Homemade Hot Pockets

by Melissa Buehrle

Homemade Hot Pockets (With Blender Pizza Sauce)

If you’ve ever looked at a store-bought hot pocket and thought “I could make this better”—you’re right. These homemade hot pockets are soft, cheesy, customizable, and made with simple ingredients. Bonus: they freeze beautifully for quick lunches or busy nights.

We’ll start with a super easy blender pizza sauce, then a soft pizza dough, and finally all the ways you can stuff these little pockets of joy.

Easy Blender Pizza Sauce (No Cooking Required)

This sauce is slightly sweet, classic pizza-style, and perfect for kids. You can tweak it depending on taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes

  • 1–2 tbsp brown sugar (start with 1, add more if needed)

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 small garlic clove)

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • Optional add-ins:

    • Pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)

    • 1 tbsp olive oil (richer flavor)

    • 1 tbsp tomato paste (thicker sauce)

Instructions

  1. Add everything to a blender.

  2. Blend until smooth.

  3. Taste and adjust—more sugar if it’s too tangy, more salt if needed.

👉 Tip: This sauce thickens more as it bakes inside the dough, so it doesn’t need to be super thick.

Homemade Pizza Dough (Soft & Freezer-Friendly)

This dough is fluffy but sturdy—perfect for stuffing.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)

  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

  • 1 tbsp sugar

  • 2½–3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit 5–10 minutes until foamy.

  2. Add olive oil and salt.

  3. Mix in flour, 1 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

  4. Knead 5–7 minutes (by hand or mixer) until smooth and elastic.

  5. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour (or until doubled).

Assembling the Hot Pockets

Classic Pepperoni & Cheese Filling

  • Mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)

  • Pepperoni

  • Pizza sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

  2. Punch down dough and divide into 8–10 equal pieces.

  3. Roll each piece into a rectangle or oval.

  4. Add:

    • 1–2 tbsp sauce (don’t overfill)

    • Cheese

    • Pepperoni or fillings of choice

  5. Fold over and crimp edges with a fork.

  6. Place seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  7. Optional: Brush tops with olive oil or egg wash and sprinkle garlic powder or Italian seasoning.

Bake

  • Bake 18–22 minutes until golden brown.

  • Let cool slightly before eating (lava cheese warning 🔥).

Filling Ideas (Use What You Have!)

Pizza-Style

  • Sausage & mozzarella

  • Ham & cheese

  • Supreme (pepperoni, peppers, olives, onions)

Kid Favorites

  • Cheese only

  • Pizza lunch meat + cheese

  • BBQ chicken + mozzarella

Non-Pizza Options

  • Buffalo chicken + mozzarella

  • Ham, cheddar & honey mustard

  • Taco meat + cheddar (serve with salsa)

Make-Ahead & Freezer Instructions

To Freeze (Before Baking):

  1. Assemble hot pockets.

  2. Freeze on a baking sheet until solid.

  3. Transfer to freezer bags.

Bake From Frozen:

  • 375°F for 25–30 minutes, covered loosely for first half if browning too fast.

Reheat Cooked Hot Pockets:

  • Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes

  • Air fryer: 350°F for 5–7 minutes

  • Microwave (quick but softer): 1–2 minutes

Final Thoughts

These homemade hot pockets are one of those why didn’t I do this sooner recipes. You control the ingredients, the fillings, and the flavor—and they’re perfect for kids, lunches, or stocking the freezer.

Back to News