🧀 Cheesy Cheeseburger Pockets: The Fun, Handheld Dinner Everyone Will Love! 🍔

• • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

• • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

• • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

The Cheesy Goodness:

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup dill pickles, chopped

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

The Wrapper:

• 2 sheets puff pastry or 1 package crescent roll dough, thawed

• 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)

Optional Toppings & Dips:

• Sesame seeds for topping

• Additional ketchup and mustard for dipping

• Thousand Island dressing for authentic burger flavor

• Cooked bacon bits for BLT variation

👩‍🍳 Your Foolproof 6-Step Method

Step 1: Create the Filling

Brown ground beef with onion in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
Drain excess fat, then add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 1 more minute, then remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: The Secret Sauce

In a small bowl, mix ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.
Stir this sauce into the cooled beef mixture along with chopped pickles.
Fold in shredded cheese until everything is well combined.

Step 3: Pastry Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out puff pastry sheets and cut into 6 equal squares per sheet (12 total).

Step 4: The Assembly Line

Place about ¼ cup of filling in the center of each pastry square.
Brush edges with egg wash, then fold over to form triangles.
Use a fork to crimp edges securely—this prevents leaking!

Step 5: The Golden Bake

Place pockets on prepared baking sheets and brush tops with egg wash.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
Bake for 18-22 minutes until puffed and golden brown.

Step 6: The Perfect Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving—the filling will be lava-hot!
Serve with extra ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger sauces for dipping.

🌟 5 Secrets to Pocket Perfection

1. COOL FILLING COMPLETELY: Warm filling will make your pastry soggy

2. DON’T OVERFILL: Too much filling causes leaks during baking

3. SEAL THOROUGHLY: Use that fork to create a tight, decorative edge

4. SPACE THEM OUT: Give pockets room to puff and brown evenly

5. LET THEM REST: That 5-minute cool-down prevents burned mouths!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions That Shine

• FAMILY DINNER: With sweet potato fries and coleslaw

• GAME DAY: Cut into smaller pieces for perfect party snacks

• LUNCHBOX HERO: Pack with carrot sticks and apple slices

• RESTAURANT-STYLE: Drizzle with special sauce and serve with pickle spears

• BREAKFAST TWIST: Fill with scrambled eggs and sausage for morning pockets

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble, freeze on baking sheets, then transfer to bags. Bake frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to baking time.

Q: What other fillings work well?
A: Try pizza fillings, chicken bacon ranch, Philly cheesesteak, or breakfast combinations!

Q: Can I use homemade dough?
A: Yes! Pizza dough, biscuit dough, or even pie crust all work beautifully.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.