Imagine tender, homemade pastry filled with gooey melted cheese and delicious ham. This recipe for homemade ham and cheese pockets offers exactly that - a delightful combination of flavors and textures that's perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or even a simple dinner. The process is straightforward, and the result is well worth the effort.
Most of the ingredients used in this recipe are common pantry staples. The red star platinum yeast is a high-quality baking yeast that is often used in bread recipes. It's a little more expensive than regular yeast, but it gives the dough a better rise and makes it more tender. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, feel free to use any active dry yeast.
Ingredients for Homemade Ham and Cheese Pockets
Red star platinum yeast: This is a type of active dry yeast used in baking. It helps in leavening the dough.
Warm water: Used to activate the yeast.
All purpose flour: The base for making the dough.
Granulated sugar: A small amount is used to feed the yeast, helping it to activate.
Olive oil: Adds moisture to the dough.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
Egg: Used for egg wash to give the pockets a golden-brown color.
Cheese: Gives a rich and creamy taste.
Deli ham: Adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
One reader, Bartlet Gabel says:
I recently tried the homemade ham and cheese pockets recipe and it was a hit! The pockets turned out golden brown and delicious, with the perfect combination of ham and cheese. The dough was soft and fluffy, and the recipe was easy to follow. I'll definitely be making these again!
Essential Techniques for Making Homemade Ham and Cheese Pockets
How to prepare the dough: Combine the yeast and warm water in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Let it sit until foamy, then add flour, sugar, olive oil, and salt. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, then allow it to rise until doubled in size.
How to shape the dough: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and slice it into quarters. Flatten each piece into 6x4-inch rectangles and transfer them to the baking sheets.
How to assemble the pockets: Place the cheese and ham on one side of the flattened dough, then fold the other side over the top. Pinch the edges to seal and use a fork to crimp the edges.
How to bake the pockets: Brush the tops and sides of each pocket with egg wash, then slice 2 to 3 slits in the tops for air vents. Bake the pockets for 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees F, or until the tops are golden brown.
How to serve: Remove the pockets from the oven and allow them to cool on the pan until ready to handle and serve.
How To Make Homemade Ham & Cheese Pockets
These ham & cheese pockets come with homemade bread stuffed and baked into delicious golden pockets. Also a great make-ahead snack!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2¼tspred star slatinum yeast,1 stard packet
- 1⅓cupswarm water,about 110 degrees F
- 3½cupsall purpose flour,spoon & leveled, plus more for work surface
- 1tbspgranulated sugar
- 2tbspolive oil
- ¾tspsalt
- 1largeegg,beaten with 1 tbsp milk
For Filling:
- 8slicescheese,or 2 cups shredded
- 16slicesdeli ham,or 2 cups cubed ham
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, combine the yeast and warm water.
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Stir it around and let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy. If the yeast doesn’t dissolve or foam, the yeast is dead. Start again with active yeast.
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Add flour, sugar, olive oil, and salt. Mix by hand or with the dough hook at low speed for 1 minute. Once all of the ingredients are mixed, slowly knead for 7 minutes by hand or with the dough hook on low-medium speed.
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If the dough is too wet, add up to ¼ cup more flour. After kneading, the dough should be smooth and elastic.
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Poke it with a finger. If it slowly bounces back, the dough is ready to rise. If not, keep kneading.
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Shape the dough into a ball and place in a large mixing bowl that has been greased lightly with olive oil. Turn it over to coat all sides.
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Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm environment (about 75 or 80 degrees F) for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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Once risen, punch the dough down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife, slice dough in half. Then slice each half into quarters to have 8 pieces of dough.
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Flatten each piece to 6×4-inch rectangles with fingers or a rolling pin. Transfer flattened dough to the baking sheets.
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Place the cheese and ham (2 slices for each) on top of the dough on one side, then fold the other side over top. Pinch the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
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Brush the tops and sides of each pocket with egg wash, then slice 2 to 3 slits in the tops for air vents (use a super sharp knife to do that).
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Bake the pockets for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Make sure to rotate the baking sheet once or twice during bake time.
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Remove pockets from the oven and allow to cool on the pan until ready to handle and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 452.50kcal
- Fat: 18.88g
- Saturated Fat: 7.82g
- Trans Fat: 0.33g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.59g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.54g
- Carbohydrates: 46.32g
- Fiber: 2.51g
- Sugar: 1.81g
- Protein: 22.92g
- Cholesterol: 83.73mg
- Sodium: 832.61mg
- Calcium: 215.72mg
- Potassium: 259.95mg
- Iron: 3.31mg
- Vitamin A: 83.64µg
- Vitamin C: 2.24mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Your Ham and Cheese Pockets
When preparing your ham and cheese pockets, it's important to ensure the dough is properly kneaded and risen. This will result in a softer, fluffier pocket. Also, when sealing the pockets, make sure to pinch the edges firmly. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during the baking process. Lastly, don't forget to cut slits on top of the pockets before baking. These act as vents, allowing steam to escape and preventing the pockets from bursting open.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prepare the dough: Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment to knead the dough, saving time and effort.
Prep ahead: Make the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before using it to assemble the pockets.
Use pre-sliced ingredients: Opt for pre-sliced cheese and deli ham to cut down on prep time.
Batch preparation: Double the recipe and freeze the extra pockets for a quick and convenient meal option later.
Uniform shape: Roll out the dough into a rectangle and use a pizza cutter to create evenly sized pieces for the pockets.
