Homemade Hot Pockets

Homemade Hot Pockets are an easy and cheesy alternative to store-bought snacks. Perfect for lunches, quick dinners, or meal prep, these pockets are made with a simple yeast dough and stuffed with classic pizza fillings like pepperoni, mozzarella, and cheddar. Customize the fillings to your liking, and enjoy a warm, delicious treat anytime!

INGREDIENTS

• Warm water: 1 cup, for activating the yeast.
• Granulated sugar: 1 tbsp, to feed the yeast.
• Active dry yeast: 1 tbsp, to make the dough rise.
• Olive oil: 1 tbsp, for dough flavor and elasticity.
• All-purpose flour: 2 1/4 cups (plus extra for dusting), to form the dough base.
• Salt: 1 tsp, to enhance flavor.
• Pizza sauce: 3/4 cup, for a classic pizza taste.
• Pepperoni: 1/2 cup (quartered) or diced ham, for a savory filling.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, for gooey goodness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup, for extra cheesiness.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Combine warm water, granulated sugar, and active dry yeast in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2:

Add olive oil, flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.

Step 3:

Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, adding extra flour if necessary. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for 30 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Step 4:

Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 5:

Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a circle about the size of your hand.

Step 6:

Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce onto each dough circle. Add pepperoni, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese to the center of each.

Step 7:

Fold the dough in half over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal.

Step 8:

Place the filled pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve hot pockets warm for the best flavor and texture. Pair them with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.

Helpful Notes

• Feel free to experiment with fillings like spinach and feta, chicken and buffalo sauce, or sausage and peppers for variety.
• Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent filling from leaking during baking.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Brush the tops of the hot pockets with olive oil or melted butter before baking for an extra golden finish.
• Use high-moisture mozzarella cheese for a gooey and stretchy filling.

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