Ham & Cheese Pockets: A Warm, Cheesy, Family-Friendly Favorite

When it comes to easy, budget-friendly meals that everyone loves, Ham & Cheese Pockets are unbeatable. Flaky dough filled with savory ham and melty cheese makes the perfect quick lunch, snack, or dinner. These handheld pockets are a hit with kids, great for meal prep, and customizable with your favorite ingredients.

Whether you’re craving something cozy or need a fast recipe using simple pantry staples, Ham & Cheese Pockets check all the boxes.


⭐ Why You’ll Love These Ham & Cheese Pockets

✔ Quick & Easy

Minimal prep and only a handful of ingredients needed.

✔ Perfect for Busy Days

Works as lunch, snack, dinner, or on-the-go food.

✔ Kid-Approved

The classic combo of ham and cheese is always a winner.

✔ Budget-Friendly

Uses everyday ingredients you likely already have.

✔ Customizable

Swap in different cheeses, meats, or add veggies.


🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pockets

  • 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent roll dough
  • 12–16 slices deli ham (or chopped ham)
  • 1–2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten (optional, for egg wash)

For Extra Flavor (Optional)

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Everything bagel seasoning
  • Parmesan cheese

🍳 How to Make Ham & Cheese Pockets

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.


Step 2: Prepare the Dough

If using biscuit dough:

  • Flatten each biscuit into a circle 4–5 inches wide.

If using crescent dough:

  • Separate into rectangles and pinch seams together.

Step 3: Add Ham & Cheese

Place 1–2 slices of ham in the center of each dough circle.
Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Add a small amount of mustard if desired.


Step 4: Fold & Seal

Fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket.
Use a fork to press and seal the edges tightly.


Step 5: Add Toppings (Optional)

Brush with melted butter or egg wash.
Sprinkle with:

  • Garlic powder
  • Parmesan
  • Italian seasoning
  • Everything bagel seasoning

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 12–18 minutes, depending on dough thickness, until golden and puffed.


Step 7: Serve Warm

Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces like:

  • Ranch
  • Honey mustard
  • Marinara
  • Cheese sauce

💡 Tips for the Best Ham & Cheese Pockets

✓ Don’t Overfill

Too much filling makes them hard to close and may leak.

✓ Use Freshly Shredded Cheese

Melts smoother and creamier.

✓ Seal Well

Crimp edges firmly with a fork for clean pockets.

✓ Add Veggies

Try spinach, diced peppers, or sautéed onions.

✓ Make It Gourmet

Use smoked ham, gruyere, or swiss cheese.

✓ Meal Prep Friendly

Freeze unbaked pockets for a quick future meal.


🔄 Fun Variations

Breakfast Pockets

Add scrambled eggs + cheddar + bacon.

Ham & Swiss Pockets

Use deli ham + Swiss cheese + Dijon.

Pizza Pockets

Pepperoni + mozzarella + marinara.

Turkey & Cheddar Pockets

Great for using leftover deli turkey.

Veggie & Cheese Pockets

Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms with mozzarella.


🍽 What to Serve With Ham & Cheese Pockets

These pockets pair well with:

  • Fresh green salad
  • French fries
  • Tomato soup
  • Coleslaw
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Pasta salad

Whether as a simple lunch or a comfort-style dinner, they go with just about anything.


🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze unbaked or baked pockets for 2 months.

Reheat

  • Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes
  • Air Fryer: 3–5 minutes
  • Microwave: 20–30 seconds (softer)
Print
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Ham & Cheese Pockets: A Warm, Cheesy, Family-Friendly Favorite


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 (14 oz) pkg refrigerated puff pastry (2 sheets), thawed
• 6 oz thinly sliced Black Forest ham, chopped or shredded
• 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
• 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened (helps bind & adds richness)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional: pinch of nutmeg or black pepper


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. On a floured surface, roll each puff pastry sheet to 10×12″. Cut each into 4 rectangles (8 total).
  3. In a bowl, mix ham, cheese, cream cheese, Dijon, parsley, and optional seasonings.
  4. Spoon ~3 tbsp filling onto center of 4 pastry rectangles. Lightly brush edges with water. Top with remaining 4 rectangles; press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
  5. Cut 2 small slits on top of each pocket (vents steam). Brush with egg wash for golden shine.
  6. Bake 20–22 mins—until puffed and deep golden brown.
  7. Cool 5 mins (filling is molten-hot!). Serve warm or at room temperature.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 22 mins, Total Time: 37 mins, Servings: 8
Calories: 220, Net Carbs: 14g, Fats: 14g, Protein: 10g
Keto option: Use low-carb pastry (fathead dough) or wrap in large collard leaves + bake 15 mins — net carbs drop to ~3g each.

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