For those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, finding convenient and satisfying meals can sometimes be a challenge. Keto hot pockets offer a delicious and customizable solution, reminiscent of the classic childhood favorite but without the high carb content. These can be enjoyed any time of day, but are particularly handy for non-egg breakfasts and quick lunches.
What are Keto Hot Pockets?
Keto hot pockets are a low-carb adaptation of traditional hot pockets, typically made with a low-carb dough and filled with a variety of savory ingredients. They are a great way to enjoy a comforting and familiar food while staying within the parameters of a ketogenic diet.
Key Ingredients and Dough Options
The key to a good keto hot pocket is the dough. Several variations exist, each with its own unique texture and flavor:
- Crazy Keto Dough: This is easy to whip up, dairy-free, and can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. It utilizes a mixture of super fine almond flour and coconut flour. Xanthan gum is a necessary ingredient for this dough. This dough can also be used to make keto tortillas, garlic breadsticks, and cinnamon roll knots.
- Fathead Dough: This popular dough is a variation used to make low-carb stromboli.
- Mozzarella Dough: This genius dough is based on mozzarella cheese. The cheese needs to be good and gooey and then mixed in the food processor.
Flour Considerations
When making keto dough, it's important to use the right flours. A mixture of super fine almond flour and coconut flour can provide the best taste and texture. It's generally recommended to avoid substituting flours in these recipes.
The Trim Healthy Mama Baking Blend consists of oat fiber, organic coconut flour, golden flax meal, blanched almond flour, collagen peptides, and glucomannan (organic konjac extract powder). Compared to straight almond flour, the Baking Blend is much lighter in calories. Baking Blend has a whopping 44 grams of fiber and 24 grams of protein per cup. If you do not have the Baking Blend, you can use straight almond flour in this recipe.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Filling Variations
The filling options for keto hot pockets are virtually endless, allowing for complete customization based on your preferences and dietary needs. Some popular choices include:
- Ham and Cheese: A classic combination with Dijon mustard.
- Pizza Filling: Pepperoni, cheese, and pizza sauce.
- Cheesy Chorizo: A spicy and flavorful option.
- Ricotta Salmon: A more gourmet and sophisticated filling.
- Cheeseburger: All the flavors of a cheeseburger in a convenient pocket.
- Bacon and Eggs: Scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a breakfast option.
- Taylor Ham (Pork Roll): A regional favorite.
Vegetable Additions
Don't hesitate to add vegetables to your keto hot pockets. Some great options include:
- Mushrooms
- Peppers
- Onions
- Broccoli and cheddar
- Spinach, tomatoes, and mozzarella
Baking Instructions
Crazy Keto Dough Hot Pockets
- Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Line a baking tray with a baking mat or parchment paper.
- Break the dough into six 1 1/4” balls (30g a piece). Roll out between two sheets of parchment paper with a rolling pin or using a tortilla press.
- Use the dough ASAP, so it remains sticky and you can close the hot pockets easily (it dries out after 10-15 minutes at room temp and you would have to re-roll it).
- Assemble hot pockets by spreading mustard on the dough, adding a layer of cheese, followed by ham and more cheese.
- Add a second piece of dough on top and press around to seal closed. Trim edges with a pastry cutter or knife, and re-use the scraps.
- You can freeze the pockets at this point for a month or two.
- Place hot pockets in prepared tray, brush with egg wash (optional, for a golden sheen).
- Bake in preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. You'll know they're done once the hot pockets are golden on top. Allow them to cool slightly before slicing.
Keto Pizza Hot Pockets
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- In a microwave safe bowl, add the mozzarella cheese and cream cheese. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
- Add the almond flour, baking powder, Italian seasonings, and garlic salt. Stir until well combined.
- Roll out dough in between two parchment sheets to 1/4 inch roughly (about 10x14 inch rectangle). Cut into four equal parts.
- Brush half of each rectangle with about 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce, top with about 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and top with about 5 pepperoni.
- Fold over and press edges together.
Chaffle Hot Pockets
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat chaffle or waffle iron.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together all of the chaffle ingredients: eggs, mozzarella, parmesan, coconut or almond flour, butter or oil, psyllium husk powder and baking soda. The batter will be very thick, with lots of cheese and a little hard to stir.
- Scoop batter onto preheated chaffle or waffle iron. If using a waffle iron, shape the batter into a thick square, so the finished Hot Pocket will be rectangular. Use about ⅙ of the batter for (small) chaffle iron or ½ of the batter for full size waffle iron. Cook for less than the usual time it takes to make a chaffle or waffle - only about 2 minutes.
- Transfer the partially cooked chaffle to a baking sheet. Optionally, spread one side of the chaffle with Dijon mustard. Add ham or turkey and cheese slice. (Don't over-fill the chaffle, or it will be harder to seal.)
- Fold over the chaffle. Crimp or seal the edges by pressing them together with the edge of a spoon or tines of a fork.
- Move the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Keto hot pockets can be served on their own or with a side of keto-friendly condiments. Ranch dressing is a popular choice.
Freezing and Reheating Instructions
Keto hot pockets are perfect for meal prepping and can be easily frozen for future enjoyment.
Freezing
- Allow the hot pockets to cool completely after baking.
- Wrap each hot pocket tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped hot pockets in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag.
- Freeze for up to 4-6 months.
Reheating
- Wrap the frozen hot pocket in a paper towel.
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Alternatively, reheat in a 325 degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Health Considerations
Traditional hot pockets can be high in carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and processed ingredients. By making your own keto version, you can control the ingredients and ensure that they align with your dietary goals.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Avoiding Unhealthy Ingredients
Store-bought, processed frozen counterparts can have high fructose corn syrup and trans-fats. These trans-fats are not safe to consume. High fructose corn syrup is made up of mostly fructose. Fructose is not used for cellular energy like glucose so it is shuttled to the liver for metabolism. This metabolism of fructose in the liver stimulates lipogenesis.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, keto hot pockets are generally low in carbohydrates and high in fat, making them a suitable option for those following a ketogenic diet.
The Egg Wash
The purpose of brushing the egg wash on the pizza pocket is to create a shiny, golden brown top surface. You can skip this step if you would like. You could also opt to use a mixture of one tablespoon of butter, ¼ cup of parmesan cheese, and one teaspoon of Italian seasonings brushed on each pizza pocket.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto