These Mexican Hot Dog Tacos are a fun and crispy twist on classic tacos, combining the crunch of flautas with the savory goodness of hot dogs. Whether you make them vegan or traditional, they’re a budget-friendly, easy-to-make meal perfect for Taco Tuesday or any casual dinner. The best part? They’re incredibly customizable! Top them with your favorite salsa, shredded lettuce, and creamy cotija cheese for a mouthwatering experience. Serve them up as a fun appetizer or a main dish with a side of refried beans and agua fresca. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 12 vegan hot dogs (or regular, if preferred)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce (or cabbage)
- 1 cup Mexican sour cream (vegan or dairy-based)
- 2 cups salsa (your choice, salsa verde recommended)
- 1 cup cotija cheese (vegan or dairy-based)
- 12 toothpicks (to hold tacos together)
Directions:
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds until they become soft and bendable.
- Place a hot dog on each tortilla and roll it up tightly. Secure with a toothpick. Repeat with all tortillas and hot dogs.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, fry the tacos in batches for about 5 minutes on one side or until crispy and golden brown. Flip and fry for another 3 minutes.
- Transfer the tacos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Remove the toothpicks before serving.
- Serve each person three tacos and top with shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa, and cheese. Enjoy immediately!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: 18 minutes
Kcal: 1058 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Guide to Mexican Hot Dog Tacos (Flautas de Winnie)
Mexican cuisine is known for its creativity and bold flavors, and Mexican Hot Dog Tacos (Flautas de Winnie) are no exception. While they may not be the most well-known dish, these crispy, golden-brown tacos are a hidden gem that combines affordability, crunch, and deliciousness in every bite. If you’re looking for a fun twist on traditional tacos, you’ll love this easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the history, benefits, variations, and serving suggestions for these Crispy Mexican Hot Dog Tacos—so you can make the most of this unique and flavorful recipe!
The Origins of Mexican Hot Dog Tacos (Flautas de Winnie)
While many think of tacos as being filled with meats like carne asada, al pastor, or carnitas, Mexican Hot Dog Tacos (also called Flautas de Winnie or Tacos Dorados de Salchicha) offer a playful take on the classic dish.
This recipe is believed to have originated in the states of Nayarit and Sinaloa, both of which are located along the western coast of Mexico. The dish likely emerged as a budget-friendly way for families to stretch their meals while still enjoying the rich and crispy flavors of fried tacos. Hot dogs, or “winnies” as they are sometimes called in Mexico, were an accessible and inexpensive protein source, making them a great option for home cooks looking for an easy meal.
Today, Flautas de Winnie are still considered a lesser-known but much-loved snack in Mexico. They are most commonly enjoyed as a quick dinner option, a party appetizer, or even as a fun dish for kids who love hot dogs but want something a little more exciting than a standard bun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why these Mexican Hot Dog Tacos are worth trying. Here’s what makes them so special:
1. Super Easy to Make
This is one of the easiest taco recipes you’ll ever find. With just a few basic ingredients—corn tortillas, hot dogs, oil, and toppings—you can have a meal ready in under 20 minutes!
2. Crispy, Crunchy, and Irresistible
Unlike traditional soft tacos, these taco flautas are fried until perfectly golden brown, making every bite delightfully crispy. The texture is one of the highlights of this dish, especially when paired with fresh toppings.
3. Budget-Friendly
With inflation rising, affordable meals are more important than ever. Hot dogs are inexpensive and widely available, making this a perfect meal for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
4. Customizable for Everyone
- Vegan or vegetarian? Use plant-based hot dogs and dairy-free toppings!
- Want extra flavor? Add cheese inside before rolling them up!
- Prefer baking over frying? These can be made in an air fryer or oven!
5. Great for Taco Tuesdays and Parties
These tacos are perfect for casual meals but also make a great appetizer for game nights, parties, and potlucks. Serve them in bite-sized pieces for an easy-to-eat party snack.
Healthier Variations
While this dish is fried, there are plenty of ways to make it lighter and healthier:
- Use an Air Fryer: Instead of deep-frying, spray the rolled tacos lightly with oil and air-fry them at 370°F (188°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Bake in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 420°F (215°C), place the rolled tacos on a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Tortillas: If you want a healthier or gluten-free option, swap out regular corn tortillas for whole wheat or certified gluten-free tortillas.
- Go Vegan: Replace dairy toppings with cashew crema, vegan cheese, and plant-based hot dogs to make these tacos completely vegan.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy Mexican Hot Dog Tacos taste amazing on their own, but they truly shine when paired with the right toppings and sides. Here are some ideas:
Best Toppings:
Shredded lettuce or cabbage (adds a fresh crunch)
Mexican sour cream (vegan or dairy-based)
Salsa (salsa verde, pico de gallo, or chipotle sauce)
Cotija cheese (vegan or dairy)
Pickled jalapeños for an extra kick
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges
Best Side Dishes
Refried Beans – A creamy, protein-packed side that complements the crunch of the tacos.
Mexican Potatoes – A delicious, slightly spicy potato side dish.
Mexican Street Corn (Elotes or Esquites) – Charred corn with mayo, cheese, lime, and chili powder.
Guacamole & Tortilla Chips – Because tacos and guacamole are the ultimate pairing!
Best Drinks to Serve With These Tacos:
Agua Frescas – Watermelon, hibiscus (Jamaica), or pineapple agua fresca are all refreshing options.
Cheladas or Micheladas – These light, lime-based Mexican beer cocktails are a great match.
Horchata – A sweet and creamy rice-based drink that balances out the savory flavors of the tacos.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the tacos by rolling them and securing them with toothpicks, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp them up again.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Them?
- Best method: Air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 6 minutes.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
- Pan-fry: Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat until warm.
- Microwave: This will work, but the tacos will be soft rather than crispy.
Are These Tacos Spicy?
Not on their own! The spiciness depends on the salsa or toppings you choose. If you like heat, drizzle them with hot sauce or add spicy pickled jalapeños.
Conclusion
If you’ve never had Mexican Hot Dog Tacos, now is the perfect time to give them a try. They’re:
Super easy to make
Perfectly crispy and golden
Budget-friendly and kid-approved
Great for parties, game nights, or Taco Tuesday
Customizable for vegan, vegetarian, or meat-eating diets
Whether you enjoy them as a quick weeknight dinner or serve them at your next family gathering, these tacos are guaranteed to be a hit. So, grab your tortillas, roll up some hot dogs, and start frying—because once you take that first crunchy bite, you’ll be hooked!