Homemade Corn Dogs: A Classic Fairground Treat at Home

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Yellow Cornmeal
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup White Sugar
  • 4 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1 Egg
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 1 quart Vegetable Oil for frying
  • 2 (16 ounce) packages Beef Frankfurters
  • 16 wooden skewers

Steps and instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, sugar and baking powder. Stir well.
  2. Add the egg, milk, and stir until well blended.
  3. Preheat your deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  4. Insert wooden skewers into frankfurters. Roll the frankfurters in flour and then dip them into the batter, allowing excess to drain off.
  5. Carefully place the battered frankfurters into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding by frying only a few at a time.
  6. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Use tongs to remove from oil, and drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining frankfurters.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Try using different types of sausages or hot dogs, such as chicken, turkey, or vegetarian options.
  • Add spices or herbs to the batter, such as paprika, garlic powder, or dried parsley, for extra flavor.
  • Experiment with different coatings for the corn dogs, such as crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or panko.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Add grated cheese into the batter for a cheesy twist on the classic corn dog.
  • For a spicy kick, incorporate diced jalapenos or hot sauce into the batter.
  • Make mini corn dogs by using cocktail sausages or cutting regular sausages into smaller pieces.

Recipe overview

This Corn Dogs recipe recreates the classic fair favorite right in your own kitchen. The batter, seasoned with the perfect blend of spices, envelopes the hot dogs in a thick, cornmeal layer that strikes a delicate balance between sweet and savory. After a quick fry, these golden-brown treats are ready for their finishing touch - a squirt of mustard or ketchup. Making them at home not only allows for customization but also ensures a fresh, crispy texture that's often unmatched by store-bought versions. Expect fun in the kitchen and satisfied smiles around the table with this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook corn dogs? Corn dogs typically take about 2-3 minutes to cook until they are golden brown.
  2. What temperature should the oil be? Preheat your deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) before frying the corn dogs.
  3. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour if desired.
  4. Are there any alternative options for the batter? If you prefer a sweeter batter, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with cornbread mix.
  5. Can I use a different type of meat? While the recipe calls for beef frankfurters, you can use any type of hot dog or sausage of your choice.
  6. Can I bake the corn dogs instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the corn dogs in a preheated oven at 425 degrees F (220 degrees C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Deep Fryer - A deep fryer is recommended for frying the corn dogs to achieve even cooking and crispy results.
  • Wooden Skewers - Wooden skewers are used to insert into the frankfurters for easy handling and eating.
  • Tongs - Tongs are helpful for safely removing the corn dogs from the hot oil.
  • Paper Towels - Paper towels are used to drain excess oil from the fried corn dogs.

Origin stories

Corn Dogs are quintessentially American, having been popularized at state fairs and carnivals in the early 20th century. One popular story is that corn dogs, along with other deep-fried treats on a stick, gained major popularity at the Texas State Fair in the 1940s. However, the exact origin of the corn dog is disputed. Some credit German immigrants in Texas for the invention, as a twist on traditional German sausage, while others believe it was invented in Minnesota. Regardless of its origins, the corn dog has become a beloved snack across the United States, symbolizing simple, hearty amusement park fare.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.