Broccoli & Cheddar Pizza Pockets (Plus Classic Pepperoni!) – The Ultimate Homemade Calzone Recipe

 🥦 Broccoli & Cheddar Pizza Pockets (Plus Classic Pepperoni!) – The Ultimate Homemade Calzone Recipe

If you've been searching for a crispy, golden, flavor-packed meal that satisfies every craving from cheesy to savory, you’ve just hit the jackpot. These homemade pizza pockets—lovingly made in our kitchen for over a decade—are the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and gourmet flavor. Whether you're a fan of the classic pepperoni and mozzarella combo or the elevated blend of broccoli and cheddar, this recipe is a game-changer.

Not only are these pizza pockets easy to prepare, but they’re also a hit with both kids and adults alike. They freeze beautifully, reheat like a dream, and make the ultimate grab-and-go lunch, easy weeknight dinner, or party appetizer.

Let’s dive into why these irresistible pizza calzones have become a beloved staple—and how you can make them perfectly every single time.

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🍕 Ingredients & Their Roles

For the Dough:

Store-bought or homemade pizza dough – This is the base of your pockets. A good pizza dough should be elastic, soft, and bake into a beautifully crispy and chewy shell.

For the Broccoli & Cheddar Filling:

1.5 cups finely chopped broccoli – Adds a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and balances out the richness of the cheese.

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Brings a sharp, bold flavor that pairs beautifully with broccoli.

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds that classic melty, stringy texture and mild, creamy taste.

3 tablespoons olive oil – Keeps the filling moist and adds richness.

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – Infuses the filling with aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.

For the Classic Pepperoni Filling:

Pizza sauce (1 tbsp per pocket) – Tangy and sweet, the perfect base for any pizza flavor.

Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and complements the savory toppings.

Pepperoni slices – A timeless favorite, adding a salty, spicy kick.

Sliced black olives (optional) – Offer a briny contrast that elevates the flavor.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

2. Prepare the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Cut into squares (around 4x4 inches for snack-size, larger for meal-size).

> 💡 Pro Tip: If your dough springs back while rolling, let it rest for 5–10 minutes to relax the gluten.

3. Make the Broccoli & Cheddar Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:

Finely chopped broccoli

Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses

Olive oil

Italian seasoning

Stir until evenly mixed. The olive oil keeps the broccoli tender during baking.

4. Assemble the Broccoli Pizza Pockets

Spoon the broccoli filling onto one half of each dough square. Leave a 1/2 inch border. Fold the dough over to create a triangle or rectangle and press edges with a fork to seal.

5. Assemble the Classic Pizza Pockets

On one half of each square:

Spread 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce

Add mozzarella cheese

Top with pepperoni and black olives (if using)

Fold over and seal tightly.

> 💡 Pro Tip: Use a bit of water or egg wash on the edges before folding to ensure a tight seal and prevent leaking during baking.

6. Bake

Place the pockets on the parchment-lined tray. For extra golden crust, brush the tops with olive oil or an egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tbsp water).

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.

7. Cool & Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to avoid molten cheese burns. Serve with extra pizza sauce for dipping, or your favorite marinara.

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❤️ Why This Recipe Is a Family Favorite

Customizable: Swap in spinach, mushrooms, sausage, or even leftover roasted veggies.

Make-ahead friendly: Assemble and freeze before baking. Just bake from frozen at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

Kid-approved: Both versions are big hits with little ones—and they can help assemble!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Complete your pizza pocket meal with:

A crisp Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad

Garlic knots or roasted potatoes

A side of marinara or ranch dressing for dipping

For a fun twist, serve with a soup like tomato basil or minestrone for a comforting dinner combo.

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🏆 Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Homemade Pizza Recipe

These homemade pizza pockets are the perfect fusion of comfort food and practicality. They come together quickly, use simple ingredients, and deliver BIG on flavor. Whether you go with the savory pepperoni classic or the gourmet broccoli & cheddar combo, you’re guaranteed a meal that everyone will love.

Don’t be surprised if they become a weekly tradition—just like they did in our home.

✅ Easy to make

✅ Freezer-friendly

✅ Customizable & crowd-pleasing

Try this recipe once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought again.

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> Looking for more irresistible homemade classics? Check out our Top 10 Family-Friendly Freezer Me

als and How to Make Perfect Pizza Dough From Scratch next!

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