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Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets

Cooking with Kids· Kid Friendly· Leftovers· Main Courses· Poultry and Pork· Real Food· Sandwiches and Wraps

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Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets: Ham and cheese are enveloped in a soft hot pocket–perfect for dipping! Ditch store-bought and serve up these Homemade Hot Pockets for a family-friendly meal or a perfect on the go lunch.  

Hot Pocket with Ham and Cheese on plate

This post is sponsored by BJ’s Wholesale Club, but as always, my opinion is 100% my own. 

I have a confession to make. I ate Hot Pockets in college.

I was in desperate need of some quick and easy meals I could make right in my dorm room, and when I saw Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets, I thought it was a good idea. Just microwave and eat.

I must tell you, I did not love store-bought hot pockets. In fact, I rarely have them another thought, until I made my own version at home.

Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets

After a trip to BJ’s to pick up some DELI meat and cheese for school lunches, I had the idea to make Ham and Cheese Calzones for lunches instead of just sandwiches.

And that is exactly what I did–but when my husband came home and grabbed a warm ham and cheese calzone off the cooking sheet, he said, Wow, these are really good Homemade Hot Pockets.

Flashbacks of college and dorm room hot pockets were dancing in my head. And I made a face of disgust but then realized I actually LOVED Homemade Hot Pockets.

But regardless of what you call these ham and cheese pockets, the soft dough wrapped around salty ham and creamy cheese is irresistible–and of course homemade tastes a heck of a lot better than anything you find in the freezer aisle.

With the bargains found at BJ’s Deli Counter, you can make these Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets for pennies a piece. And of course you could also use any Deli meat or cheese your family likes. BJ’s carries a large selection.

How To Make Homemade Hot Pockets

Deli Ham and Cheese next to pizza dough

Steps One: Make Pizza Dough

I use my homemade pizza dough, but 1-pound store bought dough works as well.

Step Two: Roll Out Pizza Dough into Hot Pockets

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into about an 8-inch oval.

Step Three: Fill Hot Pocket with Ham and Cheese

Evenly divide ham and cheese between ovals, placing on center of bottom half of oval.

Step Four: Form Hot Pockets

Fold the dough over, creating a crescent shape and using your fingers or the prongs of a fork, tightly seal the edges of the “hot pocket”–just like you would for a calzone.

Step Five: Cut Slits in Hot Pockets

Place the hot pockets onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or that is well greased.  Cut 2-3 slits across the top of each hot pocket to allow steam to escape while baking.

Step Five: Bake Hot Pockets

Bake for 12-15 minutes, until dough is nicely golden brown.

How to Make Pretzel Hot Pockets

There is something magical about a hot pretzel. And when you pair a warm pretzel with ham and cheese, magic really happens!

Homemade pretzel dough is just as easy as homemade pizza dough. The recipe for the dough remains the same, there is just one additional step needed to turn ordinary dough into pretzel dough.

After your hot pockets have been assembled, instead of brushing them with an egg wash and placing in the oven, you need to parboil your hot pockets in water that has been “seasoned” with baking soda. The baking soda creates a reaction in the dough, to give it the distinctive pretzel flavor.

How to turn pizza dough into pretzel dough

  • Prepare Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets up to step filling and sealing the homemade hot pockets.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Once the water has come to a boil, turn the stove off and stir in ¼ cup baking soda into the water.
  • Gently place each hot pocket into the water bath, one at a time, just until coated with the mixture.
  • Remove hot pocket from water bath with slotted spoon and place on parchment lined baking sheet.
  • Sprinkle with salt.
  • Cut 2-3 slits in each hot pocket.
  • Bake as directed.

How to Freeze Homemade Hot Pockets

I highly suggest making a large batch of these Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets and freezing them for a quick dinner or to pack for lunches.

