Pepperoni Pizza Pockets

These pepperoni pizza pockets give me some major nostalgia for the Hot Pockets of the 1980s. Never was there a better after-school snack than a cheesy, pepperoni-filled parcel to eat while watching MTV when it still played videos. If you loved the frozen ones like I did, just wait until you taste these homemade pizza pockets.

The recipe starts with a simple yeast dough that gets filled with everything you love about pizza, including melty cheese, pepperoni and tangy sauce. The irresistible finishing touch is an egg wash brushed on top, which gives you that bakery-style shine and just the right amount of crisp. They make excellent appetizers for a party, an easy dinner or an after-school snack. Recipe contributor Robin Werner from Brush Prairie, Washington, says they’re great for kids and adults alike. The crowd will barely be able to contain their enthusiasm when these come out of the oven looking like puffy, golden brown parcels of joy.

Pepperoni Pizza Pockets Ingredients

• Active dry yeast: Yeast gives your dough life—literally. The main thing to remember about using yeast is the right temperature for the water. Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, then nothing happens. Aim for cozy bathwater vibes.
• Sugar: Sugar feeds the yeast and helps the dough rise. It also adds a subtle balance to the savory filling.
• Butter: Melted butter brings richness to the dough and makes it more tender.
• Salt: Salt prevents the dough from tasting flat. It also helps control the yeast activity, so things don’t get out of hand.
• All-purpose flour: This type of flour adds structure to your dough and creates that soft, chewy texture. Add it gradually so you don’t end up with a brick.
• Pizza sauce: Simple sauce is the classic pizza flavor base that ties everything together. Use store-bought pizza sauce or our easy pizza sauce recipe for a homemade option.
• Turkey pepperoni: Turkey pepperoni brings that familiar, slightly spicy, nostalgic pizza flavor with a little less fat. But you can use regular pepperoni if that’s your thing.
• Mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts into that dreamy, stretchy situation we all want. Shred your own cheese for maximum meltability.
• Egg: The beaten egg is brushed on top to help the pizza pockets turn golden brown and shiny—your secret weapon for a bakery finish.
• Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick on top and creates a crisp top layer.
• Italian seasoning: This Italian blend of herbs is sprinkled as a garnish to add classic pizza aroma to these pockets. It’s like a little sprinkle of nostalgia. Add it inside your pizza pocket as well for even more flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Make the dough

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Add the sugar, butter, salt and 4-1/2 cups flour, then beat until they’re smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.

Step 2: Knead and portion the dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, and knead it until it’s smooth and elastic, about six to eight minutes. Divide the dough into 16 pieces.

Editor’s Tip: If your dough feels too sticky, add a little olive oil to your hands to make it easier to handle. If you add too much flour, you’ll end up with dense pizza dough.

Step 3: Roll and fill the dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll each portion into a 6-inch circle. Place 2 teaspoons of pizza sauce, 6 slices of pepperoni and 1/4 cup of mozzarella on each circle.

Step 4: Seal the pizza pockets

Lightly brush the edge of one circle with egg. Bring the dough over the filling, press firmly, then crimp the seam to seal. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Editor’s Tip: Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra insurance that these remain closed. Plus, it adds a cute, classic look.

Step 5: Bake the pizza pockets

Place the pizza pockets on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush them with egg and sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Bake them until they’re golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Warm the remaining pizza sauce and serve it with the pizza pockets.

Pepperoni Pizza Pockets Variations

• Swap the meat: Use cooked, crumbled sausage instead of pepperoni for a heartier twist. Ham and Canadian bacon are also great options.
• Load up on veggies: Add sauteed mushrooms, peppers or onions for extra texture and flavor. (And I won’t tell if you add pineapple chunks.)
• Change the cheese: Try provolone, cheddar or a blend for a different melt and flavor profile. Each cheese brings its own personality.
• Go dipping wild: Serve the pizza pockets with ranch or garlic dip alongside the pizza sauce. It turns these into a full snack spread inspired by classic pizza recipes.

How to Store Pepperoni Pizza Pockets

Let the pepperoni pizza pockets cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping them in a sealed container helps maintain their texture and prevents them from drying out. These are great for meal prep because they reheat beautifully and still taste like a mini pizza party.

How long will pepperoni pizza pockets last?

Pepperoni pizza pockets will last up to four days in the refrigerator when stored properly. After that, the texture starts to decline, and the pizza pockets lose that fresh-baked magic.

Can you freeze pepperoni pizza pockets?

Yes, you can freeze pepperoni pizza pockets by wrapping the baked, cooled pockets in storage wrap and storing them for up to three months. They’re a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.

How should you reheat pepperoni pizza pockets?

Reheat pepperoni pizza pockets in a 350° oven for 10 to 15 minutes until they’re heated through. The oven helps bring back that crisp exterior. The microwave works if you’re in a hurry, but it softens the texture. If reheating them from frozen, defrost them in the fridge overnight first.

Pepperoni Pizza Pockets Tips

Can you use store-bought dough to make pepperoni pizza pockets?

Yes, you can use store-bought dough to make pepperoni pizza pockets. Look for refrigerated or frozen options at your grocery store for a quick shortcut.

How do you make sure the pizza pockets stay sealed shut?

To keep the pizza pockets sealed, brush the edges with egg and press them firmly before crimping the seams. Using a fork to seal the edges adds extra security and helps prevent leaks.

What can you serve with pepperoni pizza pockets?

Serve pepperoni pizza pockets with anything you might team up with pizza. A salad is the obvious choice, like one of these summer salads or spinach salads. Now that I’m a grown-up, I also like a glass of Chianti with my pizza. But young or slightly older, I always finish off the meal with an ice cream sundae.