Alabama Hot Pockets are a comfort food favorite from Alabama. Picture ground beef, onions, and bell peppers mixed in tomato sauce, then stuffed into hot dog buns with cheese and baked. They are a flavorful dish that captures the essence of Southern hospitality.
These treats blend classic Alabama flavors with a modern twist. Think of them as flaky pastries filled with spicy sausage, cheese, and herbs. They are easy to make, even for beginners. These pockets not only taste great but also add a southern touch to any meal.
The dish combines a warm pastry with a savory filling. You can customize the filling to suit your taste, making them perfect for everyone. They are easy to prepare and always a hit. They come in various flavors, from classic cheese to barbecue chicken. They are quick to heat in a microwave or oven, providing a crispy crust and warm filling. While they are convenient, remember they’re processed foods, so enjoy them in moderation.
In short, Alabama Hot Pockets offer a delicious taste of the South in a convenient package. Whether you are a food lover or just looking for a quick meal, they are sure to satisfy.
The Story Behind The Recipe
The idea for Hot Pockets came from brothers Paul Merage and David Merage, who started Chef America Inc. In 1979.
They first introduced a pocket sandwich called “the tastywich” in 1980. It was like a folded sandwich with different fillings inside.
By 1983, they improved the recipe and renamed it “hot pockets.” the new name highlighted that you could heat these sandwiches fast and have a hot meal.
Chef America Inc. Kept adding more flavors to hot pockets, making them popular in the 1990s. In 2002, nestlé bought Chef America Inc., making hot pockets available worldwide.
Today, hot pockets are a popular frozen snack. People love them because they’re quick, have many flavors, and are easy to heat up for a meal.
How To Make Alabama Hot Pockets
Ingredients For dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 beaten egg, (for brushing)
Ingredients For filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper.
Step By Step Instructions For Making Alabama Hot Pockets
- Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and put parchment paper on a baking sheet.
- In a big bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter pieces to the bowl. Use your hands or a tool to mix it until it looks like small crumbs.
- Slowly add the milk and mix until you get a dough. It should be a bit sticky. If it’s too wet or dry, add a bit more flour or milk.
- Put the dough on a floured surface and gently knead it until smooth.
- While the dough is cooling, get your filling ready, In a pan on medium heat, cook the beef or sausage until it’s brown, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove the fat from the meat. Put in onions, garlic, and black pepper. Cook until they get soft. Mix some salt and black pepper with the chopped tomatoes.
- Flatten the dough into a rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick. Cut it into smaller rectangles or squares.
- Put your fillings on one side of each piece. Don’t put too much.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the filling.
- Fold the empty side of the dough over the fillings, making a pocket. Press the edges to close them. You can use a fork to make a pattern on the edges.
- Put the pockets on the baking sheet. Brush them with the beaten egg for a golden look.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until they look golden and the inside is warm.
- Let them cool a bit before eating. The filling can be hot.
Tips For Making Alabama Hot Pockets
- Try mixing various cheeses for a special taste.
- Add some jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.
- Use good-quality ingredients, like beef and bacon. The better they are, the tastier your hot pockets will turn out.
- Make sure the filling is not too wet, or it might make the pastry soft.
- Make sure the dough is closed tight so nothing spills out when baking.
- Put your hot pockets on the baking sheet with space between them so they cook and brown evenly.
- Let the hot pockets cool a bit after baking. This helps the cheese inside the set, so it won’t spill out when you eat it.
Flavourful Substitute
- All-purpose flour: you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Cheddar cheese: instead of cheddar cheese you can mozzarella cheese or any cheese according to your liking.
- Ground beef or sausage: ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef if you prefer a lighter option.
Serving suggestions
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad gives a sweet touch next to hot pockets.
- French Fries: Everyone loves classic or sweet potato fries. They go great with hot pockets.
- Fresh Vegetables: Steam or roast veggies like broccoli or carrots for a healthy side.
- Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans are a tasty match for hot pockets.
- Sour Cream: A bit of sour cream cools down the hot pockets and tastes great.
- Spicy Ketchup: For a spicy kick, offer ketchup or hot sauce for dipping.
How To Freeze Leftover Alabama Hot Pockets
You can freeze extra hot pockets. Let them cool down, wrap each one in plastic, and put them in a sealed container in the freezer. When you want to eat them again, heat them up in the oven or microwave.
Want crispier hot pockets?
- Brush the dough with beaten egg or oil before baking for a golden crust.
- Use a hot pizza stone or baking tray.
- If you have an air fryer, try air frying them.
- Or, after baking, lightly fry them in a little oil for extra crispiness.
