Make the best use out of your Hot Pockets, whether you’re using the store-bought classic or made your own.
Pretty much everyone and their mother knows about Hot Pockets. But do you know how long Hot Pockets can last in the freezer without losing their signature flavor?
For the uninitiated, here’s some context. Hot Pockets is an American brand of microwavable frozen turnovers that generally contain one or more types of cheese, meat, or vegetables. Hot Pockets have a memorable brand-name jingle that comes to the minds of many at the mere mention of the name. The song has been used in stand-up comedy, movies and television shows, parody videos, and viral internet videos worldwide, making Hot Pockets even more memorable.
Hot Pockets is a self-explanatory name for these pouches of crispy, flaky crust that contain anything from breakfast to dinner foods inside. Memorably, Hot Pockets come with a small sleeve to aid in cooking them while keeping the outside from becoming soggy.
They have been around for four decades now, premiering in 1983. Though the manufacturer changed hands from Chef America Inc. to Nestle in 2002, Hot Pockets never lost its stronghold of popularity in the U.S., even when sales declined. The product even has a lesser-known mascot, Herbie Hot Pocket.
Alright, now that we got the background out of the way, let’s dive into low long your Hot Pockets will last in the freezer, and other common questions.
Can You Keep Hot Pockets in the Fridge?
Hot Pockets are a frozen meal or snack food. The manufacturer does not advise that Hot Pockets be stored for any length of time in a fridge.
Some people have stored Hot Pockets in the fridge for 3-4 days and have reported no adverse side effects, however it is always best practice to follow the storage guidelines outlined by the manufacturer.
Therefore, do not thaw or refrigerate your Hot Pockets.
Due to the fact that properly stored Hot Pockets are always frozen, they last longer than unfrozen convenience meal options.
Do Hot Pockets Expire?
Like any manufactured food, Hot Pockets have a “best by” or expiration date stamped on the packaging.
You can expect this date to be approximately 14 months after the production date.
In other words, if you’ve properly stored your Hot Pockets in the freezer, they should last for quite a long time, especially if purchased close to the manufacture date. Check the package when you buy it and before consuming!
This may help you determine the size of the Hot Pockets package to purchase and whether to buy multiple packages at once.
Hot Pockets are sold in packages as small as two Hot Pockets per container, with wholesale food stores offering up to 20 Hot Pockets per box. The length of time they will last you or your family without expiring and the amount of available freezer space you have are good determinants as to what size package is best for you.
While a “best buy” date is a good rule of thumb for any product, it is not a guarantee. You should always consider the texture, scent, flavor, and feel of the food when making a determination about consumption.
Any food that doesn’t seem right to you isn’t worth the risk of serious illness and should be thrown out.
Consider if the product has been stored as directed when making your determination, too.
How Long Do I Cook a Hot Pocket?
Each variety of Hot Pocket may have a different cook time, both due to ingredients or the method you’re using to cook it. Make sure to refer to the box that contains the specific Hot Pockets item you are preparing, as all times and temperatures may vary.
In general, the instructions specify an average two-minute microwave cook time for one Hot Pocket, using the included crisping sleeve. When cooking a second Hot Pocket at the same time, you will increase the cook time by approximately one minute. The manufacturer suggests cooking one at a time for the best results.
Hot Pockets’ microwave cooking instructions are based on ovens that operate at 1100 watts. Lower-wattage or compact microwaves can handle one of these at a time, with an estimated cook time of around three minutes each.
Allow the product to cool for two minutes before serving, as the interior can become extremely hot.
Related: Explore our guide to fridge shelf life for a wide range of foods!
In a conventional oven, bake your Hot Pockets without the crisping sleeve for 28 minutes at 350°F.
Microwaves and ovens vary, and cook time may need to be adjusted. When in doubt, look for an internal temperature of 165°F for at least 15 seconds to ensure that any bacteria or germs have been destroyed.
You can also cook Hot Pockets in an air fryer. You will not use your crisping sleeve for this option.
To use an air fryer, place the sandwich unwrapped in the bottom. Set the fryer to a temperature of 360°F and cook for 13 minutes. To cook two Hot Pockets sandwiches in your air fryer at the same time, keep them separated and increase the cook time to 15 minutes. There is no need to increase the temperature.
Then, carefully remove the Hot Pockets from the air fryer and allow them to cool to a reasonable temperature.
Do not grill Hot Pockets or cook them in the toaster.
Can the Hot Pockets Crisping Sleeve be Reused?
While it is tempting to save the crisping sleeve to reduce waste or simply to heat up something else, the Hot Pockets sleeve is single-use only. The manufacturer advises against using it repeatedly.
Why Are There Ice Crystals on Frozen Hot Pockets?
Ice crystals are a result of fluctuations in storage temperatures.
The crystals form naturally on frozen products and do not indicate any issues with the product if it has been stored properly. In other words, ice crystals are not a sign that your Hot Pockets didn’t last long enough in the freezer — you can still eat them.
Can You Make Homemade Hot Pockets?
You can easily create homemade copycat Hot Pockets with your choice of ingredients at home without spending a lot of money.
Using store-bought pizza dough to save time, you can make a pizza pocket much as you would a calzone, and incorporate your favorite blend of pizza toppings, sauces, and more. This homemade pizza pockets recipe is a great place to start! Similarly, you could also make pizza rolls for a similar taste (but different presentation).
You don’t have to restrict your filling to pizza. Ham and cheese, veggies, eggs and cheese, or any other combination will taste good in your homemade hot pocket.
Rolling the dough out to a thickness of about a quarter inch will be the key to keeping the sandwiches from turning into a calzone.
Cut your dough into rectangles and fill with a small amount of each topping at a time so as not to over stuff.
Seal your sandwich filling inside by pressing the dough together on the open sides, moistening with water if needed. This will help bind the dough together.
Bake your homemade Hot Pockets on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20 minutes at 425°F or until crispy and golden brown.
Allow your creation to cool for about five minutes before handling or eating to avoid burning.
You can now serve them or save them in the freezer to reheat later! Reheat them in the oven since you don’t have the Hot Pockets brand crisping sleeve to prevent sogginess.
These homemade hot pockets will not last as long in the freezer, because you’re not making them with the same preservatives that a store-bought product would have. We recommend eating them within three months for maximum tastiness and food safety, but be sure to check them for any signs of spoilage.