Flaky, golden puff pastry filled with a savory, cheesy beef mixture—these handheld pockets are the ultimate comfort food appetizer, snack, or easy meal. Think of a gourmet, homemade Hot Pocket or a rustic, cheesy empanada!
Classic Cheesy Beef Puff Pastry Pockets
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 lb lean ground beef
· 1 small onion, finely diced
· 2 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
· 1 tbsp tomato paste
· 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
· ½ tsp paprika
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
· ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
· Optional add-ins: ½ cup frozen peas/corn, ¼ cup diced bell pepper, 2 tbsp cream cheese for extra creaminess
For the Assembly:
· 1 package (2 sheets, about 17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry, thawed in the refrigerator
· All-purpose flour, for dusting
· 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
· Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning (optional, for topping)
For Serving (Optional):
· Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or sour cream for dipping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
· Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened (about 4 mins).
· Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
· Stir in garlic, Worcestershire, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute.
· Remove from heat and let cool completely. Once cool, stir in shredded cheeses and parsley. (This prevents the pastry from getting soggy.)
- Prep Pastry:
· Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
· On a lightly floured surface, unfold one puff pastry sheet. Roll it out slightly to smooth the seams and create a rectangle about 10×12 inches.
· Cut into 6 equal rectangles (about 4×5 inches each). Repeat with the second sheet.
- Assemble the Pockets:
· Place a heaping tablespoon (about 2-3 tbsp) of the cooled filling in the center of each rectangle.
· Brush the edges lightly with egg wash.
· Fold the pastry over the filling to form a smaller rectangle. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal. You can also fold into triangles for a different shape.
· Transfer to the prepared baking sheets. Use a sharp knife to cut 2-3 small slits on top of each pocket (to let steam escape).
· Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with seeds or seasoning if desired.
- Bake:
· Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and deeply golden brown.
· Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving—the filling will be very hot!
- Serve:
· Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Key Success Tips:
· Cool the Filling Completely: A warm filling will melt the pastry’s butter layers prematurely, resulting in a soggy bottom.
· Don’t Overfill: Too much filling will cause the pockets to burst open while baking.
· Seal Tightly: Press edges well and use the fork to crimp. Egg wash acts as a “glue.”
· Thaw Pastry Properly: Thaw in the fridge overnight, not at room temperature, to keep the butter layers firm.
· Work Quickly: Handle the pastry as little as possible and keep it cool for maximum flakiness.
Flavor Variations:
· Philly Cheesesteak: Use thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions & peppers, and provolone cheese.
· Pizza Pockets: Use pepperoni, marinara, and mozzarella.
· Buffalo Chicken: Shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce with blue cheese or ranch cream cheese.
· Spinach & Feta: Sautéed spinach, feta cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg.
· Breakfast Pockets: Scrambled eggs, cooked sausage or bacon, and cheddar.
Make-Ahead & Storage:
· Make Ahead: Assemble pockets, place on a baking sheet, and freeze solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the bake time.
· Fridge: Store baked pockets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
· Reheat: Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes to restore crispness. Microwave will soften the pastry.
Why They’re a Hit: They’re portable, customizable, and have the perfect ratio of flaky pastry to savory, cheesy filling. Great for parties, lunchboxes, or a fun weeknight dinner.
Enjoy these golden, cheesy, handheld delights!