Perhaps it should have been enough that I originally introduced you to the Frito Pie. Maybe I should have stopped at the Frito Pie Burger. But I couldn’t help myself. I had to take this Texas original and move it to an even more All-American stage, the hot dog. So Y’all, I introduce to you, direct from deep in the heart of Texas, the seriously wonderful, totally addictive and completely over the top Frito Pie Dog. (Also known as the Texas Corn Dog, though I have no idea why.)
For those who don’t already know, a Frito Pie is basically just corn chips (preferably Frito’s) slathered in chili and cheese. Both San Antonio Texas and Santa Fe New Mexico claim to have invented this dish, but they’re both wrong. Frito pie was created by the Frito Lay Test kitchens (originally called Frito Chili Pie) and was first served in Dallas Texas in 1949. So while Texas is definitely where the foundations of this dish originated, sorry San Antonio, the River city had nothing to do with it.
Another essential of a Texas Frito Pie is the addition of jalapeño peppers, and this recipe bows to that tradition. It’s a heartwarming, soul-satiating explosion of flavors and heat that just screams Texas.
Is it good for you? Probably not. Is it good. Oh, yes.
And that’s a good thing.
Before I jump to the recipe, I want to point out that Vegetarians and Vegans need not be left out on the awesomeness that is both the Frito Pie and The Frito Pie Dog. Just use the proper substitutes (vegan or vegetarian chili, cheese and franks). These combinations won’t produce exactly the same results, but it will still be insanely good, which is what this recipe is all about.
I also want to note that the kind of chili you use is not important. You can make your own no-bean chili or use your favorite from a can. This dish isn’t picky on the subject. It just needs to be chili. Red Chili. That’s all that matters. The cheese needs to be cheddar, but the jalapeños and onions are optional. (Unless you’re Texan, then they’re mandatory. It’s an unwritten law.)
Frito Pie Dogs - Southwest Love on a Bun
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8 Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 731Total Fat: 40gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 1272mgCarbohydrates: 74gFiber: 7gSugar: 8gProtein: 21g
And there you have it, dear friends. A dish I’d serve to any of you with a smile, especially on game day at, a barbecue in the back yard, or just as a quick dinner that will delight your family, no matter what the age of the people around your table.
What do you think? have I taken the Frito pie concept too far yet? Should I continue? (I still have a few ideas left!) let me know in the comments or on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook. I’d love to hear from you.
