Mini Corn Dogs

These Mini Corn Dogs are super easy and fun to make! A delicious little treat on a stick, these are guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser no matter the occasion! 

The Best Corn Dogs Recipe

Some of my favorite memories in life involve corn dogs, how is that you may ask? Well think of being a kid at the fair or cheering in the stands at the game, holding one of these puppies in your hand just seemed to make it all the more memorable! If you’d like to feel all that nostalgia at home, then my super easy and wickedly fun Mini Corn Dog recipe is for you!

Corn dogs

• Hot dogs – Cut in half, feel free to use any hot dog you’d like. You can even make this dish vegetarian with a little faux dog!
• Sticks – Not really an ingredient, but a must for making corn dogs. Lollipop sticks, we need something that can handle being so close to hot oil. Wooden skewers will also work if that’s what you have on hand.
• Vegetable oil – We’re looking for something neutral tasting that holds up well to high heat, such as Canola oil or peanut oil.

Batter

• Dry ingredients – Cornmeal, all purpose flour, baking powder, sugar. You can use gluten free flour and cornmeal as long as you use ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum to bind.
• Wet ingredients – Milk, feel free to use any kind of milk you’d like. Even buttermilk, half and half or lactose free milk will work.
• Seasoning – Salt and pepