Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by MOe
Have you ever bitten into a piping hot corn dog, the sweet corn batter giving way to the juicy hot dog inside, only to realize you don’t have the right dipping sauce to complement this handheld treat?
Finding the perfect dip is essential to maximizing your corn dog experience. But with so many options out there, from sweet honey mustard to zesty chili sauce, how do you choose?
You know that feeling: corn dog in hand, staring down ketchup and mustard like, “Is this all there is?” Well, ditch the boring dip routine! This guide is your ticket to corn dog dipping sauce nirvana. We’ll show you how to find awesome store-bought options, whip up crazy-good DIY dips, and even invent your own flavor combos. Get ready to level up your corn dog game – it’s about to get delicious (and messy)!
Arm yourself with this intel, and you’ll never settle for subpar pairings again. Your corn dogs will be taken to new heights, delivering the ultimate flavor and texture in every bite. Let’s get started!
What Makes a Good Corn Dog Dipping Sauce?
Choosing a sauce for your corn dog goes beyond just picking your favorite condiment. There are a few key factors that set a great corn dog dip apart from the rest:
Complementary Flavors
You want a sauce that enhances the existing flavors of the corn dog, rather than covering them up. For example, the sweet corn batter pairs well with a honey or mustard-based sauce. Chili and cheese sauces complement the savory hot dog itself. Pick components that work together.
Ideal Consistency
The texture of the sauce matters too. If it’s too thin and watery, it will soak into the batter and make it soggy. Look for dips like ranch, salsa, and french onion that will lightly coat the corn dog without compromising the exterior.
Balance of Sweet and Savory
Look for dips that strike a balance between sweet and savory. The corn dog already leans sweet, so a sauce that’s too sugary will be overpowering. Likewise, an ultra-savory sauce could make the bite too salty. Opt for balanced flavors.
Finger-Licking Goodness
Since you eat corn dogs with your hands, the ideal sauce consistency should stick to the dog without being too drippy or messy. Sauces that are too thin will run off quickly. Look for dips with some body that will stay on the dog with each bite.
Popular Corn Dog Dipping Sauces
Now that you know what to look for in a sauce, let’s explore some of the most popular options that will take your corn dog to the next level:
Honey Mustard
A classic pairing, honey mustard strikes an ideal balance of sweet and tangy. The zip of the mustard cuts the richness of the corn batter, while the honey accentuates the natural sweetness of the cornmeal. Opt for a good dijon or stoneground mustard base. The texture should coat the dog without running off. Honey mustard is a complete crowd-pleaser.
Ranch Dressing
Cool and creamy ranch makes another excellent corn dog companion. It offers plenty of tangy, savory flavor while also adding moisture to counteract the crunchy exterior. Ranch tends to be thicker than other dips, allowing it to adhere nicely to the corn batter. Homemade ranch shines, but quality store-bought varieties work well too.
Barbecue Sauce
For hearty corn dog flavor, you can’t go wrong with basic barbecue sauce. The sweet, smokey, and slightly spicy notes pair beautifully with the corn batter and hot dog. Barbecue sauce also boasts a nicely thick texture that sticks to the corn dog with ease. Skip the mediocre bottled sauces and whip up your own custom blend at home.
Salsa
For a fresh, flavor-packed dip, look no further than salsa. The acidity of tomatoes, spice of chiles, and bright herbs are the perfect match for a hot corn dog. The thicker, chunkier texture of salsa allows it to cling to the exterior with each bite. Make your own or use a high-quality premade option. Either way, salsa never disappoints!
Chili
For the ultimate hot dog pairing, heat things up with chili sauce. The meaty flavor and richness complement the hot dog itself, while the mild spice balances the sweetness of the corn batter. Opt for a thicker, meat-based chili rather than canned bean varieties, which can become overly soggy. Garnish with shredded cheese for next-level indulgence.
