Are you short on time and want to prepare hot pockets for quick bite to eat? From pepperoni and sausage pizza to ham and cheese, hot pockets come in various flavors and are one of the most convenient meals to instantly solve your hunger.
However, how to prepare and how long to microwave is the key to whether it is hot and delicious or extra crispy. Let get that hot pocket cooked so that you can have a hot and delicious meal in just a few minutes.
How do you microwave hot pockets? Remove the hot pocket cover and place it into the crisping sleeve. Use microwave-safe plate and microwave for about 2-4 minutes on high power setting.
Depending on the number of hot pockets, the cooking time may so that they are cook perfectly without cold spot in the center. Check that the internal temperature reaches 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit to make it fully heated and safe to consume.
Once it reaches the correct temperature, hold both ends and shake it so the hot fillings mix throughout inside.
Of course, pay attention to variables like the wattage of your microwave and whether your hot pockets are thawed or not. Again, it’s vital to adjust the timing for one hot pocket at a time or two in one cycle.
If you’re not familiar with hot pockets, they’re generally frozen pastries with different fillings like ham, pepperoni pizza and melted cheese. They come in a variety of flavors, and even include a few healthier options as well.
So, how long should you heat your hot pocket in your microwave? Can you microwave a hot pocket without a plate? This article answers all the frequently asked questions regarding hot pockets are detailed below, read through to learn more!
Can you microwave hot pockets?
Yes, hot pockets are microwave friendly. A hot pocket is similar to a calzone filled frozen delicacy, that is typically filled with savory sauces, juicy meats and melted cheese.
Hot pockets are heated in the microwave or oven, and are designed to make meal prep convenient and ready to eat in minutes. Using oven can take longer than microwaving, so the microwave cooking method is typically preferred.
In order to safely consume, it is required to microwave it for a few minutes to bring any fillings to the proper internal temperature to minimize risk from harmful bacteria. Most people prefer hot pockets because they take less time to cook and are quite tasty.
Is it safe to microwave hot pockets?
Microwaving hot pockets is safe, and it takes much less time than cooking in an oven. In order to safely microwave hot pocket, place them in the crisping sleeve and stick them into microwave for about two to four minutes.
However, if you microwave them for the stipulated time on the packaging instructions, they are likely to turn soggy. Not to mention, check the internal temperature to verify if it is safe to eat.
How do you microwave hot pockets?
Microwaving hot pockets is a straightforward way to save time. Before starting, check the wattage of the microwave you are using.
Unwrap the hot pocket and place it into a crisping sleeve, then put it on a microwave-safe plate.
The recommended cooking time for 1100-watt microwave is around 2 minutes, but it may take 3 minutes for a 700-watt microwave. However, if you choose to prepare two hot pockets at once, allow them to cook for at least 4 to 5 minutes to cook perfectly.
For best result, heat one hot pocket in the microwave at a time, the doneness will be more consistent.
How long do you microwave hot pockets?
The length of microwave time for hot pockets vary depend on the number being cooked and microwave wattage.
The recommended time for one hot pocket is 2 minutes for a 1100-watt appliance. When microwaving 2 hot pockets at once, then an additional 2 minutes may be required.
Additionally, the heating time will vary based on whether you want the result to be soft or crispy.
If you want a soft hot pocket, cook them for at least 2 minutes and 30 seconds. And increase to 3 minutes to obtain a crispy golden brown crust.
Can you microwave a hot pocket without a plate?
Yes, microwaving hot pockets without a plate is perfectly safe.
If microwaved in paper plates, they burn through it because of the hot grease, and microwaving plastic can lead to health complications if it melts and comes in contact with your food.
However, if you choose to use a plate, go for ceramic or glass as most of these dish types are known to be microwave friendly and less harmful.
Additionally, the plate should be big enough for it to move freely inside the microwave to ensure the hot pockets are heated on all sides.
Tips to microwave hot pocket
If you have burnt your taste buds or the skin on the roof of your mouth while biting into a steaming hot pocket, the hot pockets has been microwaved incorrectly. To avoid uneven heat nor burning your mouth, use these microwave tips to nuke a hot pocket perfectly.
- Avoid the middle part being cold, cook the hot pockets for at least 75% of the recommended time. Take them out, hold on both ends and give them a good shake so that the hot filling combines with the cold fillings in the middle. As a result, heated hot pockets will cook more uniformly.
- Check the microwave’s wattage to set the correct cooking time. If the microwave’s wattage is 1100 or 700, microwave the hot pocket for 2 to 4 minutes depending on the number being cooked.
- Ensure that the internal temperatures of the hot pockets reaches at least 165 degrees to be sure it is fully cooked.
- Always keep the remaining hot pockets refrigerated or frozen since they are highly perishable.
- Do not use paper plate, instead use parchment paper or a paper towel to microwave hot pockets if you are cooking without a plate.
Best way to microwave hot pockets
The best way to cook hot pocket is to microwave them then stick them into a toaster oven for an extra crispy crust. It may look like too much work, but it will help to maintain the crispiness and prevent them from being soggy.
Ensure that your hot pockets are placed on a parchment plate or any microwavable plate facing upside down. The main reason for doing so is to ensure that the fillings don’t gush out, however it is not required to use crisping sleeves during the toaster oven process.
Microwave hot pockets for 2 minutes or slightly less than the recommended time to ensure that you don’t overcook them. Once done, place preheated hot pockets into a toaster oven for about 4 minutes at 350 degrees.
The resulting hot pockets will be firm, crispy and fully cooked.
Microwaving Hot Pockets: Conclusion
Hot pockets are not only easy to prepare, but also come in different tasty flavors to select from. However, the way you heat them can make or break your hunger.
These are all pre-cooked and frozen, which makes it safe to microwave before eating.
Therefore, it’s essential to pay attention to the wattage of the microwave and adjust the timing to be sure they are well heated. Also, make sure to give them a good shake after cooking them so the fillings heats up evenly.
Unwrap the hot pocket, insert the browning sleeve and place on a microwave-safe plate up side down.
Start with 75% of the recommended cooking time to ensure they cook perfectly, and then shake to evenly distribute the hot and cold fillings inside.
After shaking a couple of times up and down, put it back to microwave and cook for the remaining time.
Using this microwave method, you won’t have problems with burning your mouth due to uneven heated fillings. Once the internal temperature of the hot pockets have reached 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degree Celsius, you are finished microwaving and it is safe to eat.