Parent & Kid-Friendly Recipes: Homemade Hot Pockets

These delicious and easy-to-make hot pockets taste just like the store-bought ones we love so much but EVEN better (yes, it's possible). They're both crispy and soft at the same time. Plus, they are made with a few simple ingredients that you likely have lying around your kitchen, and they're freezer-friendly! We like to keep the daily decision making down to a minimum and a recipe like this helps us do just that.  

Makes: 8 serving | Prep Time: 2 hours (this accounts for dough rising time)

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups flour
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1½ Tbsp yeast
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1½ cups warm water
• 2½ cups of chopped ham or pepperoni
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup marinara sauce 

DIRECTIONS

1. Add flour, salt and yeast to a food processor with the blade attachment and pulse until well mixed.
2. Pulse in olive oil.
3. While your processor is running, pour in the warm water. Let the machine run until dough pulls away from the edges and forms a ball.
4. Put dough in a greased bowl (more olive oil works) and cover. Let it rise until it doubles in size.
5. Take handfuls of the dough and roll out into a small circle about the size of your hand. Add your preferred amount of pizza sauce, cheese, and meat and fold the circle of dough over to make a half circle. 
6. Tightly seal the edges and bake on a cookie sheet at 450°F for 12-15 minutes.

HELPFUL TIPS

• You can use this same dough recipe but mix up the flavors to keep this recipe fresh and the kids guessing. Here are some of our favorite combinations:
  Spinach and feta
  Buffalo chicken
  Ground beef, cheese, and salsa
  Veggies and pesto

• To freeze: After baked and cooled, wrap each hot pocket in plastic wrap and place in a freezer safe ziploc bag. Freeze for later use. P.S. Don't forget to label your bags with the bake date and the flavor combo. 
• To reheat from frozen: Cover the hot pocket with a paper towel and microwave for 90 seconds. Heat it up in the microwave for an additional 30-60 seconds. Remember to let cool before your hungry kids get to enjoying them.