Crescent Roll Pizza Pockets: A Simple and Delicious Pizza Alternative

If you’re craving a pizza-inspired snack but want to avoid the carbs and calories of traditional pizza dough, look no further than Crescent Roll Pizza Pockets! These bite-sized pockets are the perfect combination of a flaky crescent roll crust filled with savory marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for meal prep or as a quick snack.

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun dinner idea, or just want something quick and tasty, these Crescent Roll Pizza Pockets will satisfy your cravings while keeping things simple. The best part is you can customize the toppings to suit your preferences, so everyone can enjoy their own personalized pizza pocket.

For more creative pizza-inspired recipes, check out these easy pizza alternatives or explore more ideas for quick snacks like these pizza snacks.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Crescent Roll Pizza Pockets – Easy & Customizable Snack

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 6 pizza pockets 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Crescent Roll Pizza Pockets are a quick and easy snack or dinner idea that takes the classic pizza flavors and wraps them in a golden, buttery crescent dough. With a gooey cheese filling and marinara sauce, these pockets are perfect for any pizza lover. Customize them with your favorite pizza toppings for a fun twist on traditional pizza!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (8-ounce) tube Pillsbury crescent roll dough sheet (using the Crescent Dough Sheet, which doesn’t have perforations, works best)
• ¼ cup marinara sauce, divided
• ½ cup Italian blend cheese, divided (or substitute with shredded mozzarella)
• Grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, for dusting

Optional Additional Ingredients:

• Sliced pepperoni
• Sauteed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers
• Browned Italian sausage
• Any other pizza toppings of your choice

For Dipping:

• Warm marinara sauce

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

• Prepare the dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough sheet onto a flat surface. If using a standard crescent dough, pinch together the perforations to form one large rectangle. If using the crescent dough sheet, simply smooth out the dough into a large rectangle.

• Add the filling:

  • Spread a tablespoon of marinara sauce over the center of each pocket.
  • Sprinkle a generous portion of Italian blend cheese (or mozzarella) over the marinara sauce.
  • Add any optional toppings, such as sliced pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or browned sausage. Be sure not to overfill the dough.

• Seal the pockets: Carefully fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Pinch the edges to seal the filling inside and form a rectangular or square pocket shape.

• Add finishing touches: Sprinkle the tops of the pockets with grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. You can also brush the dough lightly with melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.

• Bake: Place the prepared pizza pockets on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked through.

• Serve: Let the pockets cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

• You can make these pizza pockets ahead of time by assembling them and storing them in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Feel free to customize the fillings based on your preferences—whether you like classic pepperoni, veggie-packed pockets, or a meat-lover’s delight, there are endless possibilities!
• If you’re using any moisture-heavy toppings (like sautéed mushrooms), make sure to drain them well to prevent sogginess in the pockets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Snack, Appetizer, Dinner, Kid-Friendly
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pizza pocket
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Crescent Roll Pizza Pockets

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Dough: Unroll the Pillsbury crescent roll dough sheet onto a clean surface. If using a dough sheet without perforations, roll it out gently to smooth out any creases and make it one large sheet.
3. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread a small spoonful (about 1 tablespoon) of marinara sauce on each dough piece. Be sure to leave space around the edges for sealing. Top with a generous amount of Italian blend cheese (about 2 tablespoons per pocket).
4. Add Toppings: Add any of the optional toppings to each pizza pocket. For a classic experience, try using sliced pepperoni, sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers. You can also add browned Italian sausage for extra flavor.
5. Seal the Pockets: Fold the dough over the sauce, cheese, and toppings, forming a pocket. Press the edges together to seal the pocket completely. Make sure there are no gaps for the sauce to leak out.
6. Bake the Pizza Pockets: Place the pockets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden and cooked through.
7. Add Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, dust the pockets with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Advanced Techniques

While the basic recipe for Crescent Roll Pizza Pockets is easy to follow, there are a few advanced techniques to enhance the flavor and texture of these pockets.

Add More Flavor to the Dough:

To add a savory twist to the dough, brush it with garlic butter before baking. This will infuse the pockets with an aromatic garlic flavor that complements the pizza toppings perfectly. To make garlic butter, simply melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 minced garlic clove, and brush it on the dough before baking.

Use Different Dough Variations:

If you prefer a lower-carb option, you can substitute the Pillsbury crescent dough with a low-carb or keto-friendly dough alternative. Many stores now carry pre-made low-carb dough options that work wonderfully as a base for these pockets. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if needed.

Experiment with Toppings:

Feel free to get creative with your pizza fillings. Try adding sautéed spinach, bacon bits, or even fresh basil to make the pizza pockets more gourmet. The options are endless, so customize to your heart’s content!

Stuff the Pizza Pockets with Cheese:

For a gooey, cheese-filled pocket, add extra shredded mozzarella or string cheese inside the dough before sealing. When baked, the cheese will melt and stretch out as you take a bite, giving you that deliciously cheesy experience.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storage:

If you have any leftover Crescent Roll Pizza Pockets, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing to prevent moisture from building up.

Freezing for Later:

For longer storage, you can freeze these pizza pockets. Place the cooled pockets in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat the pockets in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes, or until crispy and hot. This will help maintain the flakiness of the dough.
• Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, microwave them for 20-30 seconds. While the microwave is quicker, it won’t keep the dough as crispy.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

There are several ways to adapt the Crescent Roll Pizza Pockets recipe to suit different dietary needs or preferences. Here are some options:

Gluten-Free Version:

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can swap out the crescent roll dough for a gluten-free pizza dough or use gluten-free crescent dough, which can sometimes be found in health food stores.

Dairy-Free Version:

To make these pizza pockets dairy-free, swap the cheese with dairy-free alternatives. There are several great options for dairy-free mozzarella on the market that melt well and can be used in place of traditional cheese.

Low-Carb/Keto Version:

For a low-carb or keto version, use a keto-friendly pizza dough or a fathead dough (made from mozzarella cheese, almond flour, and eggs) instead of crescent roll dough. Be sure to also choose a low-carb marinara sauce or make your own to keep the carb count low.

Vegetarian Option:

For a vegetarian option, skip the meat toppings and load up on veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach. These pizza pockets are a great way to get in your daily veggies while enjoying a pizza-inspired snack!

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make Crescent Roll Pizza Pockets in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the pizza pockets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. If you’d like to freeze them, assemble the pockets and freeze them before baking. When ready to cook, bake straight from the freezer for a few extra minutes.

Can I use regular pizza dough instead of crescent roll dough?

Yes, you can use regular pizza dough instead of crescent roll dough. However, crescent dough gives these pizza pockets a unique flaky texture. If using pizza dough, you may want to adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked.

What other sauces can I use besides marinara?

Feel free to experiment with other sauces! You can use pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even ranch dressing as a base for these pizza pockets. The versatility of this recipe means you can create your own unique flavor combinations.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Crescent Roll Pizza Pockets are an easy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of pizza without the hassle of traditional pizza dough. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun snack, or a party appetizer, these pockets are sure to please. Customize the fillings, experiment with different sauces, and enjoy these flaky, cheesy, and savory pizza pockets whenever the craving strikes.