Creative Corn Dog Dipping Ideas
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are endless creative sauces you can whip up at home to give your corn dog extra flair. Here are some fun flavor combinations to try:
French Onion Dip
Caramelized onions, sour cream, garlic, and seasonings combine to form a dip that’s savory, cool, and craveable. The thicker consistency adheres perfectly to the corn dog exterior.
Maple Sriracha Mayo
For a dip with both sweetness and heat, combine mayo, pure maple syrup, sriracha, lime juice, salt, and pepper. The mayo base gives it ideal texture.
Bacon Jam
Caramelize onions and mix with bacon, brown sugar, balsamic, and spices for a sweet and smoky dipping sauce. The bits of bacon add nice texture.
Peanut Butter and Jelly
For an indulgent, kid-friendly sauce, you can’t beat PB&J! Opt for crunchy peanut butter and your favorite jelly. Nostalgic flavors pair surprisingly well with piping hot corn dogs.
Pesto Ranch
Combine pesto sauce, ranch dressing, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes for an herby, garlicky dip with a light kick. The thicker consistency helps it adhere nicely.
Beer Cheese
Make an easy beer cheese sauce with beer, shredded cheddar, cream cheese, garlic, and seasonings. The smooth, malty flavor complements corn dogs perfectly.
Tips for Dipping Sauce Success
To get the most out of your custom corn dog creations, keep these tips in mind:
- Chill sauces before dipping to prevent dripping and sliding off.
- Transfer thick dips to shallow bowls for easier coating ability.
- Mix in cornstarch to thicken runnier sauces.
- Drizzle creatively with squeezable condiment bottles for fun presentation.
- Skewer bite-sized corn dog pieces for easier handling.
- Provide a variety of sauce options and let guests create their own flavor combinations.
- Make it a sauce flight! Arrange 3-4 small ramekins of different dipping sauces on a tray for sampling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Corn Dog Dipping
If you’re new to the wide world of corn dog dunking, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
Should you dip the corn dog in sauce before or after biting?
This comes down to personal preference! Some people like to dip the bare skewer end first to lightly coat before biting. Others prefer to take a bite first, then dip the exposed hot dog portion into the sauce. Do whatever feels most natural and enjoyable to you.
How thick should the ideal corn dog dipping sauce be?
Aim for a sauce that has some body to it and clings to the exterior coating rather than instantly dripping off. Sauces like ranch, salsa, and cheese dips have an ideal mildly thick texture. Thin vinegar-based sauces need cornstarch or reduction to thicken.
What’s the best way to get sauce in every bite?
Drizzle or spread some of the sauce over the top of the corn dog first so it soaks in. Then also provide extra sauce on the side for dipping each bite after. This ensures maximum coverage and flavor!
Should sauce go on the hot dog or the corn batter?
There’s no wrong way! You can drizzle sauce directly onto the hot dog itself for added flavor. Or just coat the exterior corn batter. Really load up both areas for a 360-degree sauce experience.
How many ounces of dipping sauce do you need per corn dog?
An ideal amount is around 1-1.5 oz of dipping sauce per regular sized corn dog. Portion into small ramekins or bowls. Refill as needed if you’re on a serious sauce dipping mission!
Amp Up Your Next Corn Dog Get-Together
After reading this guide, you have all the tools to take your corn dog dipping experience to the next level. Wow guests at your next game day party or state fair themed bash with creative signature sauces and high-quality artisanal dogs.
To recap, look for sauces that complement and enhance the existing corn dog flavors. Aim for balanced sweet and savory with an ideal thicker consistency. Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, salsa, and chili are sure to please a crowd.
Feeling inspired? Whip up zesty beer cheese, maple sriracha mayo, or other outside-the-box combos. Just chill, portion, and arrange your sauces for easy dipping. Then relax and enjoy your corn dogs to the fullest!
With your newfound knowledge, boring corn dog pairings are a thing of the past. So get creative, try new flavor fusions, and you’ll discover just how amazing this handheld treat can be. Happy dipping!
