Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheeseburger Hot Pockets are incredibly satisfying, easy to make, and customizable to your taste. They combine all the elements of a juicy cheeseburger into a convenient pocket that’s perfect for on-the-go meals or freezer-friendly meal prep. Plus, they’re great for kids and adults alike—simple ingredients, bold flavor, and no grill required.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
ground beef
yellow onion, finely diced
garlic, minced
ketchup
mustard
salt
black pepper
cheddar cheese, shredded
pickle slices or chopped pickles (optional)
egg (for egg wash)
sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Roll out the dough and cut into even rectangles (about 4×6 inches).
- Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of half the dough rectangles. Top with shredded cheese and a few chopped pickles, if using.
- Cover each filled rectangle with another piece of dough. Pinch the edges to seal and crimp with a fork.
- Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 hot pockets.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Use puff pastry: For an extra flaky texture.
- Add bacon: Mix in cooked crumbled bacon for a bacon cheeseburger pocket.
- Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Double cheese: Combine cheddar with mozzarella or American cheese for more melty goodness.
- Mini version: Make smaller pockets for party snacks or appetizers.
- Dough alternatives: Use biscuit dough, pie dough, or homemade dough.
- Veggie version: Use plant-based ground beef and dairy-free cheese.
- Breakfast version: Swap beef for scrambled eggs and sausage, and add cheese.
- Stuff with extras: Add tomatoes, pickled onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
- BBQ twist: Add a spoonful of BBQ sauce to the beef mix for smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover hot pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or air fry at 325°F (160°C) for 5–6 minutes. You can also microwave them for 45–60 seconds, but the crust may be softer.
To freeze, let them cool completely, wrap individually, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use crescent roll dough?
Yes, crescent dough works great and gives a soft, buttery crust.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and refrigerate before baking, or freeze and bake straight from frozen.
What kind of cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can also use American, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
Can I air fry these?
Yes, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
Do I need to cook the beef mixture first?
Yes, pre-cooking the beef ensures it’s fully cooked and prevents the pockets from becoming soggy.
Are pickles necessary?
No, but they add that classic cheeseburger tang. Leave them out or serve them on the side if preferred.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, use plant-based ground meat and dairy-free cheese to make a vegetarian version.
How do I keep the edges from opening during baking?
Seal tightly and crimp with a fork. You can also brush a little water around the edges before sealing.
Can I make a large batch?
Yes, this recipe easily doubles or triples for parties or meal prep.
What’s a good dipping sauce?
Ketchup, mustard, burger sauce, ranch, or even BBQ sauce all pair well.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Hot Pockets are a fun, flavorful way to enjoy the taste of a cheeseburger in a convenient, hand-held form. Crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, they’re easy to make, freeze well, and are endlessly customizable. Whether for lunch, dinner, or snacking, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your home.
PrintCheeseburger Hot Pockets
Cheeseburger Hot Pockets are golden, flaky handheld pastries filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and pickles. They’re the perfect on-the-go meal or snack with all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 hot pockets
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional)
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough or crescent roll dough
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic. Sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Roll out dough and cut into 6 rectangles (about 4×6 inches).
- Spoon beef mixture onto half the rectangles. Top with shredded cheese and chopped pickles if using.
- Top with remaining dough rectangles. Seal edges and crimp with a fork.
- Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Make a double batch and freeze extras for future meals.
- Customize with bacon, jalapeños, or different cheeses.
- Seal edges tightly to prevent filling leaks.
- Air fry for extra crispiness at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hot pocket
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
