Easy Corn Dogs Recipe
Who doesn’t love a dirty, crispy corn dog? With a crispy, cornmeal coating and juicy center, corn dogs are such a classic for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re throwing a party, need a quick snack, or just want to bring some fairground nostalgia at home, this recipe is sure to put a smile on your face in the kitchen.
This guide covers everything you need to know to make corn dogs from scratch, from ingredients to serving suggestions to frequently asked questions about the process.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Follow: This recipe is beginner-friendly, and you don’t need anything fancy to make it.
- Versatile: You can use any kind of sausage, from classic beef hot dogs to turkey to even vegan.
- Family Friendly: It is hardly possible for anyone, child or adult, to resist the allure of homemade corn dogs.
- Better than Takeout: Avoid going for the frozen kind, and you don’t need to splurge at the pricy food stands. Fresh every time, these corn dogs are crispy and flavorful.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 corn dogs 1x
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible treats:
For the Batter:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of yellow cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 3/4 cup of buttermilk (or use regular milk with a splash of vinegar)
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 large egg
For the Corn Dogs:
- 8 hot dogs (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
- Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
- Neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) for frying
Suggested Garnishes and Dips:
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Ranch dressing
- Cheese dip
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs
Dry your hot dogs with a paper towel so the batter sticks. Push a wooden skewer or popsicle stick into one end of each hot dog so there is enough left to hold onto.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- Mix dry ingredients in a big bowl, flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- Combine the wet ingredients (buttermilk, water, and egg) with the dry mixture. Whisk until smooth. The batter should be thickish, but pourable. If it’s too thick, thin with a tablespoon of water at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Place the batter in a tall glass or jar for easy dipping.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or a cast-iron skillet, about 3 to 4 inches deep. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy; if the oil’s too hot, the batter will burn before cooking through.
Step 4: Dip and Fry
- With the skewer still in the hot dog, dip each in the batter, making sure to coat it all the way around. Let any excess drip off for a few seconds.
- Gently lower the breaded hot dog into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the corn dogs and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain extra oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm with toppings and dips of your choice. Serve with fries, coleslaw or side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
How to Serve
Corn dogs taste best straight out the fryer! Lay out a dipping station with what you have — yellow mustard for tang, ketchup for sweet, hot mayo for a kick. Want to go extra fancy? Serve with a honey mustard or sriracha dip.
Perfect Pairings:
- French fries
- Sweet potato chips
- Buttery corn on the cob
Corn dogs also are a wonderful centrepiece at picnic baskets, game nights or outdoor summer cookouts.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying (traditional) or oven-baked
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake instead of frying these?
Yes! Prop the batter coated hot dogs up in a muffin tin and bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes. Not as crisp, but perfectly golden and delicious nonetheless.
2. What oil can I use for this recipe?
Use neutral oils, such as vegetable or canola, because they have a high smoke point and won’t compete with the flavor of the corn dogs.
3. Can I prepare these in advance?
Although they’re most delicious freshly made, you can prep the batter and the skewered hot dogs ahead of time. To preserve their crispiness, fry them right before serving.
4. Are there gluten free substitutes?
Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure your hot dogs and cornmeal are gluten-free too.
5. Can I use plant-based hotdogs?
Absolutely! This recipe is effective with vegan or vegetarian hot dogs. Serve with your favorite plant-based dips for a perfect snacking session!
Get a Taste of the Fair in Your Kitchen
Now, you can make restaurant-quality corn dogs at home! This might seem like a simple recipe but let me assure you it is extremely satisfying.
Try it, and you may just find yourself adding corn dogs to your family’s regular snack rotation. Why wait? Taste your nostalgia on-tap with your first bite today!