Name: Ham and Cheese Pockets Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490337H52M59S
Total time: PT-490337H52M59S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Your favorite dough (crescent, pizza, dough disc, or homemade dough) – quantity as needed to make 4 pockets; Smithfield® Anytime Favorites® Diced Ham – about 1 cup; Cheddar cheese, shredded or your favorite cheese – about 1 cup; Melted butter – 1-2 tablespoons for brushing

Introduction

Ham and cheese pockets are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal perfect for any time of the day. Using simple ingredients like your favorite dough, diced ham, and cheese, you can create a warm, savory treat that everyone will love.

The image shows three golden, square-shaped puff pastries stacked on a white baking paper over a wooden board with a striped cloth on the side. The top pastry is partially cut, revealing a thick layer of melted cheese in white and yellow shades above a layer of folded ham in light pink color, all encased in a flaky, light brown puff pastry crust with a glossy surface. The pastries have a soft, puffy texture with slightly crispy edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Your favorite dough (crescent, pizza, dough disc, or homemade)
Smithfield® Anytime Favorites® Diced Ham
Cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese, shredded
Melted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Step 2: Lay your dough on a flat surface and divide it into sections. If using crescent dough, you can cut it into four pockets using a pizza cutter.
Step 3: Place shredded cheese and diced ham onto each section of dough.
Step 4: Seal the edges of each pocket by folding the dough over or pressing the edges together securely with a fork.
Step 5: Brush melted butter over the top of each pocket to help achieve a crispy, golden crust.
Step 6: Bake the pockets in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

Try adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack to change the taste.
For a sweeter twist, substitute ham with cooked chicken and add a touch of honey mustard.
Make sure to seal the edges well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.

Storage

Store leftover ham and cheese pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until heated through to keep the crust crispy. Microwaving is faster but may soften the dough.

How to Serve

A stack of four thick, soft bread pockets cut in half, showing a gooey, melted orange cheese layer mixed with chunks of pink ham inside. Each bread pocket has a pale golden-brown crust with a soft, fluffy crumb inside, enclosing the warm cheesy filling with visible slices of ham evenly spread. The bread pieces are stacked on a wooden board, presenting the rich and creamy cheese oozing out slightly at the edges against the tender, airy bread layers. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen dough for this recipe?

Yes, frozen dough like crescent rolls or pizza dough works well. Just be sure to thaw it according to package instructions before assembling the pockets.

Can I prepare these pockets ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the pockets and refrigerate them uncovered for a few hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them before baking and cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Ham and Cheese Pockets Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 85 reviews

Delicious Ham and Cheese Pockets made with your choice of dough filled with savory diced ham and melted cheddar cheese, baked to golden perfection with a buttery crispy finish.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4 pockets
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Dough

Your favorite dough (crescent, pizza, dough disc, or homemade dough) – quantity as needed to make 4 pockets

Filling

Smithfield® Anytime Favorites® Diced Ham – about 1 cup
Cheddar cheese, shredded or your favorite cheese – about 1 cup

Topping

Melted butter – 1-2 tablespoons for brushing

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pockets.
Prepare Dough: Lay your chosen dough on a flat surface to prepare for dividing.
Divide Dough: Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the dough into portions suitable for making individual pockets. For crescent dough, this will usually yield four pockets.
Add Filling: Place a generous amount of shredded cheese and diced ham onto each dough piece, positioning in the center.
Seal Pockets: Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges securely by pressing with a fork or folding to prevent leakage.
Butter Topping: Brush melted butter lightly over the top of each sealed pocket to help achieve a golden, crispy texture when baked.
Bake: Place the pockets on a baking sheet and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, until the dough is cooked through and golden brown.

Notes

You can substitute cheddar with any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or Swiss cheese.
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the filling.
If using homemade dough, ensure it is rolled out evenly for consistent cooking.
Let the pockets cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot filling.
These pockets can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness rather than the microwave.

Keywords: Ham and Cheese Pockets, Baked Pockets, Savory Snack, Ham and Cheese Recipe, Easy Oven Snack