Popping a savory ham and cheese Hot Pocket into the microwave for a quick and convenient meal is hard to beat. But to really enjoy that first satisfying molten bite, you need to know exactly how long to cook them. Undercooking leaves a cold center, while overcooking dries them out. Follow this guide for the ideal cook times and temperature tips for microwave, oven, and toaster oven.
Microwaving Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets
Microwaving is the quickest and most popular way to cook frozen Hot Pockets. The package instructions recommend:
- 1 sandwich: Cook on HIGH for 1 minute and 50 seconds
- 2 sandwiches: Cook on HIGH for 2 minutes and 50 seconds
For lower wattage or compact microwaves, you may need to extend the cook time. Always cook Hot Pockets on HIGH heat in the microwave.
Important microwaving tips
- Use a microwave-safe plate to catch any drips
- Insert sandwiches into the provided crisping sleeves first
- Let sit for 2 full minutes before biting to allow filling to fully heat
Checking for doneness after heating:
- Interior filling should be very hot with no cold spots
- Crust should be fully warmed and slightly crispy
- Cheese should be fully melted and creamy
Baking Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets in the Oven
To cook in a standard oven, follow these instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Place Hot Pockets on a baking sheet and bake for 18-19 minutes
- For a crispier crust, bake 2-3 minutes longer
Tips for oven baking
- Use a non-stick baking sheet or line with parchment paper
- Position Hot Pockets at least 1 inch apart if cooking more than one
- Let cool for a full 5 minutes before eating
Toaster Oven Instructions
Toaster ovens provide a nice crisp crust. Follow these guidelines:
- Preheat toaster oven to 425°F
- Cook sandwiches directly on the rack for 10-12 minutes
- Check frequently to avoid burning
Be sure to:
- Heat empty first before adding Hot Pockets
- Cook only 1-2 at a time to allow proper airflow
- Set rack position in middle of oven
- Keep door closed and don’t peek during cooking
Achieve Hot Pocket Perfection
With the right technique, you can enjoy tender, melty ham and cheese Hot Pockets any time. Knowing the ideal microwave, oven, and toaster oven cook times ensures your Hot Pockets come out hot, delicious, and perfectly safe to eat. Follow these instructions and you’ll be an expert in heating these convenient handheld meals.
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Ham and Cheese Hot Pocket
FAQ
How long microwave ham and cheese hot pocket?
How long do you microwave a cheesesteak hot pocket?
How long do Hot Pockets take to cook?
How long to cook Hot Pockets in an air fryer?
How long do you cook a ham & cheese pocket?
Grease a baking sheet and place the homemade ham and cheese pockets on top. Brush with the egg wash and cut two short diagonal slits in the middle of each Hot Pocket to let the steam escape. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until nicely brown. Cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes and serve.
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
How to make homemade ham & cheese Hot Pockets?
To prepare homemade Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets: Take the dough out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Remember to cover the dough to prevent it from drying out. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the ham into quarter-inch dice. Make an egg wash by whisking the egg and water in a bowl. Lightly flour the work surface.
How long do ham & cheese pockets last?
Once the ham and cheese pockets have cooled to room temperature, place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. These pockets are also freezer-friendly. Just wrap each pocket individually in aluminum foil and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.