To Freeze Hot Pockets:

  • Place fully cooked hot pockets on a baking sheet and place in freezer.
  • Freeze until outside is solid–30-60 minutes.
  • Place frozen Hot Pockets in freezer safe bag for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Homemade Hot Pockets

If your Hot Pocket is frozen:

  • To Heat in Microwave: Place in microwave for 2 minutes. Let cool 2-3 minutes before eating.
  • To Heat in Oven (preferred Method): Place on baking sheet and place in 400-degree oven for 12-15 minutes.

If you Hot Pocket has been refrigerated:

  • To Heat in Microwave: Place in microwave for 45 seconds. Let cool 1-2 minutes before eating.
  • To Heat in Oven (preferred Method): Place on baking sheet and place in 400-degree oven for 5-8 minutes.

How to Pack Hot Pockets for Lunch

Taking a homemade ham and cheese Hot Pocket to school or work is a great option for a filling lunch. You have several options as to how to take pack them in lunches.

  • If your office/school has a microwave, place a homemade hot pocket (frozen or from fridge) wrapped on wax paper in a lunch bag with an ice pack. Heat the hot pocket right on the wax paper in the microwave and then enjoy.
  • If you don’t have access to a microwave, heat hot pocket in the morning before leaving for school or work. Place in thermos and your hot pocket will be warm and ready for your lunch.
  • If you like your hot pockets room temperature, heat hot pocket in morning before leaving for school or work. Pack warm hot pocket in lunch container along with an ice pack (this keeps the hot pocket from developing bacteria) while sitting in a locker or at an office desk.
  • Grab an apple and Homemade hot pocket and your lunch is complete.

Ham and Cheese Hot Sandwich wrapped up in parchment paper with apple

Notes on Homemade Hot Pockets

  • I used BJ’s Deli Ham and Cheese slices for these homemade ham and cheese hot pockets, but you can also use leftover ham if you have it.
  • Colby Jack Cheese was my family’s preferred cheese for this, but Swiss, cheddar, and provolone are all good options.
  • I love to make homemade pizza dough for to use for hot pockets–but store bought pizza dough works as well.
  • To make EGG FREE Hot Pockets, either prepare these as Pretzel Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets, or brush with olive oil before baking instead of the egg wash.

More Recipes using Ham

 

Ham and Cheese Hot Pocket Recipe

I would love to know how you enjoy this recipe! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know. Or snap a picture and tag @amindfullmom on Instagram and hashtag it #amindfullmom

Hot pocket next to baking sheet of ham and cheese calzones
5 from 5 votes
Print

Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets

Ham and Cheese are baked into a homemade hot pocket for a salty, cheesy, savory perfect hand-held meal or on the go lunch. 

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Ham and Cheese Pretzel Calzone
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8
Calories 322 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe homemade pizza dough or store bought dough
  • 1 pound Wellsley Farms Deli ham slices
  • 1/2 pound Wellsley Farms Deli colby jack cheese slices

For Baked Ham and Cheese Hot Pretzels

  • 1 egg

For Pretzel Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets

  • Water for boiling 4 cups
  • ¼ cup baking soda
  • kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 

To Assemble Hot Pockets

  1. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into about an 8 inch oval.
  2. Evenly divide ham and cheese between ovals, placing on center of bottom half of oval. Fold the dough over, creating a crescent shape and using your fingers or the prongs of a fork, tightly seal the edges of the "hot pocket."

For Pretzel Hot Pockets

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water has come to a boil, turn the stove off and stir in ¼ cup baking soda into the water. Gently place each hot pocket into the water bath, one at a time, just until coated with the mixture.

  2. Cut 2-3 slits across the top of each hot pocket to allow steam to escape while baking.

  3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until dough is nicely golden brown.

For Baked Homemade Hot Pockets

  1. Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water and brush each hot pocket with the egg wash. Cut 2-3 slits on top of each hot pocket to let steam escape while baking. 

  2. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until dough is golden brown. 

