
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:
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Ground beef | 1 pound |
Onion, finely chopped | ½ cup |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
Cream cheese | 4 tablespoons |
Pickled jalapeños | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
Smoked paprika | ½ teaspoon |
Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
Salt | ¾ teaspoon |
Refrigerated pie dough or crescent dough | 2 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
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onions and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, salt, pepper, paprika, and smoky paprika. Mix until smooth and creamy. Let the mixture cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie dough or crescent dough and cut into 6 even rectangles.
- 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.
- Place the pockets on a lined baking tray. Brush with beaten egg and bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Brush the baked hot pockets with melted butter right out of the oven for a soft, flavorful finish.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe:
Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
---|---|
Calories | 390 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Protein | 17 g |
Fat | 21 g |
Saturated Fat | 9 g |
Cholesterol | 55 mg |
Sodium | 620 mg |
Fiber | 2 g |
Sugar | 3 g |
Calcium | 130 mg |
Iron | 2.4 mg |
Serving Suggestions
I like to serve Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe with spicy ketchup, ranch dip, or even a smoky BBQ sauce.

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.
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