How Long Does A Hot Pocket Last In The Freezer?

Hot Pockets are an easy but delicious snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. If you have a pack of Hot Pockets in your freezer, you may wonder how long they will last. Let's take a look below.

On average, Hot Pockets can be in your freezer for 14 months before expiring. However, they must be appropriately stored to achieve this maximum shelf life.

If you do not store them properly, they can get freezer burn or become contaminated with foodborne bacteria.

Even though they are frozen food, Hot Pockets don't last forever. In this article, we will take a closer look at how long Hot Pockets last in the freezer, as well as some tips on how to store them properly.

In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about Hot Pockets, so read on!

Hot pizza rolls or pockets broken open on a plate, How Long Does A Hot Pocket Last In The Freezer?

What Is The Shelf Life Of Hot Pockets?

Originally, Hot Pockets were called "Tasywhich" by the brother Paul and David Merage. Three years after the first Tastywhich was sold in 1980, the name was changed to "Hot Pockets."

Their goal was to create an on-the-go snack that would be both tasty and easy to make. A couple of decades later, the brothers sold the company to Nestle for $2.6 billion. Today, Hot Pockets are produced in various flavors and styles, and they are enjoyed by people worldwide.

By now, you probably know that hot pockets come frozen. But how long do they last in the freezer? Typically, you can keep hot pockets in the freezer for 14 months before they expire.

It's important to note that the 14 months starts from the manufacturer's date, not the day you put them in the freezer. For hot pockets to reach their maximum shelf life, they need to be stored properly. Improper storage can cause freezer burn or contamination with foodborne bacteria.

Hot Pockets should be stored in their original packaging in the freezer. If you have transferred them to another container, make sure it is a freezer-safe container. Once you are ready to eat a Hot Pocket, take it out of the freezer and follow the cooking instructions on the package.

It is recommended not to thaw your Hot Pocket before cooking, as this can cause bacteria to grow.

Now let's take a look at some frequently asked questions about Hot Pockets.

Several Hot Pocket products in the freezer section of the grocery store

Can You Refreeze Hot Pockets?

Yes, you can refreeze Hot Pockets. However, it's important to note that they may not taste as good as they did when you first froze them.

This is because freezer burn can occur when food is frozen and thawed multiple times. Freezer burn occurs when the moisture in the food evaporates, leaving behind dry and tough patches.

For the best quality, it's better only to make as many Hot Pockets as you need for a meal or snack. This way, you won't have to worry about wasting any food.

Can You Eat A Hot Pocket With A Freezer Burn?

Freezer burn doesn't make food unsafe to eat, but it can affect the quality and taste of the food.

You can still cook and eat if you have a Hot Pocket with freezer burn. However, cutting off any dry or tough patches before cooking is best.

In addition, you may want to add a little extra moisture to the Hot Pocket before cooking it. This can be done by brushing it with some olive oil or water.

Can You Eat A Hot Pocket Past The Expiration Date?

Depending on if your Hot Pocket has signs of mold or slimy bacteria, you may be able to eat it past the expiration date.

If your Hot Pocket has any visible mold or bacteria, it's best to throw it away. These can cause food poisoning if ingested.

However, if your Hot Pocket looks and smells fine, there's a chance it's still safe to eat. Remember that it may not taste as fresh as when you first bought it.

If you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of caution and throw the Hot Pocket away.

How Long Are Hot Pockets Good In The Fridge?

While it may seem okay to store Hot Pockets in the fridge, it's not a good idea. Hot Pockets should always be stored in the freezer, never in the refrigerator.

If you put Hot Pockets in the fridge, they will only last for 2-3 days before expiring. This is because food spoils more quickly at fridge temperatures than at freezer temperatures.

So, if you're looking for a quick snack and all you have are some Hot Pockets that have been sitting in the fridge, you may want to give them a pass.

Retail store display Hot Pockets front variety

How Long Do You Cook Hot Pockets In The Oven?

If you want a crispier Hot Pocket, you can cook it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the Hot Pocket for 28 minutes.

If you are cooking more than one Hot Pocket, make sure to space them out on the baking sheet so that they have enough room to cook evenly.

In addition, it is not recommended to use the crisping sleeve when cooking Hot Pockets in the oven. The sleeve is only meant for microwave cooking and can catch fire in the oven.

How Long Do You Cook Hot Pockets In The Microwave?

The quickest and easiest way to cook a Hot Pocket is in the microwave. Remove the Hot Pockets wrapper, place it in the crisping sleeve, and cook on high for 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

If you are cooking more than one Hot Pocket, cook them on high for 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Then let the Hot Pockets cool for 1 minute before eating.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your microwave. If your Hot Pocket is not cooked through after 2 minutes and 30 seconds, cook it for an additional 30 seconds.

Can You Cook Hot Pockets In An Air Fryer?

Air fryers are pretty amazing kitchen appliances. They can cook food quickly and efficiently, with little to no oil.

So, can you cook Hot Pockets in an air fryer? The answer is yes! Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the Hot Pocket for 13 minutes.

If you are cooking more than one Hot Pocket, make sure to space them out in the air fryer so that they have enough room to cook evenly. You may need to add a few more minutes to the cooking time if you are cooking more than one Hot Pocket.

Like oven cooking, don't use the crisping sleeve when cooking Hot Pockets in the air fryer.

Air fryer machine cooking potato fried in kitchen. Lifestyle of new normal cooking

Where Can I Buy Hot Pockets?

Due to their popularity, Hot Pockets are in high demand. They can be found in most grocery stores and big box stores like Walmart and Target. You can also buy them online directly from the Hot Pockets website.

You can also get Hot Pockets delivered using food delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats. So, if you're feeling lazy, you can have Hot Pockets delivered right to your door!

If you want to try different flavors, we recommend checking out the Hot Pockets website. They have various flavors to choose from, including breakfast, pizza, and even "international" flavors.

Are Hot Pockets Unhealthy?

Like other frozen food, Hot Pockets are not the healthiest option. They are high in calories, fat, and sodium. Also, Hot Pockets' goal wasn't to be healthy food. They are meant to be quick and easy snacks or meals.

However, they can be a part of a healthy diet if you eat them in moderation. For example, having a Hot Pocket for a cheat meal once in a while is not going to kill you. Make sure to balance it with healthier meals throughout the week.

How Many Flavors Of Hot Pockets Are There?

Currently, there are 37 different flavors of Hot Pockets. Some popular flavors include pizza, ham and cheddar, and four-cheese pizza. However, some unique flavors include Philly cheesesteak, chicken bacon ranch, and meatballs with mozzarella.

In addition, Hot Pockets has breakfast flavors, such as bacon, egg, and cheese.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own Hot Pockets at home! All you need is some dough, your favorite fillings, and a little bit of time.

You can air fry or bake your Hot Pockets until they're golden brown and crispy.

a food section full of hot pockets

Are Hot Pockets Precooked?

Hot Pockets are made raw and frozen. When you're ready to eat one, cook it until it's hot all the way through.

It's vital not to eat a Hot Pocket that isn't cooked all the way through, as this can lead to food poisoning. This includes not eating a thawed Hot Pocket and eating it raw.

So, play it safe and always cook your Hot Pockets until they're piping hot!

Final Thoughts

Hot pizza rolls or pockets broken open on a plate

Hot Pockets are still a fan favorite that can be stored in the freezer for a quick meal or snack. They come in various flavors, so there's something for everyone. Just make sure to cook them all the way through before eating!

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might find helpful:

How Long To Put Hot Pockets In Microwave?

Can You Microwave Hot Dogs? [And How To!]

How Hot Does A Microwave Get?

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