There’s something truly comforting about homemade hot pockets—warm pockets of melted cheese wrapped around tender ham, all encased in a crispy golden crust. I love making these because they bring back memories of cozy afternoons and simple, satisfying meals.
One afternoon, I decided to bake these from scratch. The smell of buttery crust baking and cheese melting filled the kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to taste that first bite. The crust was flaky with just the right crunch, and the filling was perfectly gooey and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love It:
– Crispy golden-brown crust with flaky edges you can see and feel
– Warm, gooey mozzarella cheese paired with tender deli ham
– Mild marinara sauce adds just the right touch of flavor without overpowering
– Made from scratch with simple ingredients you probably have on hand
– Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack that feels homemade and special
Simple and straightforward to prepare, these hot pockets bake up beautifully in under 30 minutes. You’ll love how the crust comes together with just flour, butter, cold water, and salt—no shortcuts needed.
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Homemade Hot Pockets
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Golden-brown hot pockets baked with a crispy crust and filled with tender deli ham, shredded mozzarella cheese, and mild marinara sauce.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 deli ham slices
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup mild marinara sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt.
Cut in cold unsalted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add cold water, mixing until dough forms a ball.
Divide dough into 4 equal portions and roll each into a 6-inch circle on a floured surface.
Place 2 slices of deli ham on one half of each dough circle.
Top ham with 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons mild marinara sauce.
Fold dough over filling and press edges firmly to seal, creating a half-moon shape.
Place hot pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 25 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
FAQ:
Q: Can I make these ahead of time and reheat?
A: Absolutely! Store cooled hot pockets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.
Q: How do I keep the crust from getting soggy when storing leftovers?
A: Let the hot pockets cool completely before storing, and reheat in the oven or toaster oven to refresh that crispy texture.
Ready to enjoy homemade hot pockets that taste better than anything store-bought? Save this recipe, print it out, and get baking!