Craving a delicious, satisfying meal that won't derail your low-carb lifestyle? Get ready to fall in love with these incredible Ham and Cheese Pockets that are so good, you won't believe they're actually healthy! Imagine biting into a crispy, golden pocket oozing with melted cheese and savory ham, all wrapped in a perfectly seasoned almond flour crust. These pockets are not just a meal - they're a game-changing solution for anyone wanting to enjoy comfort food without the carb guilt.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Low Carb
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine mozzarella cheese and cream cheese. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the cheeses are completely melted and smooth.
- Add the almond flour, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder to the melted cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms, using a spatula or your hands.
- Allow the dough to cool slightly so it's easier to handle. If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle, approximately 6 inches in diameter.
- In the center of each dough circle, place an equal amount of diced ham and shredded cheddar cheese, leaving a border around the edges for sealing.
- Carefully fold the dough over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly with a fork to seal completely.
- Transfer the pockets to the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut 1-2 small vents on the top of each pocket to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot, so allow time for cooling.
- Optional: Brush the tops with melted butter or egg wash before baking for extra golden color and shine.
Tips
- Cheese Melting Technique: Microwave the cheeses slowly and stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
- Dough Handling: If the dough feels too sticky, don't panic! A quick 10-minute chill in the refrigerator will make it much easier to work with.
- Sealing Matters: Use a fork to crimp the edges of your pockets firmly. This prevents the filling from leaking during baking.
- Venting is Crucial: Those small knife cuts on top aren't just decorative - they allow steam to escape and help prevent soggy pockets.
- Golden Brown Hack: For a professional bakery-style finish, brush the tops with melted butter or an egg wash before baking.
- Cooling is Key: Let the pockets rest for 5 minutes after baking. This allows the filling to set and prevents burning your mouth.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These pockets can be prepared in advance and refrigerated or even frozen for a quick future meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
