Beyond the Bun: 11 Unexpected & Delicious Recipes Featuring Hot Dog Flavored Chips
Hot dog flavored chips. They’re an anomaly, a curiosity, a salty, smoky, vaguely meaty snack that either fills you with delight or leaves you utterly perplexed. But one thing is for sure: they are definitely *not* just for snacking out of the bag. If you’re ready to embrace the unusual and push your culinary boundaries, then buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a flavor adventure starring these controversial crisps.
Forget relegating them to the pantry; hot dog flavored chips are ready to become a star ingredient! Here are 11 unexpected and delicious recipes that prove their versatility and undeniable ability to add a unique twist to your meals:
## 1. Hot Dog Chip Crusted Chicken Tenders
This recipe gives classic chicken tenders a playful upgrade. The salty, savory chip crust adds a delightful crunch and a hint of hot dog flavor that kids and adults alike will adore.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
* 1 cup hot dog flavored chips, finely crushed (about 1 bag)
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste
* Vegetable oil for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Crush the Chips:** Place the hot dog flavored chips in a resealable bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin or food processor. You want a fine crumb consistency.
3. **Set Up Breading Stations:** In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, the beaten eggs mixed with milk, and the crushed hot dog chips combined with paprika and garlic powder.
4. **Bread the Chicken:** Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed chip mixture, making sure the chips adhere well to all sides.
5. **Fry the Chicken:** Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
6. **Cook the Chicken:** Fry the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. **Drain and Serve:** Remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Baking Option:** For a healthier option, bake the chicken tenders instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
* **Add Cheese:** Mix shredded cheddar cheese into the crushed chips for an extra cheesy flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chip mixture for a spicy kick.
## 2. Hot Dog Chip Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese gets a surprising makeover with the addition of crushed hot dog flavored chips. The smoky, salty chips add a depth of flavor that elevates this classic comfort food to a whole new level.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound elbow macaroni
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup hot dog flavored chips, crushed
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Macaroni:** Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. **Make the Cheese Sauce:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
3. **Add the Milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
4. **Melt the Cheese:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. **Combine Everything:** Add the cooked macaroni and crushed hot dog flavored chips to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately, garnished with extra crushed hot dog flavored chips, if desired.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add Protein:** Stir in cooked and crumbled bacon or diced hot dogs for an even more substantial meal.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Bake it:** For a baked mac and cheese, pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
## 3. Hot Dog Chip Topped Chili
Give your chili a unique and flavorful twist with a topping of crushed hot dog flavored chips. The chips add a salty, crunchy contrast to the rich, savory chili.
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite chili recipe (homemade or store-bought)
* 1 cup hot dog flavored chips, crushed
* Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
* Sour cream (optional)
* Chopped green onions (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chili:** Prepare your favorite chili according to the recipe instructions.
2. **Crush the Chips:** Crush the hot dog flavored chips into coarse crumbs.
3. **Serve and Top:** Ladle the chili into bowls and top with the crushed hot dog flavored chips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions, if desired.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Spicy Chili:** Use a spicy chili recipe for an extra kick.
* **Add Beans:** Add different types of beans to your chili for a heartier meal.
* **Veggie Chili:** Make a vegetarian chili using beans, vegetables, and vegetable broth.
## 4. Hot Dog Chip Crusted Fish
This recipe offers a surprising and delicious way to prepare fish. The crushed hot dog flavored chips create a crispy, flavorful crust that complements the delicate flavor of the fish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound white fish fillets (cod, haddock, or tilapia)
* 1 cup hot dog flavored chips, finely crushed
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 tablespoon milk
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Fish:** Pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Crush the Chips:** Place the hot dog flavored chips in a resealable bag and crush them finely.
3. **Set Up Breading Stations:** In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, the beaten egg mixed with milk, and the crushed hot dog chips.
4. **Bread the Fish:** Dredge each fish fillet in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the fish into the crushed chip mixture, making sure the chips adhere well to all sides.
5. **Cook the Fish:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the breaded fish fillets to the skillet.
6. **Cook the Fish:** Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
7. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a salad.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Baking Option:** Bake the fish instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded fish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
* **Lemon Juice:** Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish before serving for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Tartar Sauce:** Serve with homemade or store-bought tartar sauce for dipping.
## 5. Hot Dog Chip Loaded Baked Potato
Transform a simple baked potato into a flavor explosion with a topping of crushed hot dog flavored chips and your favorite baked potato toppings.
**Ingredients:**
* Baked potatoes
* 1 cup hot dog flavored chips, crushed
* Shredded cheddar cheese
* Sour cream
* Chopped green onions
* Cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake the Potatoes:** Bake the potatoes until they are soft and tender.
2. **Crush the Chips:** Crush the hot dog flavored chips into coarse crumbs.
3. **Load the Potatoes:** Slice open the baked potatoes and top with the crushed hot dog flavored chips, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and cooked and crumbled bacon, if desired.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Sweet Potato:** Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
* **Different Cheeses:** Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different flavor.
* **Add Salsa:** Add salsa for a spicy kick.
## 6. Hot Dog Chip Quesadillas
These quesadillas are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic Mexican dish. The addition of hot dog flavored chips adds a salty, smoky flavor that complements the cheese and tortillas.
**Ingredients:**
* Flour tortillas
* Shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup hot dog flavored chips, crushed
* Your favorite quesadilla fillings (optional): cooked chicken, black beans, corn, salsa
**Instructions:**
1. **Assemble the Quesadillas:** Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crushed hot dog flavored chips on one half of each tortilla. Add any desired fillings.
