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Football Pizza Pockets

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Football Pizza Pockets are the perfect game-day snack, packed with gooey cheese, flavorful pizza sauce, and your favorite toppings—all wrapped in golden, crispy dough shaped like footballs! These handheld treats are great for parties, tailgating, or a fun dinner that kids and adults will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for game day – A fun, football-shaped snack that’s great for parties.
  • Easy to make – Uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.
  • Customizable – Add your favorite pizza toppings to make them your own.
  • Great for kids – A fun and interactive snack for little ones to help make.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
  • Pizza sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • Pepperoni (or other favorite toppings)
  • Egg (for egg wash)
  • Flour (for dusting)
  • Olive oil (optional for extra crispiness)
  • Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)

Directions

this recipe
  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pizza dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
  3. Cut Football Shapes: Use a football-shaped cookie cutter or cut out oval shapes with a knife. You’ll need two pieces per pocket.
  4. Fill the Pockets: Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on half of the cutouts, leaving a small border around the edges. Add shredded mozzarella and a few slices of pepperoni.
  5. Seal the Edges: Place another football-shaped dough piece on top, pressing the edges together. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a secure seal.
  6. Add Laces: Cut thin strips of dough and place them on top to resemble football laces.
  7. Brush with Egg Wash: Lightly beat an egg and brush it over the top for a golden finish.
  8. Bake: Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6-8 pizza pockets
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Meat Lover’s: Add sausage, bacon, or ham inside.
  • Veggie Supreme: Use mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives for a vegetarian option.
  • Cheesy Garlic Version: Brush with garlic butter and sprinkle with Parmesan before baking.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked pizza pockets and bake from frozen at 375°F for 18-20 minutes.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 3 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pizza dough?

Yes! Refrigerated or homemade dough both work great.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these?

Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or spicy sriracha mayo are delicious options.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I make the football shape without a cutter?

Use a knife to cut ovals, then shape slightly by hand.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Brush the tops with olive oil or butter before baking.

Can I use crescent roll dough instead?

Yes, but the texture will be softer and fluffier.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes! Make a batch, freeze them, and bake as needed.

Can I add extra cheese?

Of course! Just don’t overfill, or they may leak while baking.

How can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pizza dough or substitute with a gluten-free tortilla.

Conclusion

Football Pizza Pockets are the ultimate game-day snack—crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, making a fun meal for the kids, or just craving an easy pizza-inspired treat, these handheld snacks are sure to be a touchdown. Customize them with your favorite toppings and serve with plenty of dipping sauce for the perfect bite!

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Football Pizza Pockets

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 pizza pockets 1x
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
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Description

These Football Pizza Pockets are crispy, cheesy, and shaped like mini footballs for a fun game-day treat. Made with pizza dough, your favorite toppings, and a golden crust, they’re easy to make and perfect for dipping in marinara sauce!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 package refrigerated pizza dough (or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (mini or chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Optional Fillings

  • Cooked sausage or crumbled bacon
  • Diced bell peppers or mushrooms
  • Black olives or jalapeños

For the “Laces” (Optional Decorations)

  • Thin strips of mozzarella cheese or pizza dough

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Roll out the pizza dough:

    • Lightly flour a surface and roll out the pizza dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
    • Use a football-shaped cookie cutter (or cut by hand with a knife) to make an even number of football-shaped pieces.

  3. Assemble the pizza pockets:

    • Place half of the football-shaped dough pieces onto the prepared baking sheet.
    • Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce on each piece, leaving a small border.
    • Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and add pepperoni (or your desired toppings).

  4. Seal the pockets:

    • Place the remaining football-shaped dough pieces on top.
    • Use a fork to crimp the edges closed.

  5. Add the laces (optional):

    • Cut thin strips of mozzarella cheese or extra pizza dough and arrange them on top in a crisscross pattern to resemble football laces.

  6. Brush & season:

    • Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden crust.
    • Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese (if using).

  7. Bake:

    • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

  8. Serve & enjoy:

    • Let cool slightly, then serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping!

Notes

  • Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Stuff the edges with extra mozzarella for a cheesy crust.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble and freeze before baking for a quick snack later.
  • Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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