Homemade Hot Pockets are the ultimate customizable snack or meal. Made with soft, freshly prepared dough and filled with classic pizza ingredients like sauce, pepperoni, and cheese, these hot pockets are perfect for any time of day. Bake a batch for lunchboxes, quick dinners, or freezer-friendly meal prep.

Homemade Hot Pockets
Homemade hot pockets | Recipesbyclare.com

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.
Homemade Hot Pockets
Homemade Hot Pockets | recipesbyclare.com