These homemade ham and cheese pockets are the ultimate comfort food—flaky, golden dough filled with savory ham and melted cheese. While they take a bit more time and effort to make than the usual quick recipes, they are absolutely worth it. Perfect for kids, family meals, or as a crowd-pleasing snack, these pockets far surpass any store-bought frozen alternatives.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 1/2 tsp active dry yeast

• 1/2 cup warm water

• 3/4 cup warm milk

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup shortening

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp salt

• Approx. 3-4 cups flour

• 2 cups diced ham

• 8 slices cheese

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water.

2. Add milk, sugar, shortening, egg, salt, and 2 cups of flour.

3. Slowly stir in the remaining flour until a soft dough forms.

4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes.

5. Place the dough back into the bowl, cover with a tea towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.

6. Punch the dough down slightly and divide it into 16 pieces.

7. Roll each piece of dough into a 5-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.

8. Place half a slice of cheese and 2 tablespoons of ham in the center of each dough circle.

9. Fold the dough over the filling, pinch the sides together, and fold the ends into the center to form a pocket.

10. Place the pockets seam side down on a greased baking sheet.

11. Cover and let the pockets rise for 20 minutes in a warm place.

12. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

13. Bake the pockets for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

14. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 219

• Carbohydrates: 23 g

• Protein: 11 g

• Fat: 9 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 4 g

• Cholesterol: 34 mg

• Sodium: 430 mg

The Appeal of Homemade Ham and Cheese Pockets

What makes these ham and cheese pockets so irresistible is the combination of flaky, tender dough and the comforting, savory filling inside. The dough is made from scratch, which results in a soft and buttery exterior that perfectly complements the warm, gooey cheese and flavorful ham. Unlike store-bought versions, you get to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring that every bite is as fresh and satisfying as possible.

Additionally, homemade ham and cheese pockets are highly customizable. While this recipe calls for diced ham and cheese, you can easily switch up the fillings based on your preferences. Whether you prefer a different type of cheese like Swiss, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar, or if you want to add extras like sautéed vegetables, the choice is yours. This versatility allows you to create the perfect pocket for your taste.

The Importance of Freshly Made Dough

The dough is the foundation of any good homemade pocket, and this recipe delivers with a soft, slightly sweet dough that bakes up to a perfect golden brown. The process of activating the yeast in warm water and then incorporating milk, shortening, sugar, and egg results in a dough that has both flavor and texture. As it rises, the dough develops a light, airy texture that becomes wonderfully flaky once baked.

Making dough from scratch does require a bit of patience, as it needs to rise before being shaped into pockets, but the end result is well worth the wait. The dough’s subtle sweetness balances out the savory filling, making each bite a well-rounded flavor experience. Once you’ve perfected this dough, you’ll never want to rely on store-bought alternatives again.

Filling the Pockets: Ham and Cheese Perfection

When it comes to the filling, the key is to use high-quality ingredients that will deliver the best flavor. For the ham, be sure to choose a good deli-style variety—either sliced thin or diced into small pieces. The ham provides a salty, savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy, melty cheese. For the cheese, slices of cheddar are traditional and work well for their meltability and sharp flavor. However, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese to suit your preferences.

Each pocket is filled with half a slice of cheese and a couple of tablespoons of ham. The amount of filling ensures that each bite has a perfect balance of both cheese and ham without overwhelming the dough. The cheesy filling melts beautifully inside the pocket, creating that gooey texture that makes these treats so delicious. If you want to add extra ingredients like mustard, pickles, or vegetables, this is the perfect opportunity to get creative and add your own personal touch.

Shaping and Assembling the Ham and Cheese Pockets

Once the dough has risen and is ready to be shaped, it’s time to form the pockets. Dividing the dough into 16 equal pieces ensures that each pocket will be the perfect size. Roll each piece of dough into a 5-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. This is where you can get a little creative—feel free to adjust the size of the circles depending on how big or small you want your pockets to be.

After placing the cheese and ham in the center, fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket. Pinch the sides together to seal in the delicious filling, making sure to fold the ends into the center to create a fully enclosed pocket. This method ensures that the filling stays inside while baking, so you don’t end up with a messy pocket. Placing the pockets seam side down on a baking sheet prevents them from opening up during baking.

The Final Rise Before Baking

Once the pockets are assembled, they need to rise again. Allow the pockets to rise for 20 minutes in a warm place before baking. This final rise ensures that the dough becomes light and fluffy during the baking process, giving the pockets their signature puffiness and golden crust. During this time, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure that it’s hot enough to bake the pockets to perfection.

Baking and Enjoying the Pockets

Baking the ham and cheese pockets at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes ensures that the dough bakes up golden brown and flaky. The cheese inside will be wonderfully melted, and the ham will have had enough time to warm through, creating a flavorful combination with every bite. You’ll know the pockets are done when they’re golden brown and puffed up, with the cheese peeking out from inside.

Let the pockets cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly so it’s not too hot to handle. Once they’re cool enough to eat, serve them up and enjoy the comforting, delicious flavor of these homemade pockets. They’re perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack at a party or family gathering.

Serving Suggestions

These ham and cheese pockets are great on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Pair them with a simple salad or some fresh veggies for a balanced meal, or enjoy them with a side of ketchup, mustard, or a dipping sauce of your choice. They’re also excellent for meal prep, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

For a fun twist, consider making mini versions of the pockets, perfect for appetizers or party snacks. These bite-sized treats are great for dipping and can be customized with different fillings to suit a variety of tastes.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftover ham and cheese pockets, storing them is easy. Allow the pockets to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pockets on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until they are warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but the texture may not be as crispy.

Conclusion: A Comforting and Delicious Homemade Treat

In conclusion, homemade ham and cheese pockets are the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and freshness. While they require a little more time and effort than a quick snack, the result is well worth it. The flaky, buttery dough is the perfect vessel for the savory ham and melted cheese, creating a satisfying and delicious bite that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re making them for a family meal, a snack, or a party, these pockets are a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more.