Got leftover mince hanging out in the fridge? Don’t let it go to waste! These Leftover Mince Pockets are quick to make, full of flavour, and perfect for school lunches, snacks, or easy dinners. Flaky puff pastry wrapped around a cheesy, savoury filling — it’s the kind of magic that disappears from the plate in minutes.
And the best part? They fit perfectly into our Ecococoon stainless steel bento lunch boxes, keeping them fresh, spill-free, and ready to go.
Why You’ll Love This Leftover Mince Recipe
1. Waste Less, Enjoy More
Turning leftover mince into something new means you’re saving money and reducing food waste.
2. Quick and Fuss-Free
Using ready-made puff pastry means these are on the table in under 30 minutes.
3. Kid-Approved
Perfect for picky eaters, lunchboxes, or after-school snacks.
4. Bento Box Ready
These pockets are just the right size for our Bento 5 – no leaks, no soggy pastry, just deliciousness at lunchtime.
Ingredients
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Leftover mince (beef, chicken, turkey, or plant-based)
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1 cup grated cheese
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1 pack puff pastry sheets
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1 egg (for egg was
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Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Assemble the Pockets
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Preheat and prep – Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F), or use a jaffle maker if you have one. Roll out puff pastry and cut into squares or circles.
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Fill and seal – Spoon filling into the centre, add some grated cheese, fold over to form a pocket, and press edges with a fork.
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Brush for golden glory – Beat the egg and brush over the top of each pocket.
Step 2: Bake and Serve
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Place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
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Let cool slightly before serving — molten cheese is no joke!
Pro Tips for Perfect Leftover Mince Pockets
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Seal well – No one likes leaks. Press edges firmly.
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Cool filling first – Prevent soggy pastry by letting the filling rest before assembling.
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Experiment with flavours – Try curry mince, BBQ pulled chicken, or fresh herbs for a twist.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families
These pockets are a weeknight lifesaver. They’re:
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Portable – Pop them straight into an Ecococoon bento lunch box for a mess-free lunch on the go.
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Make-ahead friendly – Freeze before or after baking for grab-and-go meals.
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Crowd-pleasers – Even fussy eaters find these hard to resist.
Final Bite
Next time your fridge is hiding a bowl of lonely mince, give it a golden makeover with these Leftover Mince Pockets. Quick, versatile, and delicious — they’re proof that leftovers don’t have to be boring.
And if you want them to stay just as tasty at lunchtime as they were fresh from the oven, store them in our Ecococoon stainless steel bento lunch boxes. They’re leak-proof, easy to clean, and keep your food fresh — no matter where the day takes you.
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