Homemade Ham & Cheese Pockets
Try this Homemade Ham & Cheese Pockets recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Homemade Ham & Cheese Pockets recipe, or contribute your own.
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 pocket (0g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, combine the yeast and warm water. Stir it around and let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy. If the yeast doesn't dissolve or foam, your yeast is dead. Start again with active yeast.
- Add flour, sugar, olive oil, and salt. Mix by hand or with the dough hook on low speed for 1 minute.
- Once all of the ingredients are mixed, slowly knead for 7 minutes by hand or with your dough hook on low-medium speed. If your dough is too wet, add up to 1/4 cup more flour.
- After kneading, your dough should be smooth and elastic. Poke it with your finger - if it slowly bounces back, your dough is ready to rise. If not, keep kneading.
- 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.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm environment (about 75°F or 80°F/24°C or 27°C) for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- 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. You'll have 8 pieces of dough.
- Flatten each piece with your fingers or use a rolling pin. You want each piece of flattened dough to be about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide.
- Transfer flattened dough to the baking sheets.
- Place the cheese (I fold the slice in half) 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 as best you can. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
- Brush the tops and sides of each pocket with egg wash, then slice 2-3 slits in the tops for air vents.
- Bake the pockets for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Make sure to rotate the baking sheet once or twice during bake time.
- Remove pockets from the oven and allow to cool on the pan until ready to handle and serve.
- Make ahead tip: The pockets can be made through step 4 then covered and refrigerated for up to 1 day. Then bake as directed. You can also freeze the baked pockets. After the pockets cool, wrap them individually in aluminum foil and freeze. Then microwave for 2-3 minutes on high or bake at 350°F (177°C) for 20 minutes. No need to thaw.
Homemade Ham & Cheese Pockets: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between early morning school runs, demanding deadlines at the office, and the never-ending cycle of laundry and dinner prep, finding time for anything beyond the bare essentials feels like a luxury. Yet, I've always believed that even in the midst of chaos, a home-cooked meal can bring a sense of calm and connection. That's why I've perfected this recipe for Homemade Ham & Cheese Pockets – a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious solution for busy weeknights.
These aren't your average ham and cheese sandwiches. Oh no, these are elevated. They're warm, comforting, and packed with flavour. The soft, fluffy dough perfectly complements the salty ham and tangy cheese, creating a symphony of tastes in every bite. The best part? They're surprisingly simple to make. Even on my busiest days, I can whip up a batch of these pockets in under an hour (and that includes the rise time!). This recipe has become my go-to when I need a quick, satisfying, and kid-approved meal that feels a million miles away from a rushed, processed dinner.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – provolone, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorites. Add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for an extra boost of nutrients. If you have leftover cooked chicken or turkey, that works wonderfully too! The possibilities are endless. I often double the recipe and freeze half the baked pockets for those days when even 30 minutes in the kitchen seems impossible. Just pop them in the microwave or oven, and voila! A warm, delicious meal is ready in minutes.
More than just a recipe, this is a time-saver, a stress-reliever, and a testament to the power of creating something delicious and nourishing even amidst a hectic schedule. It's a reminder that even when time is short, taking a little time to prepare a home-cooked meal is always worth it.
Beyond the practical aspects, these pockets evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. They remind me of simpler times, of lazy Sunday afternoons spent baking with my grandmother, of the joy of sharing a warm, delicious meal with loved ones. These pockets aren't just food; they are a connection to cherished memories, a symbol of family, and a warm hug on a busy day. In a world that constantly demands more of us, creating moments of comfort and connection through simple acts like baking becomes even more crucial. So, go ahead, try this recipe. You might just discover a new favourite, a new staple in your busy week, and a new way to inject a little bit of homemade love into your life.
This recipe isn’t just about efficient meal preparation; it’s about celebrating the simple pleasures in life, finding joy in the process of creating something delicious, and sharing that joy with those we love. It's a small act of self-care in a world that often feels chaotic. These ham and cheese pockets are a testament to the belief that even amidst the hustle and bustle, we can still nourish our bodies and souls with love, care, and a little bit of delicious home-cooked goodness.
So, take a deep breath, put on some music, and embrace the joy of creating something delicious. Your family (and your future self) will thank you for it.
