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Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe

Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe

Alabama Hot Pockets are crispy, cheesy and full of hearty comfort food flavor. This Alabama Hot Pockets recipe is perfect for busy dinners, game nights or fun family meals.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the filling:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon mustard

For the dough:

  • 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1 egg beaten for egg wash

Optional toppings:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped parsley

Instructions
  

Prepare the beef filling

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the meat turns brown and onions become soft. Stir often to prevent sticking. Drain extra grease if needed. This creates a flavorful and hearty filling for the hot pockets.

Add seasonings and sauces

  • Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt and black pepper over the cooked beef. Add ketchup and mustard into the skillet. Stir everything together until fully mixed. The seasonings create a smoky and savory flavor that tastes warm and comforting in every bite.

Add the cheese

  • Turn off the heat and let the beef cool slightly. Add cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese into the mixture. Stir gently until slightly melted. The cheese makes the filling creamy and rich. It also helps hold the filling together inside the dough.

Prepare the dough

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F or 200°C. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into equal rectangles using a knife or pizza cutter. The dough should be thick enough to hold the filling without tearing during baking.

Fill the hot pockets

  • Place a spoonful of beef filling in the center of each dough rectangle. Leave space around the edges for sealing. Avoid overfilling because the pockets may open while baking. The filling should sit evenly for balanced flavor and easier folding.

Seal the dough pockets

  • Fold the dough over the filling to create pockets. Press the edges firmly with a fork to seal tightly. This keeps the cheesy filling inside while baking. Place the pockets carefully on a parchment-lined baking tray with enough space between them.

Add egg wash and toppings

  • Brush beaten egg over the top of each pocket. This helps create a shiny golden crust after baking. Sprinkle sesame seeds or parsley on top if desired. The toppings add extra texture and a homemade bakery-style appearance to the finished pockets.

Bake until golden

  • Place the tray into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The crust should feel firm and lightly crunchy. Let the hot pockets cool for a few minutes before serving because the filling stays very hot inside.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option
  • Add jalapeños for extra spice
  • Use puff pastry for a flakier crust
  • Mix in cooked mushrooms or peppers
  • Add barbecue sauce for smoky flavor
  • Seal edges tightly to prevent leaking
  • Let filling cool slightly before stuffing dough
Keyword Alabama Hot Pockets Recipe