Why You’ll Love this Spicy Southwestern Corn Dog
When you’re craving something that’s part comfort food, part fiesta, this spicy southwestern corn dog delivers all the bold flavors without the deep-fried guilt.
I’m talking tender turkey dogs wrapped in soft tortillas with melted cheese, smoky black beans, and sweet corn. Plus, you can dial up the heat exactly how you like it.
What Ingredients are in Spicy Southwestern Corn Dog?
This spicy southwestern corn dog transforms everyday ingredients into something that tastes like you ordered it from a food truck, but honestly, it’s way easier than you think. The beauty lies in how simple pantry staples and a few fresh touches come together to create layers of flavor that’ll make your taste buds do a little happy dance.
- 1 (14 ounce) package fat free turkey hot dogs
- 1 (8 ounce) can sweet corn
- 1 (8 ounce) can black beans
- 1 habanero pepper, yellow
- 8 corn tortillas, yellow
- 8 slices fat-free cheddar cheese
- 1 (8 ounce) jar dill relish
- 1 (6 ounce) jar peach salsa (or your favorite salsa flavor)
- 1 (6 ounce) jar pickled jalapeno peppers
- 1 (4 ounce) jar hot pepper sauce (Valentina or your favorite)
Now, I know what you’re thinking – peach salsa sounds fancy, but trust me on this one. The sweetness plays perfectly against all that heat from the habanero and hot sauce. If you can’t find peach salsa, any fruity salsa will work, or just grab your go-to favorite. The habanero is where things get real spicy, so if you’re not ready for that level of heat, you can swap it for a milder pepper like poblano or even bell pepper. And hey, if you want to make this even more indulgent, regular cheddar cheese works just fine instead of the fat-free version – we’re not judging your cheese choices here.
How to Make this Spicy Southwestern Corn Dog
Making this spicy southwestern corn dog is like conducting a delicious orchestra – everything happens at once, but don’t worry, it’s not as chaotic as it sounds. Start by firing up your grill or indoor grilling pan and get those 14 ounces of fat-free turkey hot dogs cooking while you handle the supporting cast.
Pop that 8-ounce can of sweet corn in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 2 minutes, then do the same with your 8-ounce can of black beans but only give them 1 minute 30 seconds – beans are easier to please than corn, apparently. While those are warming up, grab your yellow habanero pepper and slice it into matchstick-thin pieces. Fair warning: this is where you’ll want to channel your inner surgeon because precision matters when you’re dealing with something that can make grown adults cry.
Now comes the fun part – tortilla prep and assembly line magic. Take your 8 corn tortillas and nestle them between dampened paper towels, then microwave each one for about 12 seconds on low heat. They should come out soft and pliable, not crispy like a taco shell gone wrong.
Here’s where things get exciting: lay each warm tortilla flat, sprinkle with a slice of that fat-free cheddar cheese, then place a whole grilled hot dog right down the center. The heat from the dog should start melting the cheese immediately – if it doesn’t, you might need to give it a few extra seconds in the microwave later. On one side of the hot dog, add a few of those habanero matchsticks and spoon on some of the heated corn. On the other side, dollop some dill relish from your 8-ounce jar and add the warm black beans. Drizzle everything with hot pepper sauce – I’m partial to Valentina, but you do you – then roll that tortilla up tight and flip it seam-side down. Top with pickled jalapeños and a generous spoonful of peach salsa from your 6-ounce jar, and you’ve just created something that looks way more complicated than it actually was. For those who want to elevate this dish to the next level, consider pairing it with premium tequila or mezcal for an authentic southwestern experience.
Spicy Southwestern Corn Dog Substitutions and Variations
Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that bend and flex with whatever’s hiding in your pantry, and this spicy southwestern corn dog is practically begging for creative interpretation.
I’d swap turkey dogs for bratwurst, corn tortillas for flour ones, or ditch the habanero for milder poblanos if you’re heat-sensitive like my poor taste buds.
What to Serve with Spicy Southwestern Corn Dog
Now that you’ve got your spicy southwestern corn dog game plan locked down, let’s talk about what belongs on that plate beside it. I’m thinking crispy tortilla chips with guacamole, obviously.
Maybe some Mexican street corn salad? A cool cucumber salad works too, trust me on this one.
Final Thoughts
Look, I’ll level with you – this isn’t your typical corn dog, and that’s exactly why it works. You’re basically creating a handheld fiesta that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Will it get messy? Absolutely. Will you care when you’re savoring that perfect bite of spicy, cheesy, bean-filled goodness? Not even slightly.
