How Long Should You Cook a Hot Pocket – (And Why)?

logo by Editorial Staff | Updated on July 26th, 2022

Exact Time: 2–3 Minutes


Hot Pockets are the ideal quick snack or side dish for any meal. They’re simple to prepare and delicious to eat.

Everybody appreciates a good “junk food” item now and then.

Because there are so many distinct flavors, everyone has a favorite Hot Pocket taste. They may be excellent, but cooking times may vary, especially when using a microwave.

How long does a Hot Pocket take to cook? Why does it take as long as it does? That depends on the cooking technique and the type of Hot Pocket, though most specify a typical cooking time.

How Long Does a Hot Pocket Take to Cook?

The time it takes to cook a Hot Pocket is determined by the technique of heating as well as the wattage of the microwave. Cooking times, for example, vary:

  • 1100 Watt Oven: Cooking time for an 1100 watt microwave oven on high should be roughly 2 minutes 15 seconds, with a 2-minute cool-down period after cooking.
  • Under 1100 Watt Oven: Cooking time on high for microwave under 1100 watts maybe 3 minutes 15 seconds. This strategy also necessitates a 2-minute cool-down interval before eating.
  • Regular Oven: A hot pocket should take about 28 minutes to fully cook in a conventional oven preheated to 350 F, followed by a few minutes of cooling time.

Of course, if you heat more than one Hot Pocket, the time will nearly double, from 2 minutes 15 seconds to more than three minutes, and it will continue to rise with each sandwich. Follow the packaging instructions, removing the Hot Pocket from the plastic wrap before cooking for the best results.

How long to microwave hot pockets

Cooking times for a single Hot Pocket sandwich are also available below. The times mentioned below are for one Hot Pocket sandwich; actual cooking times may vary.

Cooking MethodCooking Time
1100 Watt Microwave2 minutes 15 seconds
Under 1100 Watt3 minutes 15 seconds
Conventional Oven28 minutes

But why does it take so long to cook a Hot Pocket?

While it may appear that making a Hot Pocket sandwich is as simple as unwrapping it and placing it in the microwave, cooking times vary for a good reason. Because Hot Pockets are frozen, they will take longer to heat up than fresh meals.

Hot Pocket sandwiches are already prepared. However, they must be thoroughly heated before eating. The power of the equipment you’re cooking it in determines whether it takes longer or shorter amounts of time. Because they are delivered frozen, it will take some time to cook the food before consumption properly.

The lesser the wattage and power of your microwave, the longer it will take to cook your Hot Pocket. Cooking a Hot Pocket in a traditional oven takes longer since the food is heated slowly instead of using rays to heat the molecules in the food swiftly.

Regardless of the method used, none take very long, making Hot Pockets an excellent choice for a quick, tasty snack.

What is the best way to microwave hot pockets?

Microwaving hot pockets is a simple technique to save time. Check the wattage of the microwave you’re using before you begin.

Place the hot pocket in a crisping sleeve on a microwave-safe dish.

The cooking time for an 1100-watt microwave is about 2 minutes, whereas a 700-watt microwave may take 3 minutes. However, if you prefer to cook two hot pockets simultaneously, allow them to simmer for at least 4 to 5 minutes to be perfectly cooked.

Heat one hot pocket at a time in the microwave for the best results; the doneness will be more consistent.

How to Microwave a Hot Pocket Tips

If you burned your taste buds or the skin on the roof of your mouth when biting into a steaming hot pocket, the hot pockets were microwaved wrongly. Use these microwave guidelines to perfectly nuke a hot pocket to avoid uneven heat or scorching your lips.

