Ham & Cheese Pockets Recipe

Puff pastry: A light, flaky dough that becomes wonderfully crisp when baked. It is usually found in the frozen section of the supermarket.

Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham adds a savory, meaty flavor to the pockets. You can choose your preferred type of ham.

Cheese: Cheddar cheese is recommended for its sharp flavor and good melting properties, but you can use any cheese you like.

Egg: Beaten egg is used to brush the tops of the pockets, giving them a beautiful golden brown color when baked.

When working with puff pastry, ensure it remains cold to achieve the best results. If the pastry becomes too warm, it can become difficult to handle and may not puff up properly during baking. To keep it cool, work quickly and consider chilling the pastry in the refrigerator for a few minutes if it starts to soften. Additionally, use a sharp knife or a pastry cutter to cut the pastry into rectangles to avoid compressing the layers, which can hinder the puffing process.

• puff pastry - Substitute with crescent roll dough: Crescent roll dough provides a similar flaky texture and is often easier to find in stores.

• ham - Substitute with turkey slices: Turkey slices offer a leaner option and have a similar texture and flavor profile.

• ham - Substitute with roast beef slices: Roast beef slices provide a different but complementary flavor, adding a richer taste to the pockets.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts well and offers a milder flavor that pairs nicely with various meats.

• cheddar cheese - Substitute with Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory elements of the dish.

• beaten egg - Substitute with milk: Milk can be used to brush the pastry for a golden finish, though it won't provide the same binding properties as an egg.

• beaten egg - Substitute with butter: Melted butter can also be brushed on the pastry to achieve a golden-brown color and add a rich flavor.

• Allow the ham & cheese pockets to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the pastry soggy.
• Place the cooled pockets in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
• For freezing, wrap each pocket individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This ensures they remain fresh and prevents freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped pockets in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat thawed pockets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the ham & cheese pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melty.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes if you want a crispier exterior.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the ham & cheese pockets directly on the toaster oven rack or on a small baking sheet.
  3. Heat for 10-12 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't over-brown.
  4. For extra crispiness, use the toast function for the last 2 minutes.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the ham & cheese pockets on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
  4. If not heated through, continue in 30-second intervals until warm.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the ham & cheese pockets in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even heating.
  4. Check for crispiness and heat for an additional 1-2 minutes if necessary.

• Stovetop Skillet Method:

  1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Place the ham & cheese pockets in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  4. Heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the pastry is crispy.
  5. Use a spatula to press down gently for even heating.

• Grill Method:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
  2. Wrap the ham & cheese pockets in aluminum foil.
  3. Place them on the grill and close the lid.
  4. Heat for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.
  5. Unwrap and grill for an additional 2 minutes if you prefer a charred exterior.

• Oven: Used to bake the ham and cheese pockets at 400°F (200°C) until they are golden brown.

• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the puff pastry on a floured surface to achieve the desired thickness.

• Knife: Needed to cut the puff pastry into 8 rectangles.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the puff pastry.

• Baking sheet: Used to place the prepared pockets on for baking.

• Pastry brush: Utilized to brush the tops of the pockets with beaten egg for a golden finish.

• Mixing bowl: Holds the beaten egg for easy access when brushing the pastry.

• Whisk: Used to beat the egg until it is well mixed.

• Measuring cup: Helps to measure the flour for dusting the surface before rolling out the puff pastry.

• Spatula: Assists in transferring the filled and sealed pockets onto the baking sheet.

Prepare the filling: Pre-slice the ham and cheese to save time when assembling the pockets.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Batch processing: Roll out and cut all the puff pastry rectangles at once to streamline the process.

Preheat the oven: Start preheating your oven before you begin assembling to ensure it's ready when you are.

Seal efficiently: Use a fork to quickly press and seal the edges of the pockets for a tight closure.