Hot pockets make a perfect feast on the go. They are a staple for college students and come in a range of flavor combinations.
Well, if unfamiliar with hot pockets, they are simply frozen pastries with fillings like melted cheese, ham and pepperoni pizza.
Hot pockets are filling and comforting meals that are quite easy to make. You can make them in the microwave or oven.
So, can you microwave a thawed hot pocket? Yes, you can microwave a thawed hot pocket. It actually takes less time than cooking in an oven.
How Long Do You Cook a Thawed Hot Pocket in the Microwave?
It’ll take you only 2 minutes in an 1100 watts microwave to cook a thawed hot pocket. However, if microwaving 2 at once, you’ll require an additional 2 minutes.
If you want a crispy brown crust on your hot pocket, microwave it for 3 minutes. For a soft hot pocket, microwave it for at least 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
Can You Eat Thawed Out Hot Pockets?
You can eat thawed out hot pockets if you thaw them at room temperature or in the fridge. Since hot pockets are usually precooked, eating them without cooking won’t cause you any harm.
If you thaw your hot pockets, don’t leave them out of the fridge for more than 4 hours. In the refrigerator, you can keep them for a day.
How to Thaw Hot Pockets
The safest way to thaw your hot pockets is by letting them sit in the fridge for around 3 hours. Thawing them in the refrigerator discourages the growth of bacteria.
If in a hurry, you can thaw it in the microwave for a few minutes. However, you must eat it immediately after. Remember, if you defrost food in the microwave, it becomes a safety hazard should you not consume it immediately.
If you choose to thaw the hot pockets in the microwave, heat them at 30% power or press the defrost button. Heating at low power ensures that the hot pockets cook evenly.
How Do You Microwave a Thawed out Hot Pocket?
Microwaving a thawed out hot pocket is not only easy but also time-saving. The first thing to do before you start the heating is to check the microwave’s wattage.
Remove the cover of the hot pocket and place it into a crisping sleeve. Microwave it for about 2 to 4 minutes on high heat.
Check to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius to make it thoroughly heated.
Once it’s perfectly heated, hold both ends and shake it for the hot fillings to mix throughout.
Best Way to Microwave a Thawed Hot Pocket
The best way to cook a thawed hot pocket is to microwave it and then stick it into a toaster oven for a crispy crust. Although this appears like too much work, it’ll help the hot pocket maintain the crispiness and prevent it from being soggy.
Place the hot pocket on a parchment plate or any microwave-safe plate facing upside down. This prevents the fillings from gushing out.
Microwave the hot pocket for slightly less than the recommended time so that you don’t overcook them. 2 or less minutes are enough to get the hot pocket ready.
Once done, place the preheated hot pocket into a toaster oven and toast it for about 4 minutes at 350 degrees.
Tips to Microwave Hot Pocket
Whether you love hot pockets or not, you need to know this-heat them incorrectly, and you’ll end up with a burning inferno of melted cheese and lava-like sauce. If lucky enough, you’ll walk away with only a burnt tongue for your efforts.
Follow these tips when microwaving a hot pocket to avoid burning your taste buds or your mouth.
- Check your microwave’s wattage to set the recommended cooking time. If the model’s wattage is 1100, microwave the hot pocket for 2 minutes.
- To prevent the middle part from being cold, cook the hot pocket for at least 75% of the suggested cooking time. Take it and hold it on both ends; give it a good shake for the hot filling to combine with the colder fillings in the middle.
- Ensure that the hot pocket’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees for excellent results.
- Don’t use a paper plate to microwave your hot pockets. Use a paper towel or parchment paper if cooking without a plate.
FAQs
Q. Is it safe to microwave a hot pocket?
Yes, microwaving a hot pocket is very safe. It also takes less time than cooking it in an oven.
Q. How do you make the best hot pocket in a microwave?
For the best hot pocket, you need to unwrap it, insert it into a crisping sleeve and then place it on a microwave-safe plate.
Cook it for 2 minutes when using an 1100 watts microwave. If using a lower wattage microwave, let it cook for 3 minutes, 30 seconds.
Q. Are hot pockets healthy?
Some hot pockets are healthy and others not. If looking for a healthy option, go for one with fewer calories and fats.
Q. Can you microwave your hot pocket without a plate?
Yes, you can microwave your hot pocket in the microwave safely without a plate.
Never microwave a hot plate in a paper plate as it’ll burn through because of the hot grease. You also don’t want to do it in a plastic container as this can lead to health complications if it leaches chemicals into your food.
Q. Do hot pockets go bad if not frozen?
Most hot pockets contain dairy and meat products, which can harbor food born bacteria if kept for too long.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question, can you microwave a thawed hot pocket? In fact, microwaving a thawed hot pocket is very easy and fast.
You just need to place the hot pocket and heat it for 2 minutes if working with an 1100 watts microwave.
However, if using a lower wattage microwave, you have to increase the cooking time. It’ll take you 3 minutes to cook one hot pocket.
Sources
https://thewholeportion.com/can-you-eat-a-thawed-hot-pocket/
https://cementanswers.com/how-long-do-you-microwave-a-thawed-hot-pocket/