When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the spot like a gooey cheeseburger hot pocket smothered in crispy French fry goodness. This unique snack may not be your typical fare, but trust us – it’s a game-changer. By combining the best of both worlds (cheeseburgers and fries) with the flaky, buttery magic of puff pastry, you’ll create a dish that’s at once hearty, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to prepare.
How to Make Cheeseburger Hand Pies
With all the necessary ingredients within arm’s reach, it’s time to bring the cheeseburger hot pockets recipe to life. Start by creating a makeshift fries station on your baking sheet: simply layer a sheet of plastic wrap, followed by a generous serving of French fries, and finish with another sheet of plastic wrap. This clever setup will help keep those crispy delights in check throughout the cooking process.Next, get the beef sizzling! Sear the ground beef in a pan with some steak seasoning until it reaches your desired level of browning, then drain the excess fat. Meanwhile, prepare the puff pastry by cutting it into rectangular shapes and sprinkling shredded cheese on each one. Add some ground beef and pickle slices to create the empanada filling, then fold the pastry over the mixture and seal.Now it’s time to get creative with those fries! Use a meat mallet or similar tool to break them up between the sheets of plastic wrap, leaving a light dusting of salt on top. Brush an egg wash over the pastry to create a golden-brown crust, then gently press the French fry topping into place.Before serving, feel free to pop your cheeseburger hot pockets in the freezer for about 10 minutes – this will help the fries stick to their new pastry home. Once you’re ready, simply bake them in the oven until crispy and golden. To complete the meal, combine your favorite condiments (we’re talking mustard, mayo, and ketchup) for a tangy dipping sauce that’s sure to please.
History of Hot Pockets
While the world may know them by various names – cheeseburger hot pockets, burger empanada wraps, or puff pastry pocket burgers – this beloved snack has been delighting taste buds for decades. Inspired by the iconic commercial hot pockets, a type of savory turnover that’s been a staple since its introduction in the 1980s, this recipe offers a delicious and convenient twist on a classic. With over 50 varieties to choose from, including unique crust options like croissant and pretzel bread, it’s no wonder why hot pockets have remained a go-to snack for generations. The clever design of the special sleeve allows these tasty treats to emerge from the microwave crispy and ready to devour.
Puff Pastry Pocket Burger FAQs
To serve cheeseburger hot pockets, it’s best to provide various toppings and sauces so that everyone can customize their own. This includes adding fresh tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and a tasty sauce, making for a filling snack. If you want to make it a complete meal, consider pairing it with a veggie-based side dish like Mexican street corn.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of this snack, simply substitute the ground beef with a vegetarian-friendly alternative. Options include ground chicken, pork, or turkey if you just want to mix things up from beef. Alternatively, you can use textured vegetable protein (TVP) in its place, following the package instructions which may vary depending on the brand.
Good Tips for Hot Pockets
When preparing cheeseburger hand pies, it’s essential to maintain a delicate balance between filling and crust. Avoid overstuffing, as this can lead to an unpleasant surprise – literally! The same caution applies to the French fry topping: ensure those fries are fully thawed before assembling the empanada pockets, lest you find yourself dealing with a soggy mess. A few strategically placed holes in each pie’s top will allow steam to escape during baking, keeping your creations crispy and delicious.
Feel free to take your cheeseburger hand pies to the next level by incorporating additional ingredients like bacon, ham, or pepperoni.
Easy Cheeseburger Pockets with French Fry Topping Recipe
Easy Cheeseburger Pockets with French Fry Topping
Bella Bucchiotti shares her secrets for crafting scrumptious cheeseburger hot pockets, complete with crispy French fry toppings. While they may seem like a indulgent treat, these comfort food favorites are surprisingly easy to prepare and boast an impressive depth of flavor. The best part? They exude a charming homemade charm that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.
Preparation takes just 30 minutes, cooking only 25, for a total of 55 minutes from start to finish. And the payoff is well worth it, as these hand pies serve up a satisfying six servings.
Instructions
To begin, lay two sheets of plastic wrap over each of two baking sheets, creating a single layer that covers the entire surface. Arrange the frozen fries on top, making sure to cover the entire area before covering again with another sheet of plastic wrap. Let this sit for 20 minutes.Next, cook ground beef in a frying pan and season with steak seasoning until browned and drained. Set aside. Grate cheddar cheese into a small bowl.Lightly flour a wooden cutting board and lay out two sheets of puff pastry. Cut each sheet into three equal rectangular sections. If using Pepperidge farms puff pastry sheets, simply cut along the fold.Assemble the burger hot pockets by layering a portion of grated cheddar cheese, 3 tablespoons of ground beef, and sliced pickles on the top half of each puff pastry rectangle. Fold the bottom half of the pastry over the filling, pressing the edges together to seal.Gently smash the fries using a brownie tin or meat mallet. Remove the top sheet of plastic wrap from one baking sheet and season the fries with a pinch of salt. Replace the plastic wrap.Whisk an egg and water together in a shallow bowl to create an egg wash. Brush each side of the pastry rectangles with the egg wash. Place the pastries on top of the fries on one of the baking sheets, sandwiching them between the two sheets. Remove the top sheet of plastic wrap from the other baking sheet and place it on top of the pastries.Carefully pull off the plastic wrap that separates the top layer of fries from the pastries, holding both sheets in place. Remove the top baking sheet. Gently press the fries into the puff pastry rectangles, making sure they adhere to the sides of the pastry. Use a knife to separate the hot pockets and firmly press the fries into their new positions.Place the hot pockets in the freezer for at least 10 minutes or until ready to bake, allowing the fries to better adhere to the pastry before baking.Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a wire rack and set the burger hot pockets on top. Bake for 25 minutes.While the hot pockets are baking, prepare a dip by combining mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Serve the burger hot pockets with the prepared dip.