Efficient assembly: Set up an assembly line to fill and seal the pockets, streamlining the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Ham & Cheese Pockets Recipe
red star platinum yeast - Substitute with active dry yeast: Active dry yeast can be used as a substitute for instant yeast, but it may need to be dissolved in water before using.
warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can be used as a substitute for water to add richness and flavor to the dough.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative, but it may result in a denser texture.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener and adds a subtle flavor to the dough.
olive oil - Substitute with butter: Butter can be used as a substitute for olive oil to add richness and a slightly different flavor to the dough.
salt - Substitute with garlic salt: Garlic salt can add a savory flavor to the dough, enhancing the overall taste.
large egg - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a vegan alternative to eggs and adds moisture to the dough.
cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese can be used as a dairy-free alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
deli ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ham, providing a similar smoky flavor.
Presenting Your Delicious Creation
- Elevate the flavor profile: Incorporate a blend of high-quality cheese and ham to enhance the savory and rich taste of the pockets.
- Artful plating: Arrange the ham and cheese pockets on a pristine white plate, ensuring they are neatly aligned and visually appealing.
- Garnish with finesse: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the pockets for a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
- Accompany with a dipping sauce: Serve the ham and cheese pockets with a side of warm marinara sauce or a zesty mustard for an added layer of flavor.
- Elevate with a side salad: Pair the pockets with a vibrant arugula and tomato salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, indulgent pockets.
- Incorporate a touch of elegance: Place the ham and cheese pockets on a sleek, modern serving platter to showcase the culinary craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Ham and Cheese Pockets
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the ingredients and kneading the dough for the ham and cheese pockets.
Stand mixer: A stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment can be used to mix and knead the dough for the pockets, making the process easier and more efficient.
Baking sheets: Baking sheets are necessary for baking the ham and cheese pockets in the oven.
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These are used to line the baking sheets and prevent the pockets from sticking during baking.
Sharp knife: A sharp knife is needed for slicing the dough and creating air vents in the pockets before baking.
Pastry brush: A pastry brush is used to apply the egg wash on top of the pockets before baking, giving them a golden brown color.
Fork: A fork is used to crimp the edges of the pockets, sealing in the filling before baking.
Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap is used to cover the dough while it rises, creating a warm environment for the yeast to do its work.
Rolling pin: A rolling pin can be used to flatten the dough into rectangles for the ham and cheese pockets.
Large mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is used to allow the dough to rise in a warm environment before shaping and baking the pockets.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Ham and Cheese Pockets
Allow the ham and cheese pockets to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or losing their crispy texture.
To store the pockets in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the pockets, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped pockets in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Frozen ham and cheese pockets can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated pockets, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For frozen pockets, you can either thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed above, or reheat them directly from frozen. To reheat frozen pockets, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Alternatively, you can reheat the pockets in the microwave, but they may lose some of their crispy texture. To microwave, place the pocket on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Ham and Cheese Pockets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover ham and cheese pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted. This method will help restore the crispiness of the crust while ensuring the filling is hot and gooey.
If you prefer a softer crust, wrap each pocket loosely in aluminum foil before placing them on the baking sheet. This will prevent the crust from becoming too crispy while still heating the pockets thoroughly.
For a quick reheat, use your microwave. Place the pockets on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-60 seconds, depending on the strength of your microwave and the number of pockets you're reheating. Be aware that microwaving may result in a softer crust.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your homemade ham and cheese pockets. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the pockets in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For a stovetop method, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly brush the pockets with olive oil or butter to help crisp up the crust. Place the pockets in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through.
Interesting Trivia About Ham and Cheese Pockets
Ham and cheese pockets are a versatile dish that can be customized with various fillings such as vegetables, different types of cheese, or even pepperoni.
Is Making Ham and Cheese Pockets at Home Cost-Effective?
The homemade ham and cheese pockets recipe is a cost-effective option for households. The ingredients, including cheese and deli ham, are commonly found at affordable prices. The versatility of the recipe allows for variations in fillings, making it adaptable to budget constraints. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, depending on the brand and quality of ingredients used. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering its affordability, ease of preparation, and delicious outcome.
Are Homemade Ham and Cheese Pockets Healthy or Unhealthy?
This homemade ham and cheese pocket recipe, while delicious, leans towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The dough is made with all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain options
- The filling consists of processed deli ham and cheese, which are often high in sodium, saturated fat, and preservatives
- The pockets are brushed with an egg wash, adding extra cholesterol to the dish
However, with a few tweaks, this recipe can be made healthier without sacrificing taste:
- Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Opt for low-sodium, nitrate-free deli ham and reduced-fat cheese to minimize salt and saturated fat intake
- Instead of brushing the pockets with an egg wash, use a light coating of olive oil to achieve a golden-brown finish
- Incorporate some finely chopped vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, into the filling for added vitamins and minerals
- Serve the pockets with a side salad or vegetable-based soup to round out the meal and boost overall nutrient density
By making these adjustments, you can transform these ham and cheese pockets into a more balanced and nourishing option that still satisfies your cravings for a savory, handheld snack.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Homemade Treat
The homemade ham and cheese pockets recipe is a delightful and versatile dish. The dough is beautifully soft and flavorful, and the filling of cheese and ham adds a delicious savory touch. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. The pockets bake to a golden brown perfection, creating a delightful aroma that will surely entice anyone nearby. This recipe is a wonderful option for a quick and satisfying meal, and the pockets can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them perfect for any occasion.
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Why trust this Homemade Ham & Cheese Pockets Recipe:
This recipe guarantees delicious ham and cheese pockets that are perfect for any occasion. The dough is made with red star platinum yeast for a light and airy texture, and the filling features gooey cheese and savory deli ham. The step-by-step instructions ensure a foolproof result, and the use of high-quality ingredients like olive oil and all-purpose flour guarantees a flavorful and satisfying meal. Trust this recipe for a delightful and comforting homemade treat that will surely impress your family and friends.
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