- Flaky, cheesy, and way better than store-bought
These Homemade Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and perfect for lunches, snacks, or freezer meals. You control the ingredients, the cheese level (extra 😏), and the flavor—no mystery fillings here.
🧾 Ingredients (Makes 6–8 Hot Pockets)
Dough (Choose One)
Option 1: Homemade Dough (Best Flavor)
2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
2 ½–3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
Option 2: Shortcut
Store-bought pizza dough or crescent roll dough
Filling
1½ cups diced ham
1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
For Brushing
1 egg + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash)
Melted butter (optional, for extra flavor)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Dough (Skip if Using Store-Bought)
In a bowl, mix warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Add olive oil, salt, and flour gradually.
Knead until smooth (8–10 minutes).
Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour or until doubled.
2️⃣ Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix:
Diced ham
Shredded cheese
Black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning
Keep filling cold—this helps prevent leaks.
3️⃣ Shape the Hot Pockets
Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C.
Roll dough out and cut into rectangles (about 4 x 6 inches).
Spoon filling onto one half of each rectangle.
Fold over and seal edges with a fork.
Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
4️⃣ Brush & Bake
Brush tops with egg wash
Optional: Brush lightly with melted butter
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
🔥 Air Fryer Option
Air fry at 360°F / 182°C for 10–12 minutes
Flip halfway for even browning
🧊 Freezer-Friendly Instructions
These freeze beautifully!
Assemble but do not bake
Freeze on a tray until solid
Store in freezer bags up to 2 months
To Cook from Frozen:
Oven: 375°F / 190°C for 25–30 minutes
Air fryer: 360°F / 182°C for 14–16 minutes
🌟 Variations You’ll Love
Ham, Cheese & Egg: Add scrambled eggs for breakfast pockets
Spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce
Honey Ham: Drizzle a little honey inside
Extra Cheesy: Add cream cheese to the filling
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Dip in honey mustard or ranch
Serve with tomato soup
Perfect for lunchboxes or game night snacks
✅ Why These Are Better Than Store-Bought
✔ No preservatives
✔ Crispier crust
✔ More filling
✔ Customizable
✔ Kid & adult approved