Preparing homemade hot pockets allows you to easily recreate this handheld meal with your favorite ingredients. Whether you want to craft your own ham and cheddar hot pocket, chicken broccoli and cheddar, or even invent a brand new concoction, this guide will help you master it!

Ingredients Needed

• Pie dough - You can make your pie dough from scratch or buy refrigerated dough from the store. Since hot pockets are traditionally an easy meal, my recipe calls for using refrigerated dough for simplicity, but I will also show you how to make the dough from scratch if desired.
• Shredded cheese - Shredded cheese disperses more evenly than using larger chunks of block cheese.
• Meat - Use your favorite meat such as ham, pepperoni, roast beef, or chicken.
• Egg Wash - I use a mixture of milk and egg for the egg wash, however you can use egg and water, or just egg.

How to make the dough from scratch

If you would rather not use pre-made dough and pride yourself on making it from scratch, have no fear. You can easily do so. You will need the following:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup cold water

Combine the flour, salt, and butter in a large bowl. Then cut the butter into small bits with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembled breadcrumbs. Add the water and work to combine until the dough forms a ball. Kneed the dough briefly then place in the fridge for 1 hour. At this point, the dough is ready to use and you can follow the recipe as written.

How to make hot pockets

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. You want a nice hot oven to quickly brown the dough and warm the interior. Cut your dough into six flattened ovals and fill one side of each with filling. Approximately two tablespoons each of cheese, meat, and pizza sauce (if using) works well.

Fold the dough over the filling to close, and crimp shut. Then whisk together the egg and milk with a fork to create an egg wash. Paint this mixture over the dough.

Set the hot pockets on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. They will be hot, so let them cool at least 5 minutes prior to serving.

Tips and Tricks

• The eggwash is important. It adds a glossy sheen to the dough and a crisper exterior. Don't skip this step.
• You can substitute other forms of dough. Try using biscuit dough, or even make homemade hot pockets with puff pastry instead.

More Hot Pocket Flavors

Here are some more ideas to craft in your kitchen! Each of these can be made following the same recipe. Adjust the filling quantities to fit your tastes.

• Meatballs and Mozzarella - You can use my homemade meatball recipe and roll them extra small, or use frozen meatballs. You will have to pre-cook the meatballs to ensure they are cooked through.
• Philly Steak & Cheese - Slice sirloin extra thin, cook it through, and pile it in your hot pockets with sauteed peppers, onions, and mozzarella.
• Chicken Broccoli & Cheddar - This is a great use for leftover chicken or even a rotisserie chicken.
• Pizza Hot Pockets - Fill the hot pocket with pepperoni, pizza sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Swap out your favorite pizza toppings like Italian sausage or add it with the pepperoni.

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