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    Home » Recipes » Breads & Buns

    Pizza Pockets

    Published: Feb 16, 2022 by Michelle · 16 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    These Homemade Pizza Pockets are a fun and innovative way to enjoy the flavours of pepperoni pizza in a baked bun. They're made in a unique way, with a crosshatch at the top.

    Pizza Pockets on a baking tray.

    What are pizza pockets?

    If you're Canadian, you'll know that pizza pockets are a quintessential childhood snack.

    Basically, it's a round baked bun filled with tomato sauce, pepperoni and cheese that has been frozen and reheated in a microwave.

    What's the difference between "pizza pockets" and "pizza pops?"

    "Pizza Pops" are different than pizza pockets in that "Pizza Pops" are deep-fried and have a half-moon shape, similar to a calzone.

    Why this recipe works

    The dough for these Pizza Pockets is incredibly soft, light and fluffy, based on my tried and true Hamburger Buns recipe.

    If you struggle with adding sauce to calzones, Pizza Waffles, Pizza Hotteok, or buns, I've got your covered with this simple and unique way of shaping the bun.

    These Pizza Pockets are incredibly easy to make, with a few minimal ingredients.

    Pizza Pockets on a baking tray.

    Ingredients you'll need

    You'll need:

    • 1 batch hamburger bun dough: you can use any dough you like, or regular pizza dough
    • sliced pepperoni: I used 4 slices per bun (appx 20g/bun), but you can add more if you like
    • mozzarella cheese: shredded or sliced, however I prefer using sliced as it's easier to handle in the dough (I used about 15g cheese per bun)
    • tomato sauce: you can use store-bought or homemade

    Optional fillings

    As with any pizza, feel free to change up the fillings to your liking.

    Try adding:

    • sliced mushrooms
    • bell peppers
    • onions
    • olives
    • pineapples
    • ham/sausage/other meats
    • other cheeses

    Special equipment you'll need

    • large baking sheet: I used a 13" by 18" aluminum tray
    • parchment paper: for lining the baking sheet, or you can use a silicone mat
    • small clean plastic baggy: or Ziploc bag, for the tomato sauce
    • rolling pin: for rolling out the dough

    A torn open pizza pocket on a speckled plate.
    How to make them

    Make the dough:

    Line a 13" by 18" baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

    Make the hamburger bun dough according to the recipe (Step 1 below).

    Shape the pizza pockets:

    Once the dough has risen, divide it into 10 equal pieces and form into round balls (Step 2 below).

    Take one piece of dough and flatten it with a rolling pin, about 4.5" in diameter (Step 3 below).

    Layer the pepperoni and cheese in the centre of the dough, and pleat to seal the edges (Step 4, 5 & 6 below).

    Place the shaped dough seam-side down onto a lined baking sheet (Step 7 below).

    Repeat with the remainder.

    Step by step instructions on how to make Pizza Pockets, with text overlay.

    Step by step instructions on how to make Pizza Pockets, with text overlay.Step by step instructions on how to make Pizza Pockets, with text overlay.

    Cover the buns with plastic wrap/loose tea towel and leave it to rise in a warm location, until the buns are slightly puffy (about 20-30 minutes, depending on how warm your kitchen is).

    Near the end of the rising time, preheat oven to 375F.

    Once the buns are puffy, use a sharp pair of kitchen scissors to cut the tops of the buns in a "cross" or "x," cutting about ⅔rds of the down (Step 8 above).

    Place the tomato sauce into a little plastic baggy.

    Make a small cut at the corner/tip of the bag to squeeze about 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce into the top of the buns (where you've made the cross or "x.") (Step 11 above)

    Tip: use a small spoon to help push down the tomato sauce so it doesn't overflow.

    Bake the pizza pockets at 375F for 20-22 minutes, or until lightly golden; covering with aluminum foil halfway through (if the tops get too brown) (Step 12 above).

    Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.

    Garnish with chopped parsley (optional) and serve.

    Close up of Pizza Pockets on a baking tray.
    How to serve and store

    Serve the Pizza Pockets freshly baked or at room temperature.

    These Pizza Pockets would be great for lunch or dinner.

    Make miniature ones as a delicious appetizer to go along with Turkey Pepperoni Cheese-Stuffed Breadsticks.

    Store the Pizza Pockets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

    They can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

    To reheat, microwave the buns for 30-60 seconds, until heated through.

    Expert tips & FAQs

    You can fill these Pizza Pockets with anything you like.

    For best results, choose toppings with not too much moisture, or are cooked down first if they release liquid (eg. mushrooms, onions, etc).

    A very wet filling can hinder the buns from rising properly.

    Nestle another piece of cheese on top of the tomato sauce prior to baking for a more cheesy visual.

    Can I use shredded cheese?

    Yes, you can use shredded cheese -- however, I found that using sliced mozzarella cheese is much more easier to handle when wrapping the dough.

    How to tell the dough has finished proofing/rising?

    Use the poke test -- if the dough:

    • the bounces back right away when you poke the dough, it's not ready yet; give it some more time.
    • leaves an indentation and bounces back slowly, it's ready to go.
    • leaves an indentation and doesn't bounce back, it may be overproofed -- time to get it in the oven ASAP.

