Traeger Smoked Ham and Cheese Hot Pockets Recipe

Traeger Ham & Cheese Hot Pockets

If you have leftover ham from a holiday or a weekend cook, these hot pockets are the perfect next-day solution. Children and adults alike love the combination of savory ham, gooey cheese, and a crisp, buttery pastry. Whether you bake them in the oven or on a Traeger pellet grill, they come out golden and flaky. Keep a package of puff pastry in the freezer so you can make these any time.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Quick and simple: Store-bought puff pastry means little hands-on dough work and fast assembly.
• Versatile meal: Serve them as a satisfying lunch, an easy dinner, or a portable snack.
• Kid-approved: Familiar flavors—ham, cheddar, and buttery pastry—make them an instant hit.
• Traeger or oven: Perfect for a pellet grill to add subtle smoke, or bake in any conventional oven.
• Customizable: Swap cheeses, add a smear of mustard, or fold in diced peppers or onions for more flavor.
• Crisp outside, melty inside: The contrast between flaky crust and warm filling is what keeps everyone coming back for more.

Try with leftover Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze

Recipe Shopping List

You probably have many of these items on hand already. Below is a practical shopping list so you can check what you need before assembling the hot pockets. Exact quantities and a printable recipe card are provided later in the recipe section.

• Puff pastry sheets – The convenient shortcut for a light, buttery crust. Thaw until pliable but still cool so it’s easy to work with.
• Cooked ham – Leftover smoked ham is ideal, but diced deli ham will work if that’s what you have.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts well and gives classic flavor. Substitute Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella if preferred.
• Egg – Whisked with a little water to make an egg wash that seals the pastry and creates a glossy, golden finish.
• Water – Just a splash to thin the egg for brushing.
• Everything bagel seasoning – Optional, but it adds a crunchy, savory finish. You can also use sesame or poppy seeds, or leave the tops plain.

You’ll also enjoy Pineapple-Glazed Smoked Ham as an alternative main for leftovers.

How To Make This Recipe

Below is a clear, step-by-step overview so you can see what the process looks like. For best results, follow the full recipe instructions and measurements in the recipe card further down the page.

1. Preheat: Set your Traeger or conventional oven to 400°F so the puff pastry begins to bake immediately.
2. Roll the pastry: On a large sheet of parchment, roll one thawed puff pastry sheet until it stretches about an inch. Lightly mark it into four rectangles to guide filling placement.
3. Assemble the filling: Place a generous portion of ham in the center of each rectangle, leaving a one-inch border. Top evenly with shredded cheddar.
4. Seal the pockets: Brush the exposed pastry edges with egg wash, lay the second rolled pastry sheet over the top, press to seal around each portion, and trim or crimp the edges for a tight seal.
5. Vent and finish: Cut a few small slits in each pocket to release steam, brush the tops with egg wash, and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning if desired.
6. Bake: Separate the pockets into individual pieces on a baking sheet with space between them. Bake until puffed and golden brown, rotating the pan if your heat is uneven. Total bake time will vary slightly depending on oven or grill conditions.

Try these with a batch of Double Smoked Pulled Ham for another great leftover option.

Recipe FAQ

Make with Shortcut Puff Pastry for ease.