Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe

Alabama Hot Pockets are a delightful Southern-inspired snack that combines savory fillings with a flaky, golden crust. These hand-held treats are perfect for game days, family gatherings, or a comforting weeknight meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be approachable and satisfying.

What Makes Alabama Hot Pockets So Special?

What sets Alabama Hot Pockets apart is their versatility and bold flavors. The combination of ground beef, spicy jalapeños, and creamy cheeses encased in a buttery pastry creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite. The recipe allows for customization, making it easy to adjust the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious but also practical. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and can be made ahead of time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a solo snack, Alabama Hot Pockets offer a satisfying and flavorful option that everyone will love.

Nutrition Facts Table

Equipment

Before you begin, gather the following equipment:

• Oven: For baking the hot pockets to a golden perfection.
• Baking Sheet: To place the assembled hot pockets for baking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For preparing the dough and mixing fillings.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out the dough evenly.
• Knife or Pizza Cutter: For cutting the dough into circles or squares.
• Fork: To crimp the edges of the dough and seal the pockets.
• Pastry Brush: For applying the egg wash to achieve a shiny, golden crust.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup ice water

For the filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened

For the egg wash:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

How to Make Alabama Hot Pockets

Here the step by step instruction how to make Alabama Hot Pockets.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cubed cold butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

Step 2: Chill the Dough

Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and helps achieve a flakier texture.

Step 3: Cook the Filling

While the dough chills, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced jalapeño to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese. Mix until well blended. This creamy cheese mixture adds richness to the filling.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough, approximately 4 inches in diameter.

Step 6: Assemble the Hot Pockets

Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each dough circle. Top with a generous amount of the cheese mixture. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, then crimp with a fork to ensure they are well sealed.

Step 7: Apply the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush the tops of the assembled hot pockets with the egg wash to promote a golden, shiny crust during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the prepared hot pockets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pockets are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

If you loved the rich, cheesy comfort of my Olive Garden Mac and Cheese Recipe, you’ll definitely want to try these hearty and flavorful Alabama Hot Pockets next!

Tips for Making Perfect Alabama Hot Pockets

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps prevent shrinking and ensures a flaky texture.
• Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to overfill the pockets, as this can cause them to burst open during baking.
• Seal Edges Well: Ensure the edges are tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.
• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and water help create a flaky crust.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Alabama Hot Pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Serving Tips

Alabama Hot Pockets are delicious on their own or paired with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with:

• Creamy Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw complements the richness of the hot pockets.
• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Savory roasted potatoes add a hearty element to the meal.
• Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory pockets.
• Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries balances the spicy filling.
• Creamy Tomato Soup: Dipping the hot pockets into tomato soup creates a comforting combination.

Conclusion

Alabama Hot Pockets offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them a perfect choice for any occasion. Their versatility allows for customization to suit various taste preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this Southern-inspired treat.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
   Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can use ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or even a plant-based meat substitute to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
2. Can Alabama Hot Pockets be made ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble them in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them (unbaked or baked) for longer storage—just adjust the baking time if cooking from frozen.
3. How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
   Make sure the filling is not too wet. Let the cooked meat cool slightly and drain any excess fat or moisture. Brushing the inside of the dough with a little beaten egg can also help create a moisture barrier.
4. Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
   Yes! Swap the meat for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers, and keep the cheese mixture for a delicious vegetarian version of Alabama Hot Pockets.
5. What dipping sauces go well with Alabama Hot Pockets?
   Great options include spicy ranch, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or classic marinara for added flavor and variety.

Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe

Alabama Hot Pockets are a delightful Southern-inspired snack that combines savory fillings with a flaky, golden crust. These hand-held treats are perfect for game days, family gatherings, or a comforting weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 225 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling Pin

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cream cheese softened

Notes

For the best Alabama Hot Pockets, make sure to chill the dough well before rolling—it’s the secret to that irresistible flaky crust. Also, if you’re prepping for a party or large group, these freeze beautifully. Just assemble, flash-freeze on a tray, then store in freezer bags. When ready, bake directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, brushing with fresh egg wash halfway through. Customize your filling too—spice it up with hot sauce or cool it down with sautéed bell peppers and sweet corn. Whether served hot or at room temp, these pockets deliver big flavor in every bite!