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

  • I used BJ's Deli Ham and Cheese slices for these homemade ham and cheese hot pockets, but you can also use leftover ham if you have it.
  • Colby Jack Cheese was my family's preferred cheese for this, but Swiss, cheddar, and provolone are all good options. 
  • I love to make homemade pizza dough for to use for hot pockets--but store bought pizza dough works as well. 
  • To make EGG FREE Hot Pockets, either prepare these as Pretzel Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets, or brush with olive oil before baking instead of the egg wash. 
Nutrition Facts
Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets
Amount Per Serving
Calories 322 Calories from Fat 135
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 47mg 16%
Sodium 1686mg 70%
Potassium 280mg 8%
Total Carbohydrates 28g 9%
Dietary Fiber 5g 20%
Protein 19g 38%
Vitamin A 5.7%
Calcium 21.9%
Iron 10.4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Comments

  2. These look amazing and your step by step instructions make it easy (easy enough that I think I can even do it!) Thanks!

    Reply

  3. Love the “made with real food” aspect! That, and the delicious pretzel crust! These looks so amazing, you’re right that they’ll catch some jealous glances! I was the same when I was young — I didn’t eat most of the things my school friends did. That’s just fine, and glad your son thinks so, too! Great recipe!

    Reply

    • Thanks Patricia–start them young with “real food” they tend to appreciate it–as long as you make fun things like this 🙂

      Reply

  7. Pretzel hot pockets!!!! Genius. These must have scored you a lot of points with Tate and all the family!!!! My family would eat these so fast and be looking for more! Great job Kristen!

    Reply

  11. Funny how our food preference totally shape our children’s. I hate peas to this day because my mom does. We never had them. I know it will be the same for my daughter too. In a way I am happy for exposure from others but also want to make sure healthy choice are key. DIY versions are so fun to try out. Love this one!

    Reply

    • As long as healthy eating goes on at home, I am sure your kids will catch on to healthy eating!

      Reply

  12. If I wanted to double this recipe would I just double everything? Well everything but the water and baking soda at the end? I have tried doubling recipes in the past and had some issues. Thanks

    Reply

    • Hi Kerry! Great question. Doubling recipes can be tricky at times. You should be able to double the dough for this recipe just fine though. So you would use 5 cups flour (all whole wheat, all all-purpose, or mixture of both) 1 teaspoon salt, 5 tsp yeast and 2 cups water. The process will remain the same. I hope you enjoy 🙂

      Reply


  16. OK my house loves hot pockets! I have never thought of this but it sounds so easy & fun to make. I am sure you could even do pepperoni and cheese. Awesome!

    Reply


  17. I can’t believe it took me this many years to try making hot pockets at home. These are so tasty and easy. A family favorite now that I’m sure we’ll be making on a regular basis! Yum!

    Reply

  18. Hi Kristen, Thanks for your wonderful recipes. I am confused with this one though. The recipe says to use pizza dough, but then there are so many comments about pretzel dough. There is a link to your pizza dough recipe but I didn’t see a link to a pretzel dough recipe. I watched the video a few times because it looks like a wonderful dough you are making, but I can’t tell if you are making pizza dough or pretzel dough. (I don’t have sound on so maybe you say it). And I can’t tell whether your machine in the video is a mixer or a food processor. It looks like a food processor but there are no instructions in the printed recipe for a food processor, just mixer or bread machine. If you have a chance I’d love your help, as I would really like to try this recipe. Thanks so much!

    Reply

    • Hi Elizabeth! Sorry for the confusion. First, I am using a mixer–it does look like a food processor, but just an open mixer 🙂 Secondly, I have included recipes for how turn pizza dough INTO pretzel dough if desired. Pretzels are made by placing the pizza dough quickly into a solution of warm water that baking soda has been dissolved into before baking. So you can make these hot pockets just with plain pizza dough or take the extra step to enjoy as pretzel hot pockets. Hope that helps.

      Reply


  19. Made these last night and they were delicious. Was in a rush so used store bought pizza dough and did the baked method. Did half with ham and cheese (put mustard right in them as I thought hubby might take in car to dd’s basketball game. Did the other half as pepperoni pizza pockets. We all loved them and I will make again. I found snipping with kitchen shears was easier than cutting slits. Thanks again! Right now the family naps while we await your instant pot lasagna.

    Reply

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