2. **Fold the Tortillas:** Fold the tortillas in half, covering the cheese and chips.
3. **Cook the Quesadillas:** Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Different Cheeses:** Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a different flavor.
* **Spicy Quesadillas:** Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Breakfast Quesadillas:** Add scrambled eggs and cooked bacon for a breakfast quesadilla.
## 7. Hot Dog Chip Fried Rice
Who would have thought that fried rice could benefit from the addition of hot dog flavored chips? These savory chips add a unique umami flavor that surprisingly complements the traditional fried rice ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
* Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
* 1 cup hot dog flavored chips, crushed
* 1/2 cup diced carrots
* 1/2 cup diced peas
* 1/4 cup diced onion
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 2 tablespoons soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Dice the carrots, peas, and onion. Crush the hot dog flavored chips into coarse crumbs.
2. **Scramble the Eggs:** Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and cook, stirring constantly, until scrambled. Remove the eggs from the wok and set aside.
3. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the sesame oil to the wok and heat. Add the diced carrots, peas, and onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
4. **Add the Rice:** Add the cooked rice to the wok and break it up with a spatula. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
5. **Add the Chips and Soy Sauce:** Add the crushed hot dog flavored chips and soy sauce to the wok. Stir-fry for another minute, or until everything is well combined.
6. **Add the Eggs:** Add the scrambled eggs back to the wok and stir to combine.
7. **Season and Serve:** Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add Protein:** Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.
* **Spicy Fried Rice:** Add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetarian Fried Rice:** Use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce for a vegetarian option.
## 8. Hot Dog Chip Snack Mix
Elevate your snack mix game with the addition of hot dog flavored chips. Their unique savory flavor adds an unexpected twist to this classic party snack.
**Ingredients:**
* Pretzels
* Popcorn
* Nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews)
* Cereal squares (Chex, Rice Chex)
* 1 cup hot dog flavored chips
* Optional: M&Ms, dried cranberries, shredded coconut
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Gently toss to mix.
2. **Serve:** Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Seasoned Snack Mix:** Melt butter and mix with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour over the snack mix and bake at 250°F (120°C) for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
* **Sweet and Salty Snack Mix:** Add chocolate chips, caramel popcorn, and peanut butter pretzels for a sweet and salty treat.
* **Spicy Snack Mix:** Add chili cheese corn chips, spicy pretzels, and a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
## 9. Hot Dog Chip Deviled Eggs
This recipe takes deviled eggs to a whole new level of flavor. The crushed hot dog flavored chips add a salty, savory crunch to the creamy filling.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 hard-boiled eggs
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Salt to taste
* 1/4 cup hot dog flavored chips, crushed, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Eggs:** Peel the hard-boiled eggs and cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolks and place them in a medium bowl.
2. **Make the Filling:** Mash the egg yolks with a fork until smooth. Add the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until the filling is creamy.
3. **Fill the Eggs:** Spoon or pipe the filling into the egg white halves.
4. **Garnish:** Sprinkle the crushed hot dog flavored chips over the filled eggs.
5. **Serve:** Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for later.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Add Pickle Relish:** Add a tablespoon of sweet or dill pickle relish to the filling for added flavor and texture.
* **Spicy Deviled Eggs:** Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.
* **Bacon Deviled Eggs:** Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the filling and garnish with bacon bits.
## 10. Hot Dog Chip Bread Crumbs Substitute
Run out of bread crumbs? No problem! Crushed hot dog flavored chips make an excellent substitute for bread crumbs in recipes like meatloaf, meatballs, and casseroles. They add a unique savory flavor and a crispy texture.
**Instructions:**
1. **Crush the Chips:** Place the hot dog flavored chips in a resealable bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin or food processor. You want a fine crumb consistency.
2. **Substitute:** Use the crushed chips as a 1:1 substitute for bread crumbs in your favorite recipes.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Seasoned “Bread Crumbs”:** Mix the crushed chips with dried herbs, spices, and grated Parmesan cheese for a more flavorful bread crumb substitute.
* **Binders:** Remember that crushed chips may absorb more liquid than breadcrumbs, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe accordingly.
## 11. Hot Dog Chip Crusted Pizza
Take your homemade pizza to the next level by adding a crust made from crushed hot dog flavored chips. This unconventional pizza will definitely be a conversation starter.
**Ingredients:**
* Pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
* Pizza sauce
* Shredded mozzarella cheese
* Your favorite pizza toppings
* 1 cup hot dog flavored chips, finely crushed
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to the highest temperature recommended for your pizza dough.
2. **Prepare Pizza Dough:** Stretch or roll out your pizza dough to your desired shape and size.
3. **Crush the Chips:** Finely crush the hot dog flavored chips.
4. **Build the Pizza:** Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings.
5. **Add the Chip Crust:** Carefully press the crushed hot dog flavored chips around the edge of the pizza dough to create a crust.
6. **Bake the Pizza:** Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. **Serve:** Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
**Tips & Variations:**
* **Garlic Butter Crust:** Brush the edge of the pizza dough with garlic butter before adding the crushed chips for added flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the cheese before baking for a spicy pizza.
* **Gourmet Pizza:** Add gourmet toppings like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and goat cheese for a more sophisticated pizza.
These 11 recipes are just the beginning. With a little creativity, you can find countless ways to incorporate hot dog flavored chips into your cooking. So, go ahead, embrace the unusual, and discover the surprising deliciousness that these controversial crisps have to offer. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite flavor combination!