Name: Pizza Pocket Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base; 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced garlic; 1 1/4 cups milk; 1 egg; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 cup cold butter; 1/3 cup ricotta cheese; 1/3 cup marinara sauce; 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup melted butter; Dried parsley

If you’re craving a snack that captures all the cheesy goodness of pizza but in a perfectly portable package, you have to try this Pizza Pocket Recipe. It’s like a little bundle of flavor heaven with a tender, savory crust filled with ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella that all come together to make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re making these for a party, a quick lunch, or to satisfy a pizza craving without the hassle of slicing a pie, these pockets are bound to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds a collection of clear glass and white dishes arranged neatly, showing cooking ingredients. At the center, a medium clear glass bowl is filled with white flour, its texture soft and powdery. Above it, a small glass bowl contains a raw egg with bright yellow yolk and translucent whites. To the right of the egg, there is a clear glass measuring cup filled with white milk. Next to the milk, a small bowl with light yellow minced garlic sits. Below that, a similar sized bowl holds finely shredded pale yellow cheese. To the bottom right, another small glass bowl contains a mustard-yellow paste. On the left side of the flour bowl, a white plate holds four different dried herbs in small piles, showing dark green and brown colors. Smaller clear glass bowls with white salt and baking powder sit nearby. A stick of butter wrapped in blue and white paper is placed above the flour bowl. The overall look is clean and organized, with a light and fresh feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Pizza Pocket Recipe lies in its beautifully simple ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the aromatic herbs that infuse the crust with flavor, to the rich, creamy fillings that give every bite a cheesy, saucy punch. Keeping the ingredient list straightforward means anyone can whip these up without any fuss!

Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle depth of savory flavor that blends perfectly with the herbs.
Fresh minced garlic (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the dough with a fragrant, appetizing aroma.
Milk (1 1/4 cups): Gives the dough softness and moisture for a tender crust.
Egg (1): Helps bind the dough and adds richness.
All-purpose flour (3 cups): The essential base for the dough’s structure and texture.
Grated parmesan cheese (3/4 cup): Brings a salty, umami kick to the crust.
Baking powder (4 1/2 teaspoons): Ensures a soft, fluffy dough with a slight rise.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the flavors perfectly throughout the dough.
Dried rosemary (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a piney herbal note that complements the cheese.
Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Classic pizza herb that enhances the overall flavor.
Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an earthy, slightly floral dimension.
Dried basil (1/4 teaspoon): Brings that warm, sweet herbaceousness typical of Italian dishes.
Cold butter (1/2 cup): Creates a flaky, tender crust when incorporated properly.
Ricotta cheese (1/3 cup): Offers creamy richness inside the pocket.
Marinara sauce (1/3 cup): A tangy, flavorful tomato base for the filling.
Shredded mozzarella (3/4 cup): Melts beautifully to give you that gooey cheese pull in every bite.
Melted butter (1/2 cup) and dried parsley (for crust seasonings): Brush on the baked pockets for a glossy, herb-kissed finish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Pizza Pocket Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Liquid Mixture

Start by heating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. While the oven warms, whisk together the Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base, minced garlic, milk, and egg in a measuring cup or bowl. Setting this liquid mixture aside allows the flavors to meld and prepares you for mixing the dough ingredients later.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend your flour, parmesan cheese, baking powder, salt, and the lovely dried herbs—rosemary, oregano, thyme, and basil. This aromatic blend will infuse the crust with those irresistible Italian flavors that make every pizza pocket burst with character.

Step 3: Cut the Butter Into the Flour Mixture

Chop the cold butter into chunks and use a fork to blend it evenly into the flour mixture. The goal is a crumbly texture with small, consistent lumps of butter sprinkled throughout. This technique is what creates a tender, flaky crust, so take your time and enjoy the hands-on part of the process.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Pour the liquid mixture into the flour and butter blend, stirring gently until a loose dough ball forms. It should feel dry enough to handle without being too sticky or shiny. This is where your dough’s texture starts to come alive!

Step 5: Knead and Roll Out the Dough

Sprinkle a little flour on your countertop to prevent sticking and gently knead the dough by folding and turning it about ten times. The trick is to work quickly to keep the butter cold and the dough intact. Then, roll it out to a half-inch thick rectangle with a rolling pin or a straight-sided glass for an even surface.

Step 6: Cut and Shape the Dough Circles

Using a 2-1/2 inch round cookie or biscuit cutter dusted with flour, cut out circles from your dough. Thin the centers of these circles slightly by pressing down with your fingers; this leaves the edges a bit thicker, perfect for sealing in the filling without leaks.

Step 7: Prepare the Filling and Assemble

In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with marinara sauce. Then, place your dough circles onto a cookie sheet, spooning a rounded teaspoon of the ricotta-marinara filling onto each one, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. Fold each circle in half and press the edges firmly together, either with a fork or your fingers, to seal the pockets tightly.

Step 8: Bake and Finish

Bake your pizza pockets in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes until the crust turns light golden brown. As soon as they come out of the oven, brush each with melted butter and sprinkle dried parsley over the top for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful finish.

How to Serve Pizza Pocket Recipe

A tan baking tray holds twelve small round dough pieces arranged in a grid over four rows, each about cookie size; the top row shows three flat dough circles, each topped with a small amount of orange filling in the center and a few thin shredded white cheese strips, while the next three rows display nine half-moon shaped dough pockets sealed along the edges with fork marks and some filling slightly visible at the seams. A silver fork touches one of the dough pockets in the bottom right area of the tray. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth partially visible at the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of dried parsley and a brush of melted butter elevate these pockets to something special. For a fun twist, try topping with a little grated parmesan or a drizzle of extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping, perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Side Dishes

Serve your pizza pockets alongside fresh garden salad, crunchy carrot sticks, or even a bowl of tangy coleslaw. These sides complement the rich, cheesy pockets beautifully, balancing flavors and textures for a well-rounded meal or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your pizza pockets on a rustic wooden board paired with small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, pesto, or spicy red pepper sauce. You can even stack them pyramid-style for a fun party platter that invites everyone to grab and enjoy their own cheesy treasure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days and still taste great when reheated.

Freezing

This Pizza Pocket Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled pockets in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pockets can be stored for up to two months, making them a convenient make-ahead snack or meal option.

Reheating

Reheat the pockets in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes or until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as you want to preserve that flaky crust and melty cheese texture.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour in this Pizza Pocket Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, though the texture may be slightly different. Experiment with your favorite gluten-free flour mix to get the best results. Keep an eye on moisture levels and add a little extra milk if needed.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

If you don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese or cream cheese can be great alternatives. Just make sure to blend cottage cheese well to achieve a smooth filling similar to ricotta’s creamy texture.

Is it possible to make these vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian as written. To keep it strictly vegetarian, just ensure the bouillon base you’re using doesn’t contain meat extracts, or substitute with a vegetable bouillon instead.

Can I add other fillings or toppings?

Definitely—get creative! You can add pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the filling mix. Just keep fillings relatively dry so the dough seals well and doesn’t get soggy.

What is the best way to seal the pockets?

Using a fork to press down the edges creates a nice decorative seal and helps keep the filling inside while baking. Make sure to press firmly but gently, so the dough sticks together without tearing.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza Pocket Recipe is such a wonderful way to enjoy all the classic flavors of a pizza in a handheld, fun-to-eat form. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to gatherings where you want to wow your friends with something homemade and delicious. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how quickly these tasty pockets disappear once they’re out of the oven!