Recipe: Fried Chili Pie Bites with Beer Batter

More than a stereotype, Frito Chili Pie is a popular dish in Texas. This recipe for fried chili pie bites, inspired by news of upcoming fair foods, takes it to another level. These crunchy treats are as snackable and delicious as jalapeno poppers. Fry a batch of fried chili pie bites with beer batter for your next football party.

Fried Chili Pie Bites with Beer Batter Recipe
Yield: Approximately 40 to 50 fried chili pie bites
Ingredients
1 cup corn chips
15-ounce can chili, no beans
1 cup shredded Sharp Cheddar
1 tablespoon minced onion (optional)
oversize corn chips (I recommend Fritos Scoops.)
2 cups all-purpose batter mix (I recommend Don's Chuck Wagon.)
2 cups complete pancake mix
1 cup beer
1 cup cold water
½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper

Directions
Step 1: Make the chili pie.
Combine chili, cheddar cheese, small corn chips and onion in a large mixing bowl. Mash with a potato masher and stir to combine everything..

Step 2: Fill the large corn chips.
Arrange large corn chips, "scoop" side up. Dip chips into chili mixture and fill with a small mound of chili pie. Continue with remaining chips. Place in the freezer for approximately 8 to 10 minutes to help the chili pie bites hold their shape during dipping and frying.

Step #4: Make the batter.
Combine batter mix, pancake mix, beer and water in a mixing bowl. Add cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture until it is well-mixed and free of lumps. Set aside.

Step #3: Heat the oil.
Add oil to a heavy-bottomed stock pot. Heat the oil over medium to moderate heat.

Step #4: Dip and fry the chili pie bites.
Work in batches to dip and fry the chili pie bites. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown, approximately three minutes, turning midway.

Transfer fried chili pie bites to a paper towel-lined dish to drain excess oil. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm.

Fried Chili Pie Bites Recipe Tips and Tricks
Fun fried foods typically are not the healthiest. However, you can cut the sodium content by using low-sodium chips and thick, homemade chili. (Finely chop the chili ingredients or skim out larger bits of peppers and the like to ensure that each fried chili bite contains a good bite of chili.)

Do not overload your fryer or frying pan.

Weather conditions can affect the batter measurements, but the batter should be thick enough to adhere to the fried chili pie bites. If the batter is too runny, stir in additional mix or flour one tablespoon at a time.

The recipe yield varies due to variation in the chip size.

This year's Texas State Fair has not started yet, but it is a safe bet that this homemade faux fair food is not as good the real deal. However, it is a tasty treat. The beer adds a fluffy, breadlike quality and the batter mix adds a subtle crunch to the fried chili pie bites. Give it a try and let me know how you like it.