Frugal Freezer Cooking: "Hot Pockets" 2

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

31 Dec 2008 03:37 PM

We are working on a freezer cooking idea--that of making "hot pockets." You can make these pockets for pennies as opposed to buying the expensive ones in the grocery store. They are also much tastier than those other ones, I personally think. The hot pockets can be brought in for lunch or just heated for snacks. If you missed the first post that appeared earlier today, please click here. Frugal Freezer Cooking: "Hot Pockets"

Now let's continue.

You can then form the pocket into a rectangle, if you want to more traditional shape. I do this by flatting the pocket with my hands, spreading the filling and then shaping the ends. It isn't as hard as it sounds at all.

There are a lot of things that you can put into your pockets. Look to the store bought ones for ideas, or just make up your own creations based on what you have on hand or need to use up. Here are some ideas for fillings. Be sure to use meats that have been previously cooked for your hot pockets. No raw meats please.

For an Italian sub hot pocket add meatballs (diced), sauce and mozzarella cheese.

I made two batches of hot pockets last week to use up leftover turkey. I simply combined the cubed cooked turkey (three cups) with one-and-half cups of cheddar cheese.

Combine some rice, a bit on enchilada sauce and chicken for a Mexican hot pocket. Leftover vegetables and cheese make a nice veggie pocket.

Diced ham and american cheese can be used for an all-American sandwich type of hot pocket.

Now, let us talk about preparing the hot pockets. If you are going to be putting them in the freezer, preheat the oven to 350 and par-bake the pockets for about 7 minutes on a lightly greased cookie sheet. This will set the dough and get the bottom a bit browned, making for a less doughy hot pocket.

Allow the pockets to cool, and then place the whole cookie sheet in your freezer for about 30 minutes or more to "flash freeze." You can then take the pockets off of the cookie sheet and place them in freezer bags.

When you are ready to eat your pockets, take as many as you need from the freezer and bake at 350 for 5-10 minutes (depending on the size and the fillings) until they are golden brown. You can also microwave them, but the results won't be as good. I throw them in the toaster oven, and they are done in no time.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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