Delicious Homemade Dairy-Free Hot Pockets Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold vegan butter, cut into small cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup ice cold water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chopped spinach
1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
1 cup dairy-free cheese shreds
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold vegan butter and use your fingers to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually pour in the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water until it's pliable.
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
While the dough is chilling, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
Add the spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the pan, and continue to cook until the vegetables are soft and most of the water has evaporated.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the dairy-free cheese shreds and ground black pepper. Set the mixture aside to cool.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut the dough into rectangles of your desired size for the hot pockets.
Spoon some of the vegetable and cheese mixture onto half of each rectangle, leaving a border around the edges. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal them.
Place the hot pockets on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Let the hot pockets cool for a few minutes before eating.

Tools for making

Large bowl - For mixing the dough and other ingredients.
Plastic wrap - To wrap and refrigerate the dough.
Frying pan - To sauté the onion, garlic, and vegetables.
Spoon - For stirring and mixing the filling.
Baking sheet - To bake the hot pockets in the oven.
Parchment paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Rolling pin - To roll out the dough to the desired thickness.
Knife - For chopping onions, garlic, and vegetables.
Fork - To crimp the edges of the hot pockets and seal them.
Measuring cups - To accurately measure the flour, water, and other ingredients.

Recipe variations

Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Replace the vegan butter with coconut oil or margarine for a different flavor profile.
Try alternative dairy-free cheeses such as almond-based, soy-based, or cashew-based varieties.
Add your favorite herbs and spices to the vegetable filling for added flavor.
Experiment with different vegetables like zucchini, corn, or broccoli in the filling.
For a protein-packed version, add cooked and crumbled tofu or tempeh to the vegetable filling.
Create a sweet variation by using a fruit filling, such as diced apples or berries, instead of the vegetable filling.
Make mini hot pockets by cutting the dough into smaller rectangles and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
Instead of baking, you can try frying the hot pockets in a pan with a little oil for a crispy exterior.
Add a dipping sauce of your choice, such as marinara sauce, vegan ranch dressing, or sweet chili sauce, to serve alongside the hot pockets.

Recipe overview

This dairy-free hot pockets recipe is the perfect solution for those seeking a delicious, vegan-friendly spin on a classic comfort food. These homemade hot pockets are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of vegetables and dairy-free cheese, all encased in a flaky, buttery crust made from scratch. Not only are they free from dairy, but they're also customizable to suit your preferences. Expect a satisfying and hearty meal or snack that's perfect for on-the-go eating or a cozy night in. Plus, the step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process, making it a manageable task even for beginners in the kitchen. So, let's dive in and start making these scrumptious dairy-free hot pockets!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter? Yes, you can use regular butter if you don't need the recipe to be dairy-free.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones? Absolutely! Fresh vegetables will work just fine. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces.
Can I add other fillings? Of course! You can customize the filling by adding your favorite ingredients like cooked meat, tofu, or different types of vegetables.
Can I freeze the hot pockets? Yes, you can freeze the baked hot pockets. Just allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

Rolling Pin - A rolling pin is essential for rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
Frying Pan - You'll need a frying pan to sauté the onions, garlic, and vegetables.
Baking Sheet - A baking sheet is necessary to bake the hot pockets in the oven.
Parchment Paper - Use parchment paper to line the baking sheet and prevent the hot pockets from sticking.
Plastic Wrap - Use plastic wrap to wrap the dough while it chills in the refrigerator.
Fork - A fork is used to crimp the edges of the hot pockets and seal them.
Knife - A knife will be handy for chopping the onions, garlic, and vegetables.
Cutting Board - Use a cutting board to chop the onions, garlic, and vegetables.

Origin stories

Hot Pockets, a beloved handheld foodstuff, were introduced to American freezers in the 1980s by the Merage brothers, Paul and David, who sought to take advantage of the microwave oven boom. Their goal was to provide a quick, satisfying meal that could be prepared in minutes, and thus, the Hot Pocket was born. Originally, the pockets were filled with meats and cheeses, but the invention of dairy-free versions caters to a wider audience, including those who are lactose intolerant or choose to follow a vegan diet. The dough, folded to encase the fillings, is reminiscent of many different traditional foods from around the world, such as empanadas, calzones, and pasties, showing the universal appeal of a delicious meal that can be held in the hand.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.