  • To avoid cold spots in the center, cook the hot pockets for at least 75% of the suggested time. Then, take them out, hold them on both ends, and shake them vigorously so that the hot filling joins with the cold fillings in the center. As a result, heated hot pockets cook more evenly.
  • To determine the proper cooking time, check the wattage of the microwave. For example, Microwave the hot pocket for 2 to 4 minutes, depending on the cooked number, if the microwave’s wattage is 1100 or 700.
  • To ensure that the hot pockets are thoroughly cooked, ensure that the interior temperature reaches at least 165 degrees.
  • Because hot pockets are highly perishable, keep any leftovers refrigerated or frozen.
  • If cooking without a plate, use parchment paper or a paper towel to microwave hot pockets.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook pizza pockets?

Cook for 16–18 minutes. WARNING: IT WILL BE VERY HOT! Allow 3 minutes to stand before serving. Store froze until ready to thaw.

On the stove, how do you make hot pockets?

If using a skillet, fry the Hot Pockets for 2 to 3 minutes per side, rotating once. Because the filling is already cooked, the goal of frying them is to add a little crunch to the crust, which won’t take long.

How long does it take to cook two Hot Pockets?

Set the oven to HIGH (1100 Watt Oven) 1 Sandwich: 2 minutes * 2 sandwiches: 3 minutes, 45 seconds* Cook 1 sandwich on HIGH for 3 minutes * in a lower wattage/compact microwave. Cook one sandwich at a time for the best results. HAVE FUN WITH IT.

Are the Hot Pockets ready to eat?

For those who don’t know, a Hot Pocket is a frozen Pop-tart stuffed with disgusting meat and sauce instead of fruit. You’re meant to put it in the microwave for a few minutes to cook/heat it, and then it’s supposed to be edible. But it’s never the case. ” It’s ice cold.

Are Hot Pockets nutritious?

These small frozen pockets are often sold to children, but they are far from a nutritious lunch. Aside from the sugar and saturated fats contributing to the approximately 300 calorie count per pocket, they also contain several preservatives, chemicals, and modified substances.

Is it better to bake Hot Pockets?

While convenient for folks on the run, you can cook a Hot Pocket in the oven if you have time or don’t have a microwave. Although baking a Hot Pocket in the oven takes longer than microwaving, the rewards are greater crispness that even the crisping sleeve cannot match.

Is it possible to put hot pockets in a toaster?

Unwrap your Hot Pocket and lay it on a baking pan in the toaster oven. When using a toaster oven, do not cook the Hot Pocket in the crisping sleeve; the sleeve only helps the Hot Pocket dough get crisp when cooked in a microwave.

How long should a Hot pocket be microwaved?

DIRECTIONS FOR THE MICROWAVE Remove the frozen pizza nibble from the wrapper and set it on a microwaveable plate. 1 pizza nibble at a time in the microwave on high power – Cook for 1 minute on the first side, then flip and cook for 45 seconds to 1 minute on the second side. Allow standing for 2 minutes.

How long do frozen Hot pockets last?

TO FREEZE: Pizza pockets can be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, place them in individual freezer bags after baking them, and then microwave for 1-2 minutes to thaw.

How do you get hot pockets to be crispy?

Notes Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. In the crisper sleeve, microwave the Hot Pocket for 60 seconds. Remove the Hot Pocket from the microwave and carefully remove it from the crisper sleeve. Heat the Hot Pocket in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes, or until well warmed. Allow cooling for at least 5 minutes.

Do Hot Pockets go bad?

They CAN NOT BE SOLD AFTER THEY HAVE EXPIRED LEGALLY. They are safe to eat as long as they remain frozen. The expiration date has little to do with the usability of the Hot Pockets and everything to do with completing the legal obligations. So, when defrosting the freezer, what do you do with frozen food?

Is it possible to microwave a hot pocket without a plate?

Yes, it is entirely safe to microwave hot pockets without a plate.

Microwaving paper plates burns through them due to the hot oil, and microwave plastic can create health problems if it melts and comes into contact with your meal.

If you must use a plate, consider ceramic or glass because these dish types are microwave friendly and less dangerous.

Furthermore, the plate should be large enough to move freely inside the microwave to ensure that the hot pockets are heated evenly on all sides.

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Editorial Staff

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