If you’re a fan of hot pockets, you know how convenient and delicious they can be. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a satisfying meal, hot pockets are an excellent choice. However, cooking hot pockets can be a bit tricky. If you don’t cook them for the right amount of time, they can be too cold in the center or too hot on the outside. In this article, we’ll give you a complete guide on how long hot pockets should cook so that you can enjoy them to their fullest.

Preparing Hot Pockets for Cooking

Before you start cooking your hot pockets, there are a few things you need to do to prepare them. First, you need to choose the right flavor. Hot pockets come in a variety of flavors, including pepperoni pizza, ham and cheese, and meatball and mozzarella. Choose the flavor that you like best and take it out of the freezer.

Next, you need to unwrap the hot pocket. Remove the plastic wrapper and discard it. Then, place the hot pocket on a microwave-safe plate. You can also cook hot pockets in the oven, but we’ll get to that later. Once your hot pocket is ready to go, it’s time to start cooking.

Cooking Hot Pockets in the Microwave

The microwave is the fastest and easiest way to cook hot pockets. To cook a single hot pocket, place it on a microwave-safe plate and cook it on high for 1 minute and 30 seconds. If you’re cooking multiple hot pockets, add 1 minute and 30 seconds of cooking time for each additional hot pocket. For example, if you’re cooking two hot pockets, you should cook them for 3 minutes.

It’s important to note that cooking times can vary depending on the wattage of your microwave. If your microwave has a lower wattage, you may need to cook your hot pockets for longer. On the other hand, if your microwave has a higher wattage, you may need to cook your hot pockets for a shorter amount of time.

When your hot pocket is finished cooking, let it sit for a minute or two to cool down. The hot pocket will be very hot, and you don’t want to burn your mouth. Once it’s cooled down a bit, you can enjoy your delicious hot pocket.

Cooking Hot Pockets in the Oven

If you prefer crispy hot pockets with a golden-brown crust, the oven is the way to go. To cook hot pockets in the oven, you first need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, place the hot pocket on a baking sheet and put it in the oven.

For a single hot pocket, cook it for 20-22 minutes. If you’re cooking multiple hot pockets, add an additional 5-7 minutes of cooking time for each additional hot pocket. For example, if you’re cooking two hot pockets, you should cook them for 25-29 minutes.

It’s important to note that cooking times can vary depending on your oven’s temperature accuracy and hot pocket’s filling. Some flavors may require a longer cooking time or a higher temperature.

Checking the Doneness of Hot Pockets

To make sure your hot pockets are cooked properly, there are a few things you can do to check for doneness. The first and easiest way is to look at the hot pocket. If the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is piping hot, your hot pocket is most likely done.

You can also use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the hot pocket. The filling should be heated to at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it’s safe to eat. If the temperature is lower than that, continue cooking the hot pocket until it reaches the appropriate temperature.

By using these methods, you can ensure that your hot pockets are cooked to perfection every time. Whether you prefer to cook them in the microwave or the oven, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal or snack.