Kamil Perry
The ham and cheese hot pocket is a popular snack, often enjoyed straight out of the oven or microwave. It is a type of sandwich with a filling of ham and cheese enclosed in dough, which is then baked until golden brown. The dough can be made from scratch or using refrigerated crescent dough, and the filling can be customised with different flavours of ham and varieties of cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Ham, cheese, dough, egg wash, natural smoke flavor, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, margarine, sugar, modified food starch, vegetable oil, maltodextrin, salt, whey, dough conditioner blend, calcium sulfate |
| Nutritional Information | 9 grams of protein per serving |
| Preparation Method | Cut dough into 8 pieces, flatten each into a rectangle, place ham and cheese on one side, fold dough over, seal edges, bake |
| Baking Time | 20-25 minutes or until golden brown |
| Baking Temperature | 375°F |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Ham and cheese hot pocket ingredients
Ham and cheese hot pockets are a delicious snack, and they are even better when made at home. You can use healthier, fresh ingredients and avoid the highly processed ingredients found in frozen, store-bought hot pockets.
The dough is the most important part of the hot pocket. You can make it from scratch using a simple pizza dough recipe or use refrigerated crescent dough. If you want to make the dough yourself, you will need flour, yeast, and olive oil or pure cow ghee. You can also add an egg to brush over the top of the hot pocket before baking to give it a golden sheen. Once you have made the dough, let it rise for about an hour, then cut it into eight pieces.
Flatten each piece of dough into a rectangle, about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. Place the ham and cheese on one side of the dough, and fold the other side over to enclose the filling. You can use any type of ham and cheese you like, but a natural smoke flavor added to the ham will mimic the flavor of a store-bought hot pocket.
Pinch the edges of the dough to seal in the filling, and use a fork to crimp the edges. You can also cut 2-3 slits in the top of the dough to create air vents and prevent the hot pocket from bursting while baking. Bake the hot pockets for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the tops are golden brown.
The Unique Flavor of Stracciatella Cheese
You may want to see also
How to make a ham and cheese hot pocket
Ham and cheese hot pockets are a delicious snack, perfect for a quick, comforting meal. They are also surprisingly easy to make at home, and you can adapt the recipe to your liking. This recipe will show you how to make a healthier version of the classic hot pocket, with simple, fresh ingredients.
First, make your dough. You can use pre-made, refrigerated crescent dough, or make your own from scratch. If you want to make your own, a simple recipe is to use flour, malted barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. Mix and knead the dough, then let it rise for about an hour.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and, using a sharp knife, slice the dough in half, then slice each half into quarters. You should have 8 pieces, and each should be flattened into a rectangle, roughly 6 inches by 4 inches.
Now it's time to add the filling. Place your chosen cheese and ham onto one side of the rectangle, and fold the other side over to enclose the filling. You can add mustard, mayonnaise, or another sauce to the filling if you like. Seal the edges of the dough by pinching them together and use a fork to crimp the edges.
Brush the tops and sides of the pocket with an egg wash to help it brown and give it a sheen. Cut 2-3 slits in the top of the dough for air vents, and it's ready to bake! Place the pockets onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Be sure to rotate the baking sheet once or twice during the bake.
And that's it! You can adapt this recipe by changing the filling to your liking, and you can even freeze and reheat the hot pockets for an easy, tasty snack whenever you want.
The Unique Taste of Eidar Cheese
You may want to see also
Nutritional information
Ham and cheese hot pockets are a convenient snack option, but they may contain unknown or undesirable ingredients. By making them at home, you can control the ingredients used and ensure they are healthier and tastier.
The nutritional information for homemade ham and cheese hot pockets will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. However, some common ingredients and their nutritional values can be estimated. For instance, the dough is typically made from wheat flour, which provides carbohydrates and protein, as well as minerals like iron, folic acid, and B vitamins. The ham offers protein and minerals such as zinc and selenium, while the cheese adds calcium, protein, and healthy fats.
The type of cheese used can significantly impact the nutritional profile of the hot pockets. For example, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, as used in some commercial hot pocket products, has a different nutritional profile than regular cheddar cheese due to its lower fat content. Additionally, the dough-making process can be customized to suit dietary preferences, such as substituting cow ghee for olive oil, as mentioned in one recipe.
