Homemade Easy Cheesy Pizza Pockets

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pizza or marinara sauce (thick sauces prevent leaking)
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices (optional but classic)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the pizza pockets from sticking.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and pizza sauce. Be sure to use a thick pizza or marinara sauce to avoid any leakage when baking. If you like, add the mini pepperoni slices to the cheese and sauce mixture for an extra burst of flavor. You can also substitute the pepperoni with other toppings like olives, mushrooms, or cooked sausage, depending on your preferences.
3. Unroll your pizza dough on a clean surface and roll it out into a rectangle. Cut the dough into smaller squares, depending on how large you want your pizza pockets to be. A typical size would be about 3-4 inches per side.
4. Place a spoonful of the cheese and sauce mixture in the center of each square. Be sure not to overfill to prevent the mixture from spilling out while baking. You can add a little extra cheese on top if desired for a cheesy finish.
5. Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket. Pinch the edges together to seal the dough, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a decorative touch and to help keep the pockets sealed during baking.
6. Place the stuffed pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of each pocket with a little olive oil or melted butter for extra crispiness and golden color.
7. Bake the pizza pockets in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling inside. Keep an eye on them toward the end of baking to ensure they don’t burn.