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Freshly baked homemade pizza pockets resting on unbleached parchment paper over a rustic wooden cutting board, glazed and sprinkled with parsley and oregano.

The Best Homemade Pizza Pockets from Scratch

Master the art of Homemade Pizza Pockets with a thick, golden-brown blistered crust, melted stretchy mozzarella, pepperoni, and rich tomato sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 pockets
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Recipe Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour Extra for dusting.
  • 1 tsp (5g) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) thick red tomato sauce Reduced if too watery.
  • 1.5 cups (150g) low-moisture shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (75g) sliced pepperoni
  • 1 large egg Whisked with 1 tbsp water for the glaze.
  • 1 tsp (2g) dried parsley flakes
  • 1 tsp (2g) dried oregano flakes

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-duty aluminum baking sheet Essential for even heat distribution.
  • 1 Unbleached parchment paper Prevents sticking and ensures a golden bottom.
  • 1 Silicone pastry brush Used to apply the egg wash glaze evenly.

Instructions
 

Making the Homemade Pizza Pockets
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast, letting it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add the olive oil, flour, and a generous pinch of salt, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth. Let rise covered in a warm spot for 1 hour.
  2. Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each into a 6-inch (15cm) circle, ensuring the center is slightly thicker than the edges.
  3. Spoon 2 tablespoons (30ml) of thick red tomato sauce onto the bottom half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch (2.5cm) border. Layer with sliced pepperoni and top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  4. Fold the top half over the filling and crimp the edges tightly with a fork. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush evenly with the egg wash, then immediately sprinkle with dried parsley and oregano flakes. Cut a tiny slit in the top of each pocket.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is a deep golden-brown and slightly blistered. Let rest on a wooden cutting board for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Tip 1: Ensure your tomato sauce is thick; simmer it for 10 minutes beforehand if it looks watery to prevent soggy dough.
Tip 2: Misting the inside of the oven with water right as you insert the baking sheet helps create that authentic blistered crust.
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