Spicy Cheesy Jalapeño Hot Dog Bites Recipe: Fun Party Snack

Spice lovers rejoice!

These mouthwatering jalapeño hot dog bites deliver a zesty kick that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Melted cheese and crispy jalapeño hot dog bites create an irresistible appetizer that transforms ordinary game day snacks into something extraordinary.

Every bite packs a punch of flavor that keeps you reaching for more.

The perfect blend of heat and comfort makes these bites an instant crowd-pleaser.

Sharp cheddar and spicy peppers meld together in a golden, crispy coating that’s impossible to resist.

Serve these addictive little morsels and watch them disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Get ready to become the ultimate snack hero with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 9

What You Need for Cheesy Jalapeño Hot Dog Bites

• Hot Dogs: Juicy protein centerpiece with smoky flavor, choose all-beef or classic variety for best taste.
• Cheese Slices: Melty binding layer that adds creamy richness, select mild cheddar or American for smooth coverage.
• Wooden Skewers: Sturdy support for holding hot dogs during preparation, ensure wooden skewers are food-safe.

• All-Purpose Flour: Crispy coating foundation that creates golden exterior, use fresh and sifted for smoother texture.
• Cornmeal: Adds delightful crunch and rustic texture to batter, select fine-ground for even distribution.
• Sugar: Subtle sweetness balancer that enhances overall flavor profile, use granulated white sugar.
• Baking Powder: Crucial leavening agent creating light and airy coating, check expiration date for maximum effectiveness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning enhancers that elevate batter's taste, freshly ground pepper recommended.

• Milk: Smooth binding liquid creating consistent batter texture, whole milk provides richer results.
• Egg: Protein binder ensuring batter adheres perfectly to hot dogs, use fresh room-temperature egg.
• Jalapeño: Zesty heat element adding vibrant kick, remove seeds for milder spice or keep for extra punch.
• Vegetable Oil: Ideal frying medium for achieving crispy golden exterior, use neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.

Cooking Tools to Rock Cheesy Jalapeño Hot Dog Bites

• Large bowl: For mixing batter ingredients smoothly.
• Large pot: Essential for deep frying hot dogs at correct temperature.
• Tall glass: Perfect for easy batter dipping of hot dogs.
• Wooden skewers: Helps secure cheese around hot dogs before freezing.
• Baking sheet: Provides surface for arranging and freezing hot dogs.
• Thermometer: Checks oil temperature for perfect frying.
• Tongs: Allows safe turning and removing hot dogs from hot oil.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Put Together Cheesy Jalapeño Hot Dog Bites

• Cheese Armor Hot Dogs

Select quality hot dogs and wrap each one carefully with a slice of melty cheese, securing tightly with a wooden skewer to create a delicious protective layer.

• Spicy Batter Magic

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl, creating a zesty mixture that will transform ordinary hot dogs into crispy delights. Blend wet ingredients smoothly, adding minced jalapeños for an extra kick that will make taste buds dance.

• Oil Temperature Zone

Heat cooking oil to the perfect golden-crisp temperature, preparing a bubbling bath that will transform your hot dog bites into crunchy treasures.

• Frying Adventure

Dip each cheese-wrapped hot dog into the seasoned batter, ensuring a complete coating. Gently lower into the hot oil, rotating occasionally to achieve an even, gorgeous golden-brown exterior that crackles with flavor.

• Serving Celebration

Remove hot dog bites when they reach a stunning amber color, letting them rest on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while they’re piping hot and irresistibly crunchy, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a mouthwatering snack.

Extra Tips for Cheesy Jalapeño Hot Dog Bites Flavor

• Wrap hot dogs tightly with cheese to prevent leakage during frying and create a delicious melted cheese core.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity based on heat preference, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding extra for more kick.
• Test batter thickness by coating the back of a spoon – it should stick without dripping too quickly or too slowly.
• Use long chopsticks or tongs to carefully lower battered hot dogs into oil, preventing splashes and ensuring even golden coating.
• Experiment with different breadcrumb types like panko for extra crunch, or swap cornmeal for a lighter texture variation.

Best Way to Serve Cheesy Jalapeño Hot Dog Bites

• Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair these crispy hot dog bites with zesty ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or tangy honey mustard for extra flavor burst.
• Game Day Party Platter: Arrange the hot dog bites on a large wooden board with pickled jalapeños, sliced green onions, and small bowls of different sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Beer Pairing Recommendation: Complement the spicy, cheesy bites with a cold light lager or hoppy IPA to balance the rich, crispy texture of the fried hot dogs.
• Quick Garnish Tip: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or chives on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh element to the golden-brown appetizer.

Keeps Fresh for Cheesy Jalapeño Hot Dog Bites

• Batch Prep Strategy: Make multiple batches ahead of time and store them in freezer-friendly containers for quick snacks or party appetizers during the week.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover hot dog bites in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum crispiness when reheating.
• Reheat with Crunch: Revive cold bites by warming them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, restoring their crispy exterior and keeping the inside warm and delicious.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Prepare an extra batch and freeze uncooked, batter-coated hot dogs for up to 1 month, allowing you to enjoy these tasty bites whenever a craving strikes.

Spicy Jalapeño Hot Dog Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering cheesy jalapeño hot dog bites elevate classic comfort snacks with spicy Mexican-inspired flair. Crispy golden exteriors and melted cheese center make these appetizers irresistible for hungry guests who crave bold flavor combinations.

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Ingredients

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• 1 quart (960 mL) peanut or vegetable oil, for frying
• 4 hot dogs
• 1 cup (240 mL) milk
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (140 g) yellow cornmeal
• 4 thin slices of cheddar cheese, room temperature
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
• 4 tsps baking powder
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• Mustard, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Skewer each hot dog with a cheese slice, ensuring a tight wrap and preventing unwrapping during cooking.
2. Chilling: Position cheese-wrapped hot dogs seam-side down on a baking sheet, then freeze for 20 minutes to stabilize the base for battering.
3. Batter Creation: Blend dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, including flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Create a central well and incorporate milk, egg, and jalapeño peppers, whisking until a smooth consistency develops.
4. Oil Heating: Warm vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (180°C), verifying temperature with a digital thermometer for precision.
5. Coating Technique: Transfer batter to a tall glass for efficient hot dog dipping. Immerse frozen cheese-wrapped hot dogs, allowing excess batter to drip off for an even coating.
6. Frying Process: Carefully lower battered hot dogs into hot oil, avoiding pot overcrowding. Rotate periodically to achieve a uniform golden-brown and crispy exterior, cooking for 3-5 minutes.
7. Finishing: Extract hot dog bites using a slotted spoon, draining excess oil on a wire rack lined with paper towels before serving.

Notes

• Freeze Before Battering: Chilling hot dogs with cheese helps create a stable base and prevents cheese from leaking during frying.
• Perfect Oil Temperature: Maintain exactly 350°F to ensure crispy exterior without burning or undercooking the coating.
• Batter Consistency Matters: Adjust flour to achieve a smooth, medium-thick batter that clings evenly to hot dogs without being too heavy.
• Drain Thoroughly: Use a wire rack with paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping hot dog bites crisp and preventing sogginess.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg