Alabama hot pockets recipe: step-by-step from making dough to baking

Hello everyone, Ania here! Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite Alabama Hot Pockets recipe. This dish is a Southern classic, known for its flaky crust and savory filling. It’s a perfect blend of comfort food and culinary craftsmanship. I love making these for family dinners and casual gatherings because they’re versatile and delicious. Let’s dive in and create something truly mouthwatering together!

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Alabama hot pockets recipe: Ingredients

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
• 1 cup ice water

Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or a vegetarian meat alternative)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients

• Diced bell peppers
• Sliced mushrooms
• Spinach or kale
• Jalapeños for a spicy kick

Alabama hot pockets recipe: from making dough to baking step-by-step

First, I gather all my ingredients and measure them out. This makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Ninja Oven helps me prepare dishes quickly and tasty. I am sure that I will get a crispy crust and a juicy product with it.

Alabama hot pockets Kitchen Tools

• Large mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon

I always ensure my workspace is clean and spacious. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Making the Dough: Step-by-Step Process

1. In a large bowl I mix flour and salt to which I will then add butter. For convenience, I cut it into cubes while still cold. Mix well, the dough should have a consistency similar to large crumbs.
2. Next, all that remains is to add cold water. It is better to do this gradually, forming a homogeneous ball of dough.
3. It should be left in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
4. Then, I roll out the dough to about 1/8″ thick and cut into 4″ x 6″ rectangles.

Choosing and Preparing the Filling

1. In a skillet, I cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. I drain any excess fat.
2. I add the chopped onion and any additional vegetables I prefer. I cook until the onions are translucent.
3. I stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. I cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. I remove the filling from heat and cool slightly before assembling the pockets.

Filling and Sealing the Pockets

1. I place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough rectangle.
2. I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the filling.
3. Then I fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Pressing the edges with a fork, I seal them tightly.

Feel free to experiment with other fillings such as: ham and cheese, BBQ chicken, spinach and feta.

Instructions for Baking Alabama hot pockets

1. I place the filled pockets on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Then I bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.
3. And I let them cool slightly before serving.

Ensure the dough is cold when you start to prevent it from becoming too sticky. Don’t overfill the pockets to avoid them bursting open during baking.

Alabama hot pockets recipe: Microwave Preparation

If my oven is busy with other dishes or I want quick cooking, I sometimes use the microwave for this.

If my oven is busy with other dishes or I want quick cooking, I sometimes use the microwave for this.

1. I assemble the pockets as directed.
2. I place a few pockets on a microwave-safe plate. I microwave on high for 3-4 minutes or until heated through.

Ania Tips for Serving Alabama hot pockets

To make your Alabama Hot Pockets look even more appetizing, arrange them neatly on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

These hot pockets pair wonderfully with a cold glass of iced tea or a light beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving with a refreshing lemonade.

Offering a variety of dipping sauces can elevate the eating experience. Some of my favorites include:

• Honey mustard
• Spicy Sriracha mayo
• Tangy BBQ sauce

To make a complete meal, serve these hot pockets alongside a crisp, green salad or a hearty soup. This balances the richness of the pockets and adds a healthy touch.

If you’re serving these to kids, consider making smaller, bite-sized versions of the hot pockets. They’re easier for little hands to manage and just as delicious.

Please encourage your guests to customize their hot pockets with different toppings. Set up a small toppings bar with ingredients like diced tomatoes, olives, or jalapeños.

I love beautiful presentation of dishes. Not only for guests, but also when we have dinner with our family. That’s why I bought the Serving bar, which creates a masterpiece for my table setting.

Read also: 30-Minutes Easy Campbell’s Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

How to Store Alabama Hot Pockets And Reheating?

• I store any leftover hot pockets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, I bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave on high for 1-2 minutes.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and eating these Alabama Hot Pockets as much as I do! Feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your taste and experiment with different fillings. This dish is perfect for customizing to your culinary preferences. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with delicious aromas and happy memories!

Happy cooking!

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5 from 2 votes

Alabama hot pockets recipe

An Alabama Hot Pocket is a playful and unconventional twist on a classic stuffed bread recipe. It features a savory filling of seasoned ground meat, melted cheese, and sometimes vegetables, all encased in a warm, flaky dough. This creative and hearty dish is perfect for casual gatherings or a fun family dinner, offering a delicious burst of flavors in every bite.

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Resting Time for Dough20 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Alabama hot pockets, Alabama recipe, hot pockets recipe

Servings: 4

Calories: 520kcal

Author: Ania Cooking Recipes

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter unsalted, cold, cubed
• 1 cup ice water

Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef  you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or a vegetarian meat alternative
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Making the Dough

• In a large bowl I mix flour and salt to which I will then add butter. For convenience, I cut it into cubes while still cold. Mix well, the dough should have a consistency similar to large crumbs.Next, all that remains is to add cold water. It is better to do this gradually, forming a homogeneous ball of dough.It should be left in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.Then, I roll out the dough to about 1/8" thick and cut into 4" x 6" rectangles.
  

Choosing and Preparing the Filling

• In a skillet, I cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. I drain any excess fat. I add the chopped onion and any additional vegetables I prefer. I cook until the onions are translucent. I stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  I cook for another 2-3 minutes. I remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly before assembling the pockets.
  

Filling and Sealing the Pockets

• I place a spoonful of filling in the center of each dough rectangle. I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the filling. Then I fold the dough over the filling to create a pocket. Pressing the edges with a fork, I seal them tightly.
  

Baking Alabama hot pockets

• I place the filled pockets on the prepared baking sheet. Then I bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the dough is golden brown. And I let them cool slightly before serving.
  

Nutrition

Serving: 2pockets | Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 850mg | Potassium: 350mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 3mg

Ania

My name is Ania, and I am very glad to see you here. I have always loved cooking; even some of my earliest memories are flipping through a cookbook and making pudding standing on a stool because I was too small to reach the stove.

You should know that I am not a professionally trained chef, just a big food lover who grew up in a family obsessed with cooking and focused on what we eat.