Ingredients
2¼tspred star slatinum yeast,1 stard packet
1⅓cupswarm water,about 110 degrees F
3½cupsall purpose flour,spoon & leveled, plus more for work surface
1tbspgranulated sugar
2tbspolive oil
¾tspsalt
1largeegg,beaten with 1 tbsp milk
8slicescheese,or 2 cups shredded
16slicesdeli ham,or 2 cups cubed ham
Preparation
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a hook attachment, combine the yeast and warm water.
Stir it around and let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture is foamy. If the yeast doesn’t dissolve or foam, the yeast is dead. Start again with active yeast.
Add flour, sugar, olive oil, and salt. Mix by hand or with the dough hook at low speed for 1 minute. Once all of the ingredients are mixed, slowly knead for 7 minutes by hand or with the dough hook on low-medium speed.
If the dough is too wet, add up to ¼ cup more flour. After kneading, the dough should be smooth and elastic.
Poke it with a finger. If it slowly bounces back, the dough is ready to rise. If not, keep kneading.
Shape the dough into a ball and place in a large mixing bowl that has been greased lightly with olive oil. Turn it over to coat all sides.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm environment (about 75 or 80 degrees F) for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Once risen, punch the dough down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using a sharp knife, slice dough in half. Then slice each half into quarters to have 8 pieces of dough.
Flatten each piece to 6×4-inch rectangles with fingers or a rolling pin. Transfer flattened dough to the baking sheets.
Place the cheese and ham (2 slices for each) on top of the dough on one side, then fold the other side over top. Pinch the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges.
Brush the tops and sides of each pocket with egg wash, then slice 2 to 3 slits in the tops for air vents (use a super sharp knife to do that).
Bake the pockets for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Make sure to rotate the baking sheet once or twice during bake time.
Remove pockets from the oven and allow to cool on the pan until ready to handle and serve.
