Copycat Pizza Hot Pockets

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pizza Filling

• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sliced pepperoni, chopped
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Optional Toppings

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil
• Extra pizza sauce for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
2. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
3. Add olive oil, salt, and flour.
4. Mix until a dough forms.
5. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl.
7. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, combine mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
2. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Keep the pizza sauce separate for assembly.

Step 3: Divide and Roll the Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Punch down the risen dough.
4. Divide it into 8 equal portions.
5. Roll each piece into a rectangle approximately 6 x 8 inches.

Step 4: Fill the Hot Pockets

1. Spread about 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on one half of each dough rectangle, leaving a border around the edges.
2. Add a generous amount of the cheese and pepperoni mixture.
3. Fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket.
4. Press the edges firmly together.
5. Crimp with a fork to seal completely.

Step 5: Apply Egg Wash

1. Whisk together the egg and water.
2. Brush the tops of each Hot Pocket with the egg wash.
3. Cut a small slit in the top of each pocket to allow steam to escape.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and oregano if desired.

Step 6: Bake

1. Arrange the pockets on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. The crust should be puffed and lightly crisp.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the Hot Pockets to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
2. Serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these homemade Pizza Hot Pockets with:

• Caesar salad
• Garlic bread
• Marinara dipping sauce
• Roasted vegetables
• Potato wedges
• Fresh fruit
• Mozzarella sticks

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

• Store cooled Hot Pockets in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

• Freeze individually wrapped Hot Pockets for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes.

Microwave: Heat for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.

Tips for the Best Homemade Hot Pockets

• Don’t overfill the pockets to prevent leaks during baking.
• Seal the edges well using a fork or by pinching tightly.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best texture.
• Let the pockets cool slightly before eating to avoid hot filling burns.
• Add a little Parmesan to the dough for extra flavor.
• Freeze before baking for easy grab-and-go meals.
• Brush generously with egg wash for a beautiful golden finish.

Delicious Variations

Meat Lovers Hot Pockets

Add cooked sausage, bacon, and ham along with the pepperoni.

Supreme Pizza Hot Pockets

Include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives.

Buffalo Chicken Hot Pockets

Fill with shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, and mozzarella.

Hawaiian Hot Pockets

Use ham, mozzarella, and pineapple chunks.

Veggie Pizza Hot Pockets

Fill with spinach, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and cheese.

Nutrition Highlights

These homemade Pizza Hot Pockets offer protein from cheese and pepperoni, carbohydrates for energy, and the convenience of a handheld meal. Making them from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the fillings to suit your tastes.

Filled with melty cheese, savory pepperoni, and rich pizza sauce inside a golden homemade crust, these Copycat Pizza Hot Pockets are a fun, family-friendly favorite that tastes even better than the original.