Sweet Chili Franks

Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Sweet Chili Franks offer a tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy glaze that pairs perfectly with hot dogs, making them great for casual gatherings and family meals.

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Ingredients

  • 12 oz. chili sauce
  • 7 oz. grape jelly
  • 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 1 lb. frankfurters

Instructions

  1. Combine chili sauce, grape jelly, and lemon juice in a saucepan.
  2. Heat until the jelly melts and the mixture is heated through.
  3. Slowly stir about 1/4 cup of the sauce into the cornstarch, then blend into the hot mixture.
  4. Cook until the sauce thickens.
  5. Add frankfurters and heat until glazed, about 10 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra kick, consider adding a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. If you don't have grape jelly, cranberry or raspberry jelly can be good substitutes. Make sure to stir the cornstarch mixture well to avoid clumps. This recipe can also be adapted for vegan recipes by using plant-based frankfurters.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sweet Chili Franks with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties or game days. They pair well with coleslaw or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, serve them in slider buns or alongside appetizers like Bob'S Beer-Fried Onion Rings to create a complete spread.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Sweet Chili Franks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or warm them on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for longer storage.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet Chili Franks contains roughly 90 calories, with 4g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium.

90 kcal 4% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 2.4g 3% DV
Carbs 13.8g 5% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 1.4g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 386.6mg 17% DV
Potassium 450.8mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 4.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.9mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 34.1mg 38% DV
Calcium 32.9mg 3% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the frankfurters ahead of time. Simply store the sauce separately and combine them when you're ready to serve. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the franks.

What can I use instead of frankfurters?

You can substitute frankfurters with any type of sausage or even vegetarian options like veggie dogs or seitan. Just ensure that the cooking times are adjusted based on the type of protein used.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild sweetness with a subtle kick from the chili sauce. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add more chili sauce or include spices like cayenne pepper to enhance the heat level.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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