Crispy Hot Dog Twist Appetizers with Three Dipping Sauces

Hot Dog Twists make a crowd-pleasing game-day appetizer or an easy after-school snack. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they’re simple to prepare and even more fun to eat. Serve them with classic ketchup and mustard or with one of the homemade dipping sauces below.

This recipe is a playful twist on the corn dog. Food on a stick is practical and festive—no plates required, and it’s easy to snack while watching the game. For a similar party-friendly option, try Crock Pot Little Smokies.

I use pancake mix for the dough in these hot dog twists, but store-bought crescent roll dough will also work. The small amount of sugar in pancake mix gives the coating a slightly sweet, golden finish. Keep in mind dough expands a bit while cooking, so roll it a little thinner than the final thickness you want before wrapping it around the hot dog spiral.

Below you’ll find two delicious dipping sauces: a tangy chili-mayo and a honey-mustard. Both are quick to mix and pair perfectly with the twists, though classic condiments work great too.

Hot Dog Twists Ingredients

• hot dogs
• pancake mix (or crescent roll dough)
• water
• vegetable oil (for frying)
• sour cream (for chili mayo)
• mayonnaise (for sauces)
• lime (for chili mayo)
• chili sauce
• chili powder
• yellow mustard (for honey mustard)
• honey (for honey mustard)
• salt

Kitchen Tools Needed

You’ll need a large frying pan or a deep fryer and short bamboo skewers that fit comfortably in your pan.

How to Make this Hot Dog Appetizer

These hot dog twists fry quickly, so prep and monitor them closely:

1. Cut 4 hot dogs in half crosswise.
2. Insert a short skewer into one half of each hot dog.
3. Spiral-cut the hot dog by holding the knife at a diagonal and rotating the hot dog, cutting down to the skewer. Take care to avoid cutting your fingers.
4. Mix pancake mix with water to form a dough. Divide into 8 portions and roll each portion into a 5-inch strip.
5. Wrap the dough strip around the skewer and between the hot dog spirals so the spiral is coated but still visible.
6. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry each skewered hot dog, turning continuously, until the dough is golden brown. They cook fast—watch them closely.
7. Drain briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil and serve warm with dipping sauces.

Dipping Sauces for Hot Dog Twists

Both sauces are made by simply combining the listed ingredients and seasoning to taste. The chili mayo is mild and creamy—add extra mayo or sour cream if you prefer a milder flavor. The honey mustard is sweet and tangy and complements the savory hot dog coating. Of course, you can always offer ketchup and mustard for guests who prefer the classics.

More Game Day Party Food

• Football Cupcakes
• Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
• Layered Pizza Dip
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Skillet Dip
• Bacon Wrapped Smokies