Introduction
If there’s one Alabama dish that’s legendary, it’s the Alabama hot pocket. This savory concoction of cheese, bacon, and jalapeno peppers has been tantalizing taste buds for years, and there’s no sign of it going away any time soon.
But where did this iconic dish come from? How did it become so popular? And what makes it so darn delicious?
In this post, we’ll explore the delicious history of the Alabama hot pocket.
What Is an Alabama Hot Pocket?
What, dear reader, is an Alabama Hot Pocket? We’re glad you asked.
An Alabama Hot Pocket is a savory dish that consists of a pocket of dough filled with seasoned meat and vegetables. It’s a popular comfort food item in the southern United States, and there are all sorts of variations on the recipe.
Some people make their Alabama Hot Pockets with chicken, while others use beef or pork. You can also add in some veggies, like onion and red pepper, to give it some extra flavor. And then there’s the sauce—some folks like to keep it simple with just melted butter, while others add in ketchup, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
No matter how you make it, one thing is for sure: an Alabama Hot Pocket is sure to hit the spot!
The History of the Alabama Hot Pocket
Do you know what an Alabama Hot Pocket is? No, it’s not some kind of regional food. It’s actually a delicious dessert that’s made with crescent dough, sugar, cinnamon and pecans.
The history of the Alabama Hot Pocket is a bit fuzzy, but the legend goes that it was first made by accident in a kitchen in Alabama. One theory is that a woman was making cinnamon rolls and left them in the oven for too long. When she took them out, the rolls had turned into a crispy, gooey mess that was essentially a hot pocket.
And thus, the Alabama Hot Pocket was born. These days, you can find them all over the place, but I always think they taste best when they’re homemade. So why not try making them yourself? I promise you won’t be disappointed.
How to Make an Alabama Hot Pocket
It’s not hard to make an Alabama Hot Pocket. In fact, you can probably do it with the stuff you have in your kitchen right now.
Here’s what you’ll need: some pre-made biscuit dough, shredded cheddar cheese, diced ham, and an egg.
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the biscuit dough and divide it into eight equal pieces. Roll each piece out into a six-inch circle. Then place the circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese, ham, and egg. Divide this mixture evenly among the eight circles of dough, and fold the edges of the dough up to create a pocket. Make sure that the cheese and ham are tucked inside so they don’t leak out during baking.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown. And voila! You’ve made an Alabama Hot Pocket. Enjoy!
What to Put in an Alabama Hot Pocket
When it comes to the Alabama hot pocket, the sky’s the limit as far as what you can put inside. Of course, the classic version is made with ham, cheese, and sauce, but you could also get creative and add in some of your favorite ingredients.
Some of our favorite combinations include bacon, avocado, and ranch dressing; chicken, black beans, and corn salsa; or pepperoni, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese. Basically, anything goes when it comes to the Alabama hot pocket. So get creative and have some fun with it!
Variations of the Alabama Hot Pocket
You might be surprised to know that there are many variations of the Alabama hot pocket. Some are filled with chicken, others with shrimp. And you can find them with and without cheese.
But my personal favorite is the one with sausage. It’s got a little bit of heat to it, and the cheese is all melted and gooey. Mmm…just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
If you’re ever in the mood for something a little bit different, I highly recommend giving one of these variations a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Where to Find the Best Alabama Hot Pockets in Birmingham
So, you’re in Birmingham and you’re in the mood for an Alabama Hot Pocket. But where to go?
Well, we can recommend a few places for you. First, there’s the Alabama Hot Pocket Diner on 1st Avenue North. They’ve got a whole range of Alabama Hot Pocket flavors, from the classics to the more adventurous.
If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, then we suggest popping into Big Mama’s House of Soul for their famous version. It’s soul food with a Southern flair, and it’s absolutely delicious.
And finally, if you really want to treat yourself, then head over to Dreamland Bar-B-Que. All their barbecue is made with signature Alabama Hot Pocket sauce, and it’s some of the best we’ve ever tasted.
Conclusion
The Alabama hot pocket has a delicious history dating back to the early 1900s. This iconic dish has been a southern favorite for generations, and there’s no doubt it will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of trying an Alabama hot pocket, what are you waiting for? Head to your nearest diner, restaurant, or food truck and order up a piping hot plate of this delicious dish. You won’t regret it!
