- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth. Then, combine wet and dry ingredients to create the batter.
- Wrap each chicken hot dog with a cheese slice and insert a bamboo skewer through the center. Trim excess cheese if needed.
- Pour the batter into a tall glass or deep bowl for easy dipping.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip each cheese-wrapped hot dog into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated, let excess drip off, and carefully fry in the hot oil until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally).
- Drain on a paper towel and serve hot with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Calories:350 kcal25%
- Energy:1464 kJ22%
- Protein:10 g28%
- Carbohydrates:30 mg40%
- Sugar:5 mg8%
- Salt:700 g25%
- Fat:20 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Cheese-Wrapped Chicken Hot Dog Recipe – Easy Fried Snack Idea
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for quick, easy, and seriously satisfying snacks. And let me tell you, these cheese-wrapped chicken hot dogs are about to become a new favorite. I first made these for a little get-together with friends, and they were gone in minutes! They’re crispy, cheesy, and just plain fun to eat. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Seriously, what’s not to love? These aren’t your average hot dogs. Wrapping them in cheese before frying takes things to a whole new level of deliciousness. They’re perfect for a quick afternoon snack, a fun party appetizer, or even a simple weeknight dinner. Plus, they come together in under 20 minutes – perfect when those cravings hit!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these cheesy delights:
- 8 Chicken hot dog or sausage pieces
- 8 Cheese slice pieces
- 2 cups All-purpose flour (about 250g)
- 1 tbsp Baking powder
- 2 Eggs
- 1.5 cups Milk (about 360ml)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil as needed
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference.
- Chicken Hot Dogs: I love using chicken hot dogs for a lighter taste, but feel free to use any sausage you like!
- Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella work best – they melt beautifully and give you that perfect cheese pull. Avoid anything too fancy, as it might not melt as smoothly.
- Vegetable Oil: You’ll want a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point for frying. Vegetable oil is perfect, but canola or sunflower oil will also work great. Don’t skimp on the oil – you want enough for the hot dogs to swim a little!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to business!
- First, grab your chicken hot dogs and cheese slices. Wrap each hot dog snugly with a cheese slice.
- Now, carefully insert a bamboo skewer through one end of each cheese-wrapped hot dog. This will make dipping so much easier. Trim any excess cheese hanging off the sides for a cleaner look.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Whisk until you have a smooth batter – no big lumps allowed!
- Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. You want it hot enough to fry, but not so hot that it burns the batter. A good test is to drop a tiny bit of batter into the oil – it should sizzle gently.
- Now for the fun part! Dip each cheese-wrapped hot dog into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off before carefully lowering it into the hot oil.
- Fry for about 40 seconds per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried hot dogs and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (ketchup is a classic!).
Expert Tips
Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the hot dogs. Otherwise, they’ll absorb too much oil and become soggy.
- If the batter is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of flour.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the batter for a little kick. My friend, Priya, loves adding a dash of cayenne pepper too!
- Festival Adaptations: These are amazing served as a street food snack at local fairs or festivals.
- Gluten-Free: Simply use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Vegan: Swap the chicken hot dogs for plant-based sausages and use vegan cheese slices. It’s surprisingly delicious!
Serving Suggestions
These are great on their own, but a little dipping sauce never hurts! Ketchup is a classic, but mustard, sweet chili sauce, or even a creamy garlic dip would be fantastic. Serve them with a side of fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
These are best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, I know!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore some of the crispiness.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
- Is it better to use a specific type of cheese for this recipe? Cheddar or mozzarella are your best bets for optimal meltiness.
- Can I bake these instead of frying? You can! Place the battered hot dogs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C (390°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.
- Can I prepare the batter ahead of time? Yes, you can! Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You might need to whisk it again before using, as it may separate slightly.
- What dipping sauces go well with these cheese-wrapped hot dogs? Ketchup, mustard, sweet chili sauce, and creamy garlic dip are all great options.
- Can I use different types of sausages instead of chicken hot dogs? Absolutely! Pork, beef, or even Italian sausages would work well.
Enjoy! Let me know in the comments how yours turn out. I can’t wait to hear from you!