There are some foods that just scream “celebration,” “comfort,” or “game day.” For me, these Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Hot Dogs hit all those notes and then some. Imagine a juicy hot dog, enrobed in a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, and crispy bacon, all deep-fried to golden-brown perfection. It’s a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be a showstopper at your next gathering.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a big fan of taking classic comfort foods and giving them an exciting twist, and this recipe does exactly that. What I truly love about these bacon-wrapped hot dogs is the incredible combination of textures and flavors. You get the snap of the hot dog, the tender, savory beef, the gooey cheese, and that unmistakable crunch and saltiness from the bacon – all in one glorious bite.
They’re substantial enough to satisfy a serious craving, yet portable enough for mingling at a party. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Every time I make these, they disappear almost instantly, proving they’re a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these indulgent hot dog masterpieces:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 hot dogs
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Wooden skewers
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Beef: You can use a leaner ground beef if you prefer, but a higher fat content will yield a juicier result. Ground pork or a mix of pork and beef would also work.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses in place of cheddar or American. Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack would be delicious.
- Bacon: Make sure your bacon is cooked until crispy before crumbling it, as it adds essential texture and flavor.
- Bread Crumbs: Plain bread crumbs work great, but if you have seasoned bread crumbs on hand, they’ll add another layer of flavor.
- Seasoning: Adjust the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your preference. A pinch of onion powder or a dash of your favorite hot sauce in the beef mixture could also be great additions.
- Batter: For a slightly crispier batter, you can substitute some of the milk with beer, similar to a classic beer-battered recipe.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Prepare the beef mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Don’t be afraid to use your hands for this to ensure even distribution.
- Form the corn dogs: Divide the beef mixture into 6 equal portions. Take one portion and carefully mold it around a hot dog, shaping it into an even layer, completely encasing the hot dog and forming a classic corn dog shape. Repeat with the remaining hot dogs and beef mixture.
- Add American cheese: Place a slice of American cheese on top of each beef-wrapped hot dog, gently pressing it onto the beef to help it stick. This cheese will melt beautifully inside when fried.
- Make the batter: In a shallow dish or a wide bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, and baking powder. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. It should be thick enough to coat the hot dogs.
- Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the hot dogs. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the correct temperature for even cooking and browning.
- Batter and fry: Carefully dip each beef-wrapped hot dog into the prepared batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off. Gently lower the battered hot dog into the hot oil. Fry for about 3–5 minutes, or until the exterior is a deep golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature.
- Drain and serve: Once golden brown, remove the corn dogs from the oil using tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Insert skewers and enjoy: Carefully insert a wooden skewer into one end of each corn dog. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix the Beef: While you want the ingredients well combined, overmixing can make the beef tough.
- Even Coating: Ensure the beef mixture is evenly distributed around the hot dog for consistent cooking.
- Oil Temperature is Key: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. If it’s too low, your corn dogs will be greasy; too high, and they’ll brown too quickly on the outside without fully cooking the beef through.
- Work in Batches: Frying too many at once will drop the oil temperature, leading to soggy results. Give them space!
- Serve Immediately: These are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer when they’re at their crispiest.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Hot Dogs are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with a selection of dipping sauces!
- Classic Condiments: Ketchup, mustard (Dijon, honey, or spicy brown), and relish are always winners.
- Creamy Dips: A side of ranch dressing or a homemade fry sauce (ketchup, mayo, and a dash of hot sauce) would be delicious.
- Cheesy Dips: For the ultimate indulgence, serve them with a warm, gooey dip. This Crockpot Nacho Dip is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers or This Beer Cheese Dip is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minuteswould be perfect.
- Beyond Dips: Pair them with other fun, casual foods like a simple green salad to cut through the richness, or for a truly epic spread, alongside These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack: Tater Tot Nachos for the Win!.
Storage and Leftover Tips
While these are definitely best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, I recommend using an air fryer or an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy again, about 10-15 minutes. Microwaving them will make them soft, so it’s not ideal for retaining the crispiness.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, savory goodness of these hot dogs, you’re in for a treat with these other recipes that are perfect for gatherings or just a fun meal:
- For another cheesy, dippable delight, check out How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.
- And if you’re looking for a hearty, comforting main dish that’s always a hit, try This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
Final Thoughts
These Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Hot Dogs are more than just a snack; they’re an experience! They combine familiar flavors in an exciting and utterly delicious way, making them a fantastic addition to any menu, especially when you’re looking to delight a crowd. Get ready for smiles and requests for the recipe!
Did you give these a try? Let me know your favorite part in the comments below! And for more innovative and mouthwatering recipes, be sure to follow Chef Maniac and Jason Griffith.
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