Homemade Hot Pockets

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet) (Dough)
• 3/4 cup warm water (not hot) (Dough)
• 1 tbsp sugar (Dough)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (Dough)
• 1 tsp salt (Dough)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (Dough)
• Pepperoni slices (Hot Pocket #1: Pepperoni & Sauce)
• Shredded mozzarella (Hot Pocket #1: Pepperoni & Sauce)
• Pizza or marinara sauce (Hot Pocket #1: Pepperoni & Sauce)
• Italian seasoning or garlic powder (optional) (Hot Pocket #1: Pepperoni & Sauce)
• Pepperoni slices (Hot Pocket #2: Pepperoni & Spinach)
• Fresh spinach, roughly chopped (Hot Pocket #2: Pepperoni & Spinach)
• Shredded mozzarella or provolone (Hot Pocket #2: Pepperoni & Spinach)
• ricotta (1-2 tbsp per pocket) (optional) (Hot Pocket #2: Pepperoni & Spinach)
• garlic powder (optional) (Hot Pocket #2: Pepperoni & Spinach)

Steps

1. Dough: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Dough: Stir in olive oil and salt.
3. Dough: Add flour gradually and mix until a dough forms.
4. Dough: Knead 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Dough: Cover and let rise 45-60 minutes, until doubled in size.
6. Hot Pocket #1: Pepperoni & Sauce: Roll dough out and cut into rectangles.
7. Hot Pocket #1: Pepperoni & Sauce: On one half, spread 1-2 tbsp sauce.
8. Hot Pocket #1: Pepperoni & Sauce: Add mozzarella, then pepperoni.
9. Hot Pocket #1: Pepperoni & Sauce: Sprinkle seasoning if using.
10. Hot Pocket #1: Pepperoni & Sauce: Fold dough over filling and press edges with a fork to seal.
11. Hot Pocket #1: Pepperoni & Sauce: Cut 2 small steam slits on top.
12. Hot Pocket #2: Pepperoni & Spinach: Lightly sauté spinach for 30-60 seconds to wilt. Let cool.
13. Hot Pocket #2: Pepperoni & Spinach: Roll dough and cut into rectangles.
14. Hot Pocket #2: Pepperoni & Spinach: Add cheese, spinach, pepperoni, and optional ricotta.
15. Hot Pocket #2: Pepperoni & Spinach: Sprinkle garlic powder if using.
16. Hot Pocket #2: Pepperoni & Spinach: Fold, seal edges, and cut steam slits.
17. Finish & Bake: Brush tops with olive oil or egg wash
18. Finish & Bake: Optional sprinkle of parmesan
19. Finish & Bake: Bake 15-18 minutes until golden brown