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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Skewer each hot dog with a cheese slice, ensuring a tight wrap and preventing unwrapping during cooking.
- Chilling: Position cheese-wrapped hot dogs seam-side down on a baking sheet, then freeze for 20 minutes to stabilize the base for battering.
- 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.
- Oil Heating: Warm vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (180°C), verifying temperature with a digital thermometer for precision.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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