Elevate Your Chimichangas with the Perfect Red Chili Sauce
Chimichangas and red chili sauce are a match made in flavor heaven. The crispy, fried chimichanga exterior gives way to tender fillings that are perfectly complemented by a spicy, flavorful red chili sauce.
But not all red chili sauces are created equal when it comes to chimichanga pairing. The right sauce can take your chimis to new levels of tasty indulgence. On the other hand, a subpar sauce can make them fall flat.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how to make or select the ideal red chili sauce to maximize your chimichanga enjoyment.
We’ll explore chili sauce ingredients, spiciness levels, texture considerations, and quick homemade recipes. Read on to become a chimichanga + chili sauce expert!
What Makes an Ideal Red Chili Sauce for Chimichangas?
Chimichangas demand a sauce with some specific qualities to really make the flavors shine:
A Balance of Richness and Acidity
The richness of the fried tortilla and fillings calls for acidity to cut through and balance the flavors. Tomato-based chili sauces provide this.
Spiciness to Vary the Experience
Red chili sauce adds back heat that can mellow during chimichanga frying. The amount of spice is a personal choice, but some heat is important.
Ability to Cling to Fillings
A properly thick chili sauce will coat fillings without instantly running off. The right consistency brings flavor to every bite.
Smoky, Savory Depth
Look for chili sauces with depth of flavor, like smokiness and savory umami notes from ingredients like chipotle and tomatoes.
Visual Appeal and Contrast
A bright red chili sauce is visually striking against golden chimichangas, heightening the overall experience.
Evaluating the Different Chili Sauce Options
Now that you know what to look for in chimichanga chili sauce, let’s examine the two main options – homemade recipes and premade chili sauces you can buy.
Homemade Red Chili Sauce
Making your own chili sauce allows full control over the flavor. You can amp up smokiness, spice level, and thickness exactly to your liking. It also lets you use quality ingredients.
On the flip side, homemade sauce requires more effort compared to premade. You’ll need to gather ingredients and find time to make it. But overall, homemade chili sauce is hard to beat in terms of taste.
Premade Red Chili Sauce
Premade chili sauce offers convenience – just open and serve! Brands like Tapatio, Cholula, and Valentina are widely available. The Chile Today, Hot Tamale brand also makes a sauce specifically for chimichangas.
The downsides are less control over flavors, ingredients, and spiciness level. Bottled sauces can also separate or be overly watery at times. Check labels and read reviews to find a quality premade option if not preparing homemade.
Customizing Your Red Chili Sauce
One of the great benefits of homemade chili sauce is the ability to customize it. Here are some ways to put your own twist on it:
Spice It Up
Add more chili peppers, cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to ratchet up the heat level. Or take it down a notch by removing seeds and ribs from peppers.
Smoke It Out
Get smoky flavor by charring peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and onions over an open flame before blending. You can also add a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Change Up the Peppers
Jalapeños, serranos, ancho chilies, guajillo, and pasilla all work. Mix varieties for more depth. Roasted red bell peppers add sweetness.
Play with Acidity
Splash in more or less lime juice, white vinegar, or tomato paste to get the desired acidity or richness.
Vary the Thickness
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it longer or blend in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry. For thicker sauce, add more tomatoes or reduce other liquids.
Make It Your Own
Personalize by blending in spicy barbecue sauce, sautéed onion and garlic, cumin, cilantro, chipotles in adobo, etc. Get creative!
Quick Homemade Red Chili Sauce Recipes
Want to whip up a custom red chili sauce tonight? Here are two easy homemade recipes:
Basic Red Chili Sauce
Ingredients:
- 4 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 jalapeños, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a pan, sauté onion, garlic, and jalapeños in olive oil until soft.
- Add tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes until tomatoes break down.
- Transfer mixture to blender. Add cilantro and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Smoky Red Chili Sauce
Ingredients:
- 8 dried guajillo chilies, soaked and drained
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup water
- 1 15oz can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast guajillos 2 minutes per side.
