Turkey and Sweetpotato Hot Pockets with Horseradish Dip

Allow me to set the scene: It’s 1995. You just got home from school. You drop your backpack by the door and beeline it to the kitchen for your ritualized after school snack. You get started on your homework so you can go outside to play as soon as possible, and within mere minutes, you hear that beautiful ding of the toaster oven. Your Hot Pocket of the day is ready to be devoured. You savor the hot, melty cheese and meat filled puff pastry as you finish your homework, and then you run outside to play with your friends on the block until you’re summoned back for dinner. Life is good. If you feel this reference deep in your soul, you’re probably a 90’s kid, and 90’s kids just get it. But if you’re not a 90’s kid or you’ve never had the blessed opportunity to try a Hot Pocket, this recipe, which I must admit tastes identical to the savory nostalgic snack, is how you can have your first experience in your very own kitchen. I bet if I set up a blind taste test (we love them around here), most people wouldn’t be sure which bite is the original Hot Pocket, and which is the homemade version. The flavor and texture of these Turkey and Sweetpotato Hot Pockets is SPOT on, and the sense of nostalgia is pretty amazing. This recipe is made simple and seamless with the use of frozen prepared puff pastry, which is loaded with a delicious filling of melty provolone cheese, shallot, garlic, hearty and bright sweetpotatoes, fresh thyme, meaty mushrooms, and juicy tender turkey meat. The turkey mixture requires just one pan, and all you need to do is slice the puff pastry into section, place a slice of cheese on each half, and then add a generous scoop of the filling before sealing the hot pockets tightly with a fork and some egg wash. Serve them warm, melty, and fresh from the oven with a creamy, tangy, cool horseradish sauce perfect for dipping. I’m so excited for you to try these flaky, buttery, savory, and oh so comforting homemade hot pockets at home. They’re so much fun to share, and you can save leftovers (if you have any) to heat them up in the oven throughout the week.