Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe

Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe

Hey, Welcome to the Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe. Alabama Hot Pockets are spicy, savory pastry pockets filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and Southern-style spices, all baked inside a golden, flaky crust.

If you’ve ever craved a handheld Southern comfort snack with a bold kick, you already know how satisfying a hot pocket can be.

I wanted to recreate that from scratch, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make these flavorful Alabama-style hot pockets in your kitchen.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 pockets
Cuisine: American (Southern-Inspired)
Category: Snack / Appetizer

History and Origin

I created this recipe to bring a little Alabama soul into the world of homemade hot pockets. While there’s no traditional dish by this name in Alabama, the South is known for bold spices, hearty fillings, and flaky pastries.

I drew inspiration from the spiced beef, cheddar, and buttery crust to create something new, comforting, and full of flavor. By the way, you can also try the Cold Brew Black Caf Recipe.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe:

IngredientsQuantity
Ground beef1 pound
Onion, finely chopped½ cup
Garlic, minced2 cloves
Cheddar cheese, shredded1 cup
Cream cheese4 tablespoons
Pickled jalapeños2 tablespoons, chopped
Paprika1 teaspoon
Smoked paprika½ teaspoon
Black pepper½ teaspoon
Salt¾ teaspoon
Refrigerated pie dough or crescent dough2 sheets (or 1 tube)
Egg (for egg wash)1, beaten
Butter, melted (optional)1 tablespoon

Equipment Needed

Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Homemade Alabama Hot Pocket Recipe:

  • Skillet
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Oven

How to Make Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe

Step 1: Cook the beef filling

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add spices and cheese

Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, salt, pepper, paprika, and smoky paprika. Mix until smooth and creamy. Let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie dough or crescent dough and cut into 6 even rectangles.

Step 4: Fill and seal

Spoon the beef filling onto one half of each dough rectangle. Using a fork, secure the edges after folding over. Use a knife to cut a small slit in each pocket for steam.

Step 5: Egg wash and bake

Place the pockets on a lined baking tray. Brush with beaten egg and bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Optional butter finish

Brush the baked hot pockets with melted butter right out of the oven for a soft, flavorful finish.

Recipe Card

Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe

Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe

Welcome to the Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe. Alabama Hot Pockets are spicy, savory pastry pockets filled with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and Southern-style spices, all baked inside a golden, flaky crust.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 pockets
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked ground beef seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced pickles optional
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pack pizza dough or crescent roll dough
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for topping, optional

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Oven

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the beef filling
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
    Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe
Step 2: Add spices and cheese
  1. Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, salt, pepper, paprika, and smoky paprika. Mix until smooth and creamy. Let the mixture cool slightly.
    Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe
Step 3: Prepare the dough
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie dough or crescent dough and cut into 6 even rectangles.
    Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe
Step 4: Fill and seal
  1. Spoon the beef filling onto one half of each dough rectangle. Using a fork, secure the edges after folding over. Use a knife to cut a small slit in each pocket for steam.
    Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe
Step 5: Egg wash and bake
  1. Place the pockets on a lined baking tray. Brush with beaten egg and bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Optional butter finish
  1. Brush the baked hot pockets with melted butter right out of the oven for a soft, flavorful finish.
    Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe

Notes

If I have leftovers, I let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe:

NutrientAmount (Per Serving)
Calories390 kcal
Carbohydrates35 g
Protein17 g
Fat21 g
Saturated Fat9 g
Cholesterol55 mg
Sodium620 mg
Fiber2 g
Sugar3 g
Calcium130 mg
Iron2.4 mg

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe with spicy ketchup, ranch dip, or even a smoky BBQ sauce.

Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe

They’re perfect as a game-day snack, an easy dinner, or something fun to bring to a potluck. You can even pair them with a simple green salad to turn them into a meal.

Storage Tips

If I have leftovers, I let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

They reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10 minutes. You can also freeze unbaked pockets for up to a month, just bake them from frozen with a few extra minutes added.

Conclusion

These Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe are such a cozy twist on a Southern-style hand pie. They’re hearty, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy, perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors wrapped in flaky crust. I had a great time making these, and I know you’ll enjoy every bite too.

With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!

Happy Cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great if you prefer a lighter version.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I use instead of pie dough?

Crescent roll dough, puff pastry, or even homemade biscuit dough works well.

How do I freeze these?

Wrap unbaked pockets in plastic wrap and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to cook time.

Can I make them vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef with seasoned black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat.

You will also like the Everbowl Vanilla Base Recipe.

Hi, I'm Neeru, the soul behind HowdyRecipes.com! With over 10 years of experience in cooking and food blogging, I've spent the last decade exploring flavours, testing recipes, and sharing the joy of homemade food with fellow food lovers around the world. Thanks for attention♥

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