These Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a fun and tasty treat for kids! With gooey cheese, pepperoni, and a soft dough, they are simple to make and perfect for little hands.
Making these is like playing with your food, and I love that kids can help! Just pop them in the oven, and soon you’ll have golden, cheesy goodness ready to munch. 🍕
Ingredients & Substitutions
Biscuit Dough: This recipe uses refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience. If you prefer, you can also use puff pastry or make your own dough from scratch. Homemade dough may take a little longer, but it can be fresh and tasty!
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives that classic stretchy cheese experience. For a twist, try using cheddar or a cheese blend. Vegan cheese works well too, if you need a dairy-free option!
Pepperoni: Mini pepperoni fits perfectly in these pockets, but you can use diced cooked sausage, ham, or even veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a healthier version.
Pizza Sauce: Store-bought pizza sauce is super easy, but you can make a quick homemade version by mixing canned tomato sauce with Italian herbs. It’s a great way to control flavors!
How Do I Get the Pizza Pockets to Seal Properly?
Sealing the pizza pockets is an important step to keep all the cheesy goodness inside. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure to firmly pinch the edges of the dough after folding. You want a strong seal.
- Using a fork to press down along the edges can add an extra decorated seal and helps make sure it’s secure.
- If the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your hands or the surface to help manage it better.
With these tips, you’ll have perfect pizza pockets every time, ready for the kids to enjoy!
Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets Recipe for Kids
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (8 biscuits)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (or regular pepperoni cut smaller)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce, plus extra for dipping
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, so you’re looking at a total of around 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your pizza pockets will bake evenly. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dough
Take each biscuit from the package and flatten it into a circle about 1/4 inch thick. You can do this with your hands or use a rolling pin if you have one. Make sure they are not too thick, or the filling won’t cook through!
3. Add the Flavor!
On one half of each flattened biscuit, spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce. Be sure to leave some space around the edges. If you like, sprinkle a little Italian seasoning over the sauce for extra flavor!
4. Fill ‘Em Up
Next, add 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese and a few mini pepperoni slices on top of the sauce. You can be creative with your fillings—feel free to add veggies or different kinds of cheese!
5. Seal the Pocket
Carefully fold the biscuit dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly to seal the pocket—this keeps all that gooey cheese and pepperoni inside!
6. Prepare for Baking
Place the filled pockets on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each pocket with melted butter for a golden color, and sprinkle a little garlic powder if desired for added flavor.
7. Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the pizza pockets are golden brown and fully cooked. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
8. Cool and Serve
Let the pizza pockets cool for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. Serve them warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy your tasty creation!
These Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets are a fun, delicious treat that kids can help make and enjoy eating. What a great way to encourage cooking skills!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets
Can I Use Whole Wheat Biscuit Dough?
Absolutely! Whole wheat biscuit dough will add some extra fiber and nutrition. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary slightly from regular dough.
What Can I Substitute for Pepperoni?
There are lots of options! You can use diced cooked sausage, ham, turkey pepperoni, or even veggies like bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
How Should I Store Leftover Pizza Pockets?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through.
Can I Make These Pizza Pockets in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pizza pockets ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. Just note that they might need an extra minute or two in the oven.
