The classic hot dog gets a delightful upgrade with a crispy, smoky bacon blanket. Bacon wrapped hot dogs are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, game day, or a simple weeknight meal. This article will guide you through the process, from selecting the perfect ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques, ensuring your bacon-wrapped hot dogs are succulent, flavorful, and undeniably delicious.
What are Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs?
Bacon wrapped hot dogs are precisely what they sound like: hot dogs wrapped in strips of bacon. The bacon adds a layer of smoky flavor, a satisfying crunch, and a touch of decadence to the humble hot dog. They can be cooked in various ways, from grilling to baking, and can be served with a variety of toppings and sides.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need a few key ingredients to create your perfect bacon wrapped hot dogs:
- Hot Dogs: Choose your favorite brand and type of hot dogs. Beef, pork, or turkey hot dogs all work well.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is ideal for wrapping hot dogs as it cooks evenly and crisps beautifully.
- Toothpicks: Toothpicks are essential for securing the bacon around the hot dog.
- Optional Ingredients: You can customize your bacon wrapped hot dogs with additional ingredients like brown sugar, maple syrup, chili powder, or your favorite barbecue sauce.
Choosing the Right Bacon
The bacon is the star of the show in this dish, so selecting the right kind is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Thick-Cut Bacon: It’s generally preferred for bacon wrapping due to its ability to hold its shape better during cooking and achieve a nice crispy texture.
- Flavor: Consider the flavor of the bacon you choose. Smoked bacon adds a classic smoky flavor, while maple-flavored bacon brings a touch of sweetness.
- Quality: Opt for high-quality bacon with a good marbling for rich flavor and a satisfying texture.
Preparing the Hot Dogs and Bacon
Before you start wrapping, ensure your hot dogs and bacon are ready:
- Hot Dogs: You can use hot dogs straight from the package. For extra flavor, consider grilling or broiling them briefly before wrapping.
- Bacon: If using thick-cut bacon, it may need to be partially cooked. You can lightly cook the bacon in a skillet until it’s slightly crispy but still pliable, making it easier to wrap.
Wrapping Techniques: Mastering the Art
The wrapping technique is key to achieving evenly cooked bacon and a visually appealing final product. Here are two popular methods:
- The Simple Spiral: This is the most common technique. Gently wrap a bacon strip around the hot dog, starting from one end and spiraling towards the other, overlapping each turn slightly. Secure with a toothpick at each end.
- The Crosshatch: This method offers a more robust bacon coverage. Cut bacon strips in half lengthwise. Intertwine the strips, crossing them over the hot dog to create a criss-cross pattern. Secure with toothpicks.
Cooking Your Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs: Different Methods
There are several ways to cook your bacon wrapped hot dogs, each with its own unique benefits:
Grilling:
- Benefits: Grilling imparts a smoky flavor and creates crispy bacon.
- Process: Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium heat. Place the wrapped hot dogs on the grill and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
Baking:
- Benefits: Baking provides even cooking and is a great option for large batches.
- Process: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the wrapped hot dogs on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through and crispy.
Frying:
- Benefits: Frying allows for faster cooking and creates a crispy exterior.
- Process: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the wrapped hot dogs to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Air Fryer:
- Benefits: Air frying offers a quick and efficient cooking method with a crispy result.
- Process: Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Place the wrapped hot dogs in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the bacon is cooked through and crispy.
Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
- Use toothpicks for secure wrapping: Toothpicks are essential to keep the bacon in place during cooking.
- Preheat your cooking method: Whether grilling, baking, or frying, preheating is important for achieving even cooking.
- Cook until bacon is crispy: Don’t undercook the bacon. It should be golden brown and crispy for the best texture and flavor.
- Remove toothpicks before serving: Always remove the toothpicks before serving to avoid any accidental swallowing.
- Serve with your favorite toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Popular options include mustard, relish, ketchup, onions, cheese, and chili.
FAQs
What happens if the bacon is too thick?
If the bacon is too thick, it may not cook through evenly. Consider partially cooking the bacon in a skillet before wrapping or using thinner bacon slices.
How do I prevent the hot dogs from drying out?
You can prevent hot dogs from drying out by wrapping them loosely, allowing some steam to escape. Also, consider using a hot dog with a higher moisture content.
Can I make bacon wrapped hot dogs in advance?
Yes, you can make bacon wrapped hot dogs in advance. Wrap them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can then cook them straight from the refrigerator, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
What are some other variations?
There are many ways to put your own twist on bacon wrapped hot dogs. You can try adding different ingredients like brown sugar, maple syrup, chili powder, or your favorite barbecue sauce to the bacon for added flavor.
Conclusion
Bacon wrapped hot dogs are a simple yet delicious way to elevate a classic food. With a little practice and these helpful tips, you can create a perfectly crispy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish. So grab your favorite hot dogs and bacon, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy this satisfying treat!
FAQs
1. What kind of bacon should I use for bacon wrapped hot dogs?
The best bacon for bacon-wrapped hot dogs is thick-cut bacon. This is because it cooks evenly and doesn’t shrink too much, resulting in a nice, crispy bacon wrapper. You can also use regular sliced bacon, but it will be more likely to dry out and crack. If you want a more smoky flavor, you can use smoked bacon.
2. How do I keep the bacon from falling off the hot dog?
There are a couple of ways to keep the bacon from falling off the hot dog. One way is to use toothpicks to secure the bacon. Another way is to use a skewer or a piece of butcher’s twine to tie the bacon around the hot dog. If you’re using toothpicks, make sure to remove them before eating.
3. How long do I cook bacon wrapped hot dogs?
The cooking time for bacon-wrapped hot dogs will vary depending on the method you use. If you’re grilling them, they’ll take about 10-15 minutes. If you’re baking them, they’ll take about 20-25 minutes. If you’re frying them, they’ll take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to cook the hot dogs until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are cooked through.
4. What are some good toppings for bacon wrapped hot dogs?
The possibilities for toppings on bacon-wrapped hot dogs are endless! Some popular choices include ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, and cheese. You can also get creative and add other toppings like chili, jalapenos, or even pineapple.
5. Can I make bacon wrapped hot dogs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make bacon-wrapped hot dogs ahead of time. Just assemble them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook them, simply cook them according to your preferred method.
6. What are some variations on the classic bacon wrapped hot dog?
There are many variations on the classic bacon-wrapped hot dog. You can add different flavors to the bacon, like maple syrup or chili powder. You can also use different types of hot dogs, like bratwurst or Italian sausage.
7. Is there a healthy way to make bacon wrapped hot dogs?
While bacon wrapped hot dogs are inherently indulgent, there are ways to make them a bit healthier. You can use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon, or you can wrap the hot dogs in a thin layer of bacon. You can also choose to bake the hot dogs instead of frying them.