If you’re craving a savory twist on a classic favorite, look no further. This ultimate bacon-wrapped hot dogs recipe is a delightful treat that brings together the smoky goodness of bacon with the satisfying snap of a perfectly cooked hot dog. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or whipping up a quick meal at home, these bacon-wrapped delights are sure to impress. Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering experience that transforms an ordinary hot dog into a gourmet sensation!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil, placing an oven-safe rack on top.
- Cut shallow slits diagonally into each hot dog about an inch apart. Wrap each hot dog with a slice of bacon, securing it at both ends with toothpicks. Optionally, sprinkle with garlic and chili powder.
- Arrange the hot dogs on the rack and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until the bacon is crisp.
- For grilling, prepare the hot dogs as in step 2. Heat the grill to medium (350 to 375°F) and cook the hot dogs, turning them occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
- Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs in buns and garnish with jalapeños, red onion, ketchup, and mustard. Serve with potato chips, and consider a toppings bar for additional options like cherry tomatoes, avocado, hot sauce, cilantro, and queso fresco.
Ingredients
- 8 beef hot dogs
- 8 slices of thin, center-cut bacon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 8 hot dog buns
- Pickled jalapeño slices (for garnish)
- Chopped red onion (for garnish)
- Ketchup (for garnish)
- Mustard (for garnish)
- Potato chips (for serving)
FAQ
- Where did bacon-wrapped hot dogs originate?
- The exact origin of bacon-wrapped hot dogs isn’t known, but they are a very popular street food in Tijuana, Mexico. In Tijuana, these hot dogs are often topped with Mexican favorites like corn, jalapeños, crema, and queso fresco, and they are known locally as “TJ Dogs.”
- How do you prepare bacon-wrapped hot dogs?
- Begin by making shallow cuts into the hot dogs to prevent them from splitting during cooking and to allow them to absorb bacon flavors. Wrap the bacon around each hot dog in a spiral, slightly overlapping, and secure the ends with toothpicks to keep the bacon from unraveling as it cooks.
- What type of bacon should be used for bacon-wrapped hot dogs?
- Thin, center-cut bacon slices are ideal for wrapping hot dogs. This type of bacon is shorter, which prevents any overhang from the hot dog, and it cooks more quickly and crisply than thicker slices.
- What toppings work well on bacon-wrapped hot dogs?
- There are endless possibilities for toppings! Traditional options include onion, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. If you’re looking to add some heat, consider jalapeño slices, hot sauce, or sriracha. You can also try toppings like cherry tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and queso fresco for added flavor.
Tips
- Score the Hot Dogs: Make shallow diagonal cuts in the hot dogs to help prevent them from splitting during cooking and to better absorb the bacon flavor.
- Use the Right Bacon: Opt for thin, center-cut bacon slices to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy without overhanging the hot dog.
- Secure the Bacon: Use toothpicks at both ends of the wrapped hot dogs to keep the bacon in place while cooking, particularly as it crisps up.
- Experiment with Toppings: Customize your bacon-wrapped hot dogs with a variety of toppings such as jalapeños, onions, or even queso fresco to suit your taste preferences.
Equipment
- Rimmed Baking Sheet – Useful for baking the hot dogs in the oven.
- Oven-Safe Rack – This allows for even cooking and crisping of the bacon-wrapped hot dogs.
- Grill – If you prefer grilling over baking, a grill is needed.
- Wooden Picks (Toothpicks) – Essential for securing the bacon around the hot dogs.
