Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheeseburger Hot Pockets are easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for on-the-go meals. They’re freezer-friendly, customizable, and taste just as good as store-bought versions—without the preservatives. The best part? You can whip up a big batch in under an hour and have them ready for quick snacks or busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or American cheese slices)
- Refrigerated pizza dough or puff pastry sheets
- Egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Roll out the pizza dough or puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut it into rectangles or squares.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto one side of each rectangle and top with shredded cheese.
- Fold the dough over the filling, sealing the edges with a fork.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 hot pockets.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Bacon cheeseburger: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the filling.
- Spicy version: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Double cheese: Combine cheddar with mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the beef with plant-based ground meat.
- Mini hot pockets: Cut the dough smaller to make bite-sized appetizers.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooled hot pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes or until heated through. For freezer storage, freeze unbaked or baked hot pockets on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen ones directly in the oven until hot and crispy.
FAQs
Can I use puff pastry instead of pizza dough?
Yes, puff pastry gives a flakier texture, while pizza dough offers a more bread-like pocket.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pockets, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure the edges are well sealed with a fork and avoid overfilling.
What cheese works best for cheeseburger hot pockets?
Cheddar, American, or Colby Jack melt well and give a rich cheeseburger flavor.
Can I air fry them instead of baking?
Yes, cook them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or until golden.
Do I need to cook the beef before filling?
Yes, always cook the beef mixture first to ensure the filling is safe and flavorful.
How do I reheat without making them soggy?
Reheat in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave for the best texture.
Can I freeze the dough with filling inside?
Yes, freeze unbaked hot pockets and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What sauces go well with these hot pockets?
Try dipping them in ketchup, ranch, barbecue sauce, or spicy mayo.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, diced pickles, bell peppers, or mushrooms add great texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Hot Pockets combine everything you love about a classic cheeseburger into a warm, flaky, and satisfying snack. They’re simple to make, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re preparing them for a quick weeknight dinner or stocking your freezer for easy meals, these pockets are guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike.
PrintCheeseburger Hot Pockets
Cheeseburger Hot Pockets are a handheld twist on the classic cheeseburger, featuring juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and tangy condiments wrapped in golden, flaky pastry. Perfect for quick dinners, snacks, or meal prep, they bring all the comfort of a burger in a portable form.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 hot pockets
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or 8 slices American cheese)
- 2 sheets refrigerated pizza dough or puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°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; cook until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then let the mixture cool slightly.
- On a floured surface, roll out pizza dough or puff pastry and cut into rectangles or squares.
- Place a spoonful of beef mixture on one side of each piece of dough and top with shredded cheese.
- Fold dough over the filling, pressing and sealing edges with a fork.
- Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Add cooked bacon for a bacon cheeseburger flavor.
- Use puff pastry for a flakier crust or pizza dough for a softer bite.
- Freeze unbaked or baked hot pockets for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
- Serve with ketchup, ranch, or barbecue sauce for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hot pocket
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg