In May, Hot Pockets introduced a fresh line branded Snack Breaks—Hot Pockets crafted with new crusts and fillings, cut into square portions that seem designed for sharing (though realistically, who would portion out a single Hot Pocket’s worth of goodness?). Although the concept has been public knowledge for months, I only recently spotted a couple of varieties at a nearby Meijer.
I managed to pick up the Cheesy Stuffed Pretzel with Bacon and Melty Nacho Beef variations, but I suspect there are three other flavors lurking somewhere nearby: a Cheez-It-inspired Ultimate Cheddar, the obligatory hot entry in Spicy Jalapeño Popper, and even a patriotic dessert option without crust, Gooey Apple Pie.
- Hot Pockets® Snack Breaks Cheesy Stuffed Pretzel with Bacon Review
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Pros: I’ll never turn away a warm, cheese-filled pastry. I’m even surprised ranch isn’t part of the equation here, given that bacon, cheese, and pretzels often pair with dips from Hidden Valley. (The white specks visible on the box are simply other cheeses, not to be confused with the cream cheese used in the Spicy Jalapeño Popper variant.)
Cons: The pretzel crust tends to harden into a tough, crusty bite just a few minutes after microwaving (even though the box calls for microwaving to soften it). Considering Hot Pockets’ reputation for requiring thorough cooking to avoid roof-of-mouth burns, this quick crust hardening did raise a concern.
There should be bacon somewhere in here, theoretically. While I caught a hint of bacon flavor, it wasn’t as pronounced as it can be in other bacon-forward Hot Pockets. If you’re buying this specifically for the bacon, you may be left wanting more.
- Hot Pockets® Snack Breaks Melty Nacho Beef Review
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Pros: A trip down memory lane to the Beef Taco Hot Pockets that used to crowd grocery freezers. I’m not sure why those disappeared, because this nacho-draped version sits among the best Hot Pockets I’ve ever tasted. It’s packed with nacho cheese and solidly seasoned taco beef.
Where other Hot Pockets crusts largely function as a vessel for the filling, this “corn chip style crust” actually carries the intended flavor and elevates the sensation of a warm plate of loaded nachos squeezing into your mouth.
Cons: Nothing to complain about here; the crust, fillings, and overall balance feel near perfect.
