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)
Ham & Cheese Pockets: A Warm, Cheesy, Family-Friendly Favorite
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
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- On a floured surface, roll each puff pastry sheet to 10×12″. Cut each into 4 rectangles (8 total).
- In a bowl, mix ham, cheese, cream cheese, Dijon, parsley, and optional seasonings.
- 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.
- Cut 2 small slits on top of each pocket (vents steam). Brush with egg wash for golden shine.
- Bake 20–22 mins—until puffed and deep golden brown.
- 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.