and melty inside.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 3 cups Flour
  • 3 cups Greek Yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Baking Powder
  • 2 tsp Kosher Salt

For the Filling

  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella
  • 1 cup Pepperoni, sliced
  • 1 cup Tomato Sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of baking powder, and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Stir to blend the dry ingredients evenly. Add the 3 cups of Greek yogurt gradually and mix until a dough forms. Knead lightly until smooth and combined.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking.
  3. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, divide the dough into equal portions. Roll each portion out into a circle or square approximately 6 inches in diameter and about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Add the Filling: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on half of each rolled dough piece. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the sauce, then top with sliced pepperoni evenly.
  5. Seal the Pockets: Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket. Press the edges firmly together to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges to prevent leaking during baking.
  6. Bake the Pizza Pockets: Place the pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the pockets to cool for a few minutes after baking to let the filling set and prevent burns. Serve warm for the best taste.

Notes

  • You can substitute pepperoni with other fillings like vegetables or cooked sausage for variety.
  • If you prefer a crispier exterior, brush the dough with olive oil before baking.
  • The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking or frozen for up to a month.
  • Make sure the dough edges are sealed well to avoid leakage of the filling during baking.

Keywords: pizza pockets, homemade pizza pockets, Greek yogurt dough, easy pizza recipe, handheld pizza, snack recipe

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