Kid-Friendly Recipe: Homemade Pizza Pockets

Three girls having fun making pizza

Looking for a fun and interactive way to involve the whole family in meal preparation? Try making homemade pizza pockets! This kid-friendly recipe is delicious and allows everyone to get creative with their toppings. Here's how to make them: 

Ingredients: 

- 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough 

- 1/2 cup pizza sauce 

- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 

- Assorted toppings: pepperoni slices, diced bell peppers, sliced olives, tomatoes, cooked sausage, etc. 

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. 

2. Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a clean, floured surface. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into rectangles of your desired size (approximately 4x6 inches). 

3. **Add toppings:** On one half of each dough rectangle, spread a spoonful of pizza sauce, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce, then add your favorite toppings. 

4. Fold and seal: Carefully fold the other half of the dough over the toppings to create a pocket. Use your fingers or a fork to press the edges firmly together, sealing the pockets shut. Make sure they are well-sealed to prevent the toppings from leaking out during baking. 

5. Bake: Place the pizza pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. 

6. Serve and enjoy: Remove the pizza pockets from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping, if desired. Enjoy! 

 

Patricia Esparza, RDN is a Registered Dietitian with the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. She earned her Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from Viterbo University and is a Licensed Dietitian. Patricia has a wide variety of experience in clinical dietetics and public health nutrition. Her own journey with health and wellness, has fueled her passion for nutrition education to build healthier communities.