When making the dough from scratch, instant yeast, such as Red Star Platinum Yeast, can be used to improve the quality and volume of the dough. This ensures a better texture and taste in the final product. The dough is typically cut into 8 pieces, with each piece flattened and filled with ham and cheese before being sealed and baked.
While the nutritional information for homemade ham and cheese hot pockets will vary, they can be a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and various minerals, depending on the ingredients used. Making them at home allows for customization and control over the nutritional content, ensuring a healthier and more satisfying snack option.
Romano Cheese: A Pungent, Sharp-Smelling Italian Treat
You may want to see also
Explore related products
History of the ham and cheese hot pocket
The history of the ham and cheese hot pocket begins with the invention of Hot Pockets themselves. Hot Pockets were invented by Jewish Iranian brothers Paul and David Merage, who immigrated to the United States from Tehran. In 1977, the brothers founded Chef America Inc. with the goal of creating a portable sandwich that would retain its crispness after being microwaved. Three years later, in 1980, they debuted their first creation, the Tastywich. After some recipe tweaking, the Tastywich was renamed, and Hot Pockets were officially born.
Over the years, Hot Pockets have undergone several changes and improvements. In 2002, Chef America was sold to Nestle, which led to further enhancements in the ingredients. In 2013, the company updated the ingredients to include premium meats, real cheese sourced from dairy farms in Wisconsin, freshly baked bread, and made-from-scratch sauce. This shift towards higher-quality ingredients reflected a growing consumer preference for more natural and premium food options.
The ham and cheese Hot Pocket, in particular, has become a popular variety. It is made with refrigerated crescent dough, filled with ham and cheese, and often includes mayonnaise and mustard to enhance the flavor. The dough is separated into rectangles, and the filling is placed on one half before being folded over and sealed with a fork. These hot pockets are then baked in the oven until golden brown.
Today, Hot Pockets remain a beloved convenience food, especially among young people and college students. They have become synonymous with quick, tasty meals that can be easily prepared in a microwave, making them a staple in the fast-paced lifestyles of many individuals. The ham and cheese variety is a favorite among those who crave the familiar comfort of melted cheese and savory ham enclosed in a crispy, flaky pocket.
Manouri Cheese: A Mild, Creamy, and Buttery Taste
You may want to see also
Ham and cheese hot pocket alternatives
Ham and cheese hot pockets are a delicious snack, but you might be looking for something a little different. Here are some alternatives to the classic ham and cheese hot pocket:
Different fillings
The beauty of hot pockets is that you can fill them with almost anything. Try a chicken, broccoli, and cheese filling by mixing 2 cups of chopped cooked broccoli, 1 cup of chopped cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken), 1 cup of shredded cheese, 2 tablespoons of sour cream or plain yogurt, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Or, if you're a fan of spicy food, experiment with a jalapeño and sausage filling. You can also make garlic knots, pepperoni pizza rolls, and cheesy breadsticks with the same dough.
Different dough
While the classic hot pocket uses refrigerated crescent dough, you can experiment with different types of dough to change up the texture and taste. Try using homemade pizza dough for a more rustic feel, or go for a lighter, flakier dough like puff pastry.
Cold alternatives
If you're looking for a no-cook option, try a wrap instead of a hot pocket. You can fill a tortilla with ham, cheese, and your choice of condiments, roll it up, and eat it as is. This is a great option if you're on the go or don't have access to an oven.
Vegetarian options
For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the ham with sliced tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to add more flavor. Try a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan, or go for a stronger-tasting cheese like gorgonzola or feta.
Leftover dough ideas
If you have leftover dough, you can make fried scones or Utah scones. You can also use the dough to make garlic knots, or even sweet treats like cinnamon rolls or doughnuts.
Hog Head Cheese: A Visual Guide to This Delicacy
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The ham and cheese hot pocket is a rectangular, flaky, pocket sandwich with a crispy, buttery crust.
The ham and cheese hot pocket has ham and cheese on one side, which is then folded over and enclosed in dough. The ham is typically sliced, and the cheese is folded.
A ham and cheese hot pocket is approximately 6 inches long and 4 inches wide.
