Apple Pie Hot Dog Recipe – Easy Comfort Food Recipes

One sun-soaked afternoon, I stumbled upon a conversation that led to an intriguing culinary idea—the apple pie hot dog. Up until that day, I had only considered hot dogs to be the quintessential summer barbecue staple. 

But here was a call to mix the savory and sweet in an entirely novel package! Imagine this: a juicy hot dog cradled in a flaky crust, layered with spiced apple filling and topped off with savory bacon. At once, it felt like the intersection of campfire stories and backyard cookouts—a dish you prepare to impress or simply because you can.

Fast forward a bit, and I got into the kitchen with my trusty apron. The anticipation was palpable. I gathered my ingredients and thought about the magic we would create. With every step, I felt excitement merge with a bit of uncertainty. Would this quirky combination taste as good as I imagined? Spoiler alert: it exceeded my wildest dreams.

What is Apple Pie Hot Dog?

Let’s break this down. The apple pie hot dog is a unique food fusion. It combines the comfort of a hot dog, bursting with savory flavor, and the nostalgic sweetness of apple pie, all wrapped in a golden pie crust. 

A hot dog diced and mixed with spiced apple filling, creamy bacon spread, and topped with cheddar cheese. All enveloped in a pie crust that’s flaky and golden brown—it’s an absolute dream!

What Does It Taste Like?

If you have never tasted this concoction, let me paint you a picture. The first bite introduces you to the warm, savory notes mingling with a hint of sweetness from the apples. 

As your teeth sink into the flaky crust, the textures play together: the juicy hot dog is playful against the soft apple filling, with bacon bringing a savory depth throughout. Each bite is a balance—sweetness tempered with saltiness, texture mixing the crisp, the juicy, and the creamy.

Why This Recipe Works?

1. The Contrast of Flavors
The juxtaposition of sweet apples against savory elements creates an incredible flavor profile. Your taste buds don’t just experience one overt taste, but rather, a seamless blend.

2. The Textures Play Together
The mix of a crispy crust, juicy hot dogs, and gooey cheese creates a thrilling mouthfeel. Each bite is exciting, providing crunchiness, softness, and chewiness in one unified experience.

3. Easy to Make
This recipe is straightforward. With a few handpicked ingredients and steps, even novice cooks can navigate their way to success. Preparation feels rewarding instead of tedious.

4. Unique Presentation
When you serve these hot dogs, you will certainly impress your guests. They will be curious and excited. It’s not every day they stumble across a dish that feels familiar, yet so unique.

Ingredients for Apple Pie Hot Dog Recipe

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful dish:

• 1 egg, whisked lightly
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1 tablespoon tangy Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• ¼ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup of savory bacon spread
• Crispy bacon bits (as per taste)
• 2 hot dogs, diced into small chunks
• 1 ½ cups of spiced apple filling, divided
• 2 pre-made pie crusts
• 2 teaspoons finely crushed sugar
• 1 teaspoon apple pie seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure it’s at the right temperature before you introduce any ingredients. This will ensure a perfect bake for the crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix the diced hot dogs, spiced apple filling, and crispy bacon bits. Stir until evenly incorporated. It’s kind of like a party in a bowl—everyone mingling, getting to know each other!

Step 3: Make the Egg Wash

In another small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. This will give your pie crust a golden, shiny exterior when baked.

Step 4: Roll Out the Pie Crust

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pre-made pie crust. If they are too thick, the pie may not cook evenly, so aim for a medium thickness.

Step 5: Cut the Crust

Cut the rolled pie crust into squares large enough to wrap around your filling. Think about a taco shell size, just big enough to hold all the delicious components without spilling over.

Step 6: Assemble the Hot Dogs

Place a spoonful of the filling mix onto the center of each pie crust square. Sprinkle a bit of cheddar cheese on top. Join the corners and seal tightly to prevent any filling from escaping during baking.

Step 7: Brush with Egg Wash

Gently place your assembled hot dogs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each with the egg wash for that beautifully baked finish.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point. Patience is key!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow them to cool for a few minutes. The aroma will draw your friends and family closer. Serve with your chosen sides.

Notes

Before diving into this apple pie hot dog adventure, consider these tips:

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for quality hot dogs and fresh apples for the best flavor and result.
• Don’t Overfill: Resist the temptation to cram in too much filling. This helps maintain the structure.
• Chill the Dough: If your pie crust gets warm while rolling out, chilling it briefly could help.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the apple pie seasoning to your liking for that personal touch.
• Be Creative: Garnish your hot dog with sesame seeds or herbs before baking for extra flair.

How To Store The Leftovers?

If you find yourself with leftovers (unlikely, but hey, it happens), you can store them easily. Here’s how:

• Refrigerate: Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each hot dog tightly in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the oven for crispiness, rather than using a microwave.

Sides for Apple Pie Hot Dog

Every great meal deserves a worthy sidekick. Here are some companions to consider:

1. Classic Potato Salad
A creamy potato salad offers a cooling contrast to the hot dog’s sweetness. The potatoes soak up flavor and provide a soothing palette.

2. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
These bring smoky flavors that contrast nicely with the sweet notes, adding colorful flair to your plate. A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and onions skewered and grilled adds both taste and vibrancy.

3. Baked Beans
Rich, tangy baked beans can bring a hearty element to your meal. They’re a BBQ staple and boast a flavor that connects perfectly with the apple pie hot dog.

4. Sweet Potato Fries
Crunchy, slightly sweet, and easy to dip, sweet potato fries echo the sweetness in your dish. A sprinkle of sea salt can elevate them even more.

Alternative Choices for Ingredients

Sometimes, life throws curveballs and not every ingredient will be available. Here are some alternatives:

1. Hot Dogs
If you want a healthier version, consider turkey or chicken dogs. They offer a lighter option without losing the hot dog feel.

2. Pie Crust
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pie crusts available in stores. They replicate the traditional crust impeccably.

3. Bacon Spread
If bacon spread isn’t in your pantry, diced cooked bacon or even a smoky BBQ sauce can do the trick. Think of how they’d merge with flavors!

4. Apple Filling
If you don’t have pre-made apple filling, combine sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Fresh apples bring an undeniable freshness.

Conclusion

The apple pie hot dog may sound like an odd combination, but the flavors and textures harmonize beautifully. It is the perfect dish to spark joy, creativity, and conversation around the dining table. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and indulge in this delightful mashup. 

Trust me, you’ll be creating not just a meal but memorable experiences, whether shared with family or friends. After all, cooking should be just as much about joy as it is about flavor. Happy cooking!