    Other recipes you may like

    Be sure to check out these recipes:

    Everyday Pizza Dough

    Pizza Waffles

    Mom's Pepperoni Buns

    Peking Duck Pizza with Caramelized Onions & Hoisin Sauce

    Pizza Hotteok

    Hawaiian Pizza

    Braided Tuna Buns

    Let me know if you try out this recipe -- tag me on Instagram @siftandsimmer or leave me a comment/rating below!

    An open Pizza Pocket revealing filling and cheese pull on small plate.

     

    Print Recipe
    5 from 9 votes

    Pizza Pockets

    These Homemade Pizza Pockets are a fun and innovative way to enjoy the flavours of pepperoni pizza in a baked bun. They're made in a unique way, with a crosshatch at the top.
    Prep Time20 mins
    Cook Time22 mins
    Resting Time1 hr 20 mins
    Total Time2 hrs 2 mins
    Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 85kcal
    Author: Michelle

    For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.

    Ingredients

    • 1 batch Hamburger Bun Dough
    • 200g sliced pepperoni (appx 40 slices) 4 slices/bun
    • 150g sliced mozzarella cut into 4 pieces/bun
    • ½ C tomato sauce
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Make the dough:

    • Make the Hamburger Bun dough according to the recipe.
    • Line a 13" by 18" baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

    Shape the pizza pockets: (see post for visual step-by-steps)

    • Once the dough has risen, divide it into 10 equal pieces and form into round balls.
    • Take one piece of dough and flatten it with a rolling pin, about 4.5" in diameter.
    • Layer the pepperoni and cheese in the centre of the dough, and pleat to seal the edges.
    • Place the shaped dough seam-side down onto a lined baking sheet.
    • Repeat with the remainder.
    • Cover the buns with plastic wrap/loose tea towel and leave it to rise in a warm location, until the buns are slightly puffy (about 20-30 minutes, depending on how warm your kitchen is).
    • Near the end of the rising time, preheat oven to 375°F/191°C.
    • Once the buns are puffy, use a sharp pair of kitchen scissors to cut the tops of the buns in a "cross" or "x," cutting about ⅔rds of the down.
    • Place the tomato sauce into a little plastic baggy.
    • Make a small cut at the corner/tip of the bag to squeeze about 1 tablespoon tomato sauce into the top of the buns (where you've made the "cross" or "x.")
    • Tip: use a small spoon to help push down the tomato sauce so it doesn't overflow.
    • Bake the pizza pockets at 375°F/191°C for 20-22 minutes, or until lightly golden; covering with aluminum foil halfway through (if the tops get too brown).
    • Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
    • Garnish with chopped parsley (optional) and serve warm.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 298mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 152IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.

    Did you try this recipe?Mention @siftandsimmer or tag #siftandsimmer!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Healthy World Cuisine

      February 16, 2022 at 11:11 am

      5 stars
      Homemade pizza pockets would be a huge hit at our house. Might have to double the recipe.

      Reply
      • Michelle

        February 19, 2022 at 4:01 pm

        Thanks Bobbi! You're right, my kids keep asking me to make these again!

    2. Raymund | angsarap.net

      February 16, 2022 at 3:22 pm

      5 stars
      Ohhh its a pizza pocket of surprise, yum!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        February 19, 2022 at 4:02 pm

        Super fun to make and eat! 🙂 Thanks Raymund!

    3. Linsey

      February 16, 2022 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      Michelle, these homemade pizza pockets look so cute and fun to make. Your step by step instructions are very easy to follow. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        February 19, 2022 at 4:02 pm

        Thank you Linsey -- glad the instructions are helpful!

    4. 2pots2cook

      February 17, 2022 at 1:17 am

      5 stars
      These wraps are outstanding! We have never packed pizza in such a "hand pie" outfit. Must do !

      Reply
      • Michelle

        February 19, 2022 at 4:03 pm

        They are very popular here in Canada -- you'll have to give them a try, Davorka!

    5. David @ Spiced

      February 17, 2022 at 5:12 am

      5 stars
      These pizza pockets sound delicious, Michelle! I love pizza in all forms, and this sounds like a fun way to mix things up a bit. The cross on top adds for a fun visual appeal, too!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        February 19, 2022 at 4:06 pm

        Thanks David, pizza is always a hit in our house, so these buns disappear fast! 😉

    6. Holly | Beyond Kimchee

      February 18, 2022 at 8:04 am

      5 stars
      Any kids and even adults, of course, would love these pizza pockets. Reminds me of Chinese Char Siu Bao which my family love. So much better than the store bought freezer pockets. Yum!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        February 19, 2022 at 4:06 pm

        Thanks so much Holly!

    7. Kim | Give it Some Thyme

      February 18, 2022 at 5:18 pm

      5 stars
      Oh how I'd snack on these all day long! Love that flavorful pizza filling encased in the perfect pocket of pillowy dough. Definitely on the to-make list!

      Reply
      • Michelle

        February 19, 2022 at 4:00 pm

        Yes, the kids absolutely love these Pizza Pockets! Thanks Kim!

    8. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs

      February 21, 2022 at 3:06 pm

      5 stars
      These pizza pockets look perfect for the girls' lunchboxes! The buns look SO soft!! Cannot wait to give them a try.

      Reply
    9. Ben | Havocinthekitchen

      February 22, 2022 at 3:03 pm

      5 stars
      Ooo these look fun and innovative indeed. And my favorite combination of pepperoni and cheese.

      Reply

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