Name: Cheeseburger Puff Pastry Pockets Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons yellow mustard; 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated; 2 sheets thawed puff pastry; 1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash); 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for sprinkling); ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon your favorite BBQ sauce

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 46 reviews

If you’re craving something that captures all the nostalgic charm of a cheeseburger wrapped up in a flaky, buttery crust, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cheeseburger Puff Pastry Pockets Recipe. Each pocket is a delightful little parcel filled with savory ground beef, tangy ketchup and mustard, and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese, all baked inside crisp puff pastry that’s golden and irresistible. It’s the ultimate handheld comfort food that’s perfect for sharing, parties, or just treating yourself to an elevated burger experience without the bun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white pan with a golden handle on a white marbled surface, there is a layer of browned ground meat covering the whole pan bottom. On top of this meat layer, there are thick red ketchup lines spread across the center, dressed with thin, bright yellow mustard drizzle creating a striped pattern. The meat looks textured and crumbly, while the sauces add smooth and glossy contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look simple, but every single one plays a crucial role in creating those unforgettable layers of flavor and texture that make this Cheeseburger Puff Pastry Pockets Recipe truly shine.

1 pound of lean ground beef: The hearty, juicy center of our pockets, offering rich savory flavor.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef perfectly to enhance all the other flavors.
3 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a sweet and tangy note that brightens up the filling.
2 tablespoons yellow mustard: Brings a sharp zestiness that cuts through the richness.
6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated: Melts beautifully inside, providing creamy, tangy cheesiness with every bite.
2 sheets thawed puff pastry: The flaky, buttery wrapper that transforms this dish into a golden masterpiece.
1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water for egg wash: This creates that gorgeous shiny golden finish on top of the pockets.
2 tablespoons sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for a subtle nutty crunch and classic burger vibe.
½ cup mayonnaise: Base for the house sauce, adding creaminess and balance.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a smooth, sophisticated tang to the sauce.
1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Gives the sauce a boost of familiar mustard flavor.
1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness to mellow and unify the sauce.
1 tablespoon your favorite BBQ sauce: Lends smoky depth and a hint of boldness to the mix.

How to Make Cheeseburger Puff Pastry Pockets Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Puff Pastry and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F and get your puff pastry sheets ready on parchment paper. Cutting them into six squares each sets you up to create a dozen perfectly portioned pockets. Choosing a good-quality puff pastry, like Wewalka or Jus-Rol, helps ensure those flaky layers that will make this recipe pop.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef with a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper until it’s nicely crumbled. Stir in ketchup and yellow mustard—these add classic cheeseburger tang. Turn off the heat, fold in a small handful of the sharp cheddar cheese, and let the filling cool slightly so it’s easier to handle.

Step 3: Whip Up the House Sauce

While the beef cools, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and BBQ sauce in a small bowl. This creamy, tangy house sauce is the secret weapon that transforms these pockets from tasty to unforgettable. You can even make this ahead to save time.

Step 4: Assemble the Pockets

Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the center of each puff pastry square, then drizzle with the house sauce and sprinkle a little more cheddar on top. Brush the edges with egg wash, fold one corner to meet the opposite corner forming a triangle, and press edges with a fork to seal each pocket tightly.

Step 5: Add Final Touches and Bake

Brush the tops generously with the egg wash and sprinkle sesame seeds all over—this gives your pockets that irresistible golden crust with a bit of crunch. Bake for about 20 minutes until puffed, shiny, and golden brown. Cool them slightly because the insides will be bubbling hot!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Puff Pastry Pockets Recipe

The image shows a close-up of small piles of cooked ground meat mixed with melted cheese, each placed in the center of a square piece of light beige dough. The dough squares are arranged in rows on a baking sheet lined with white parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. The meat mixture is dark brown with a rough, crumbly texture and the cheese appears creamy and smooth, slightly drizzled on top of the meat in a light yellow color. In the background, more of the same dough squares with the meat mixture on top are visible but out of focus, creating depth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Bring these pockets to the next level by serving them with classic burger garnishes like crisp lettuce leaves, juicy tomato slices, and crunchy pickles. Freshly sliced red onions or a drizzle of extra house sauce can also brighten and balance each bite beautifully.

Side Dishes

They’re perfectly paired with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for that authentic diner experience. For a lighter option, a fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness wonderfully and adds a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of ketchup, mustard, and extra house sauce for dipping. For a fun party twist, cut them into smaller appetizer-sized pockets or stack them alongside mini sliders to wow your guests with variety and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying these pockets, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 2 to 3 days, making for quick, delicious snacks or meals later.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled but unbaked pockets. Arrange them on a parchment-lined tray so they don’t stick together, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month—just bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pockets on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350-degree oven until piping hot and crisped up, usually about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can, since you want to preserve that flaky, puff pastry crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar offers a classic tang and melts beautifully, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for gooeyness or pepper jack to add a spicy kick.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and lentils or your favorite meatless ground substitute, and it will still pack plenty of flavor.

Can I make these pockets ahead and bake later?

Definitely. Assemble the pockets and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be chilled.

What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?

Puff pastry gives the best flaky texture, but you could try phyllo dough for a lighter crunch or even biscuit dough for a softer, buttery crust, though it will change the final texture.

How spicy is the house sauce?

The house sauce is mostly tangy and sweet with subtle smoky BBQ notes. If you want heat, add a touch of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about biting into these warm, golden pockets filled with juicy cheeseburger goodness, and I can’t recommend the Cheeseburger Puff Pastry Pockets Recipe enough for your next meal or gathering. It’s comfort food elevated with elegance and fun, sure to bring smiles with every flaky, cheesy bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy a classic cheeseburger!

Cheeseburger Puff Pastry Pockets Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need