- In a pot, simmer onion, garlic, guajillos, and water for 10 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to blender. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Expert Tips for Chimichanga + Chili Sauce Success
To maximize flavor when pairing chimichangas with chili sauce:
- Use a bowl versus drizzle bottle for easier dipping access.
- Pour extra sauce over the top for added coverage.
- Mix fillings into the sauce instead of drizzling on top.
- Offer a cooling dip like guacamole, sour cream, or ranch alongside.
- Sprinkle chimis with cotija cheese for a salty contrast.
- Serve sauces warm for optimal texture.
- Fry chimis extra crispy to hold up to saucy dipping.
- For less mess, bake chimis in the oven versus deep frying.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimichangas and Chili Sauce
What’s the best fillings to use for chili sauce chimis?
Chili sauce pairs especially well with spicy meats like chorizo, shredded chicken, carnitas, or beef. Cheesy fillings, beans, rice, and sautéed veggies also balance the sauce nicely.
Is it better to use hotter or milder chili sauce?
This comes down to personal spice preference! If you like very spicy food, use a hotter chili sauce. If you don’t want too much burn, go for a milder version or remove chili seeds.
What drink pairs best with chimichangas and chili sauce?
Refreshing drinks help cool the spice. Good options include ice cold beer, horchata, margaritas, and Mexican sodas like Jarritos.
Should I make extra chili sauce for leftovers?
Yes! The sauce keeps well refrigerated for 5-7 days. Extra sauce is great for reheating leftover chimis, using on tacos, stirring into rice, etc.
How can I tone down spice for kids or spice-averse eaters?
Offer a cooling dip like ranch or sour cream for mixing to cut the heat. You can also use a very mild chili sauce, or blend in some tomato paste or sauce to mellow it out.
Spice Up Your Next Meal with Chimichangas and Red Chili Sauce
With the right red chili sauce, chimichangas transform into an unforgettable flavor experience. The contrast of crispy and tender textures, spice, and acidity is irresistible. Whip up a batch of sauce using our recipes and tips, and your next chimichanga meal will be one for the books!
We covered how to evaluate chili sauce options, customize your own, make quick homemade sauces, expert serving tricks, pairing combinations and more. Now you have all the knowledge to create the perfect chimichanga and chili sauce duo.
Looking for even more ways to spice up your chimis? Try mixing fillings, using chimichanga dough for empanadas, baking instead of frying, or turning them into burritos. The possibilities are endless.
The next time you’re craving chimichangas, don’t settle for subpar jarred sauce, or worse, no sauce at all. Treat yourself to the combo done right by whipping up a flavor-packed red chili sauce. Your tastebuds will thank you!
3 Red Chili Sauces to Elevate Your Chimichangas
Ingredients:
10 dried chiles de arbol, stemmed
3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
1 small onion, cut into wedges
2 roma tomatoes
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. On a baking sheet, arrange chiles, garlic, onion and tomatoes. Roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until charred.
In a blender, combine roasted veggies along with vinegar, water, oregano, cumin and salt. Blend until smooth.
Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.
Notes: This sauce packs some serious heat! For milder version, remove chile seeds and ribs before blending.
Smoky Chipotle Chili Sauce
Ingredients:
2 chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped
1 15oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1/4 cup adobo sauce from can
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon cumin
Salt to taste
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine all ingredients over medium heat. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Transfer mixture to blender and puree until smooth.
Adjust seasonings to taste. Let cool before serving. Stores well refrigerated.
Notes: The chipotles and adobo sauce provide nice smoky flavor. Omit brown sugar for a less sweet sauce.
Baja-Style Red Chili Sauce
Ingredients:
8 roma tomatoes, chopped
1 white onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 jalapenos, seeded and diced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt to taste
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine tomatoes, onion, garlic, jalapenos and seasonings. Simmer 10 minutes.
Transfer mixture to blender. Add cilantro and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
Taste and adjust salt and lime juice as desired. Cool before using.
Notes: For spicier sauce, add seeds from jalapenos. Garnish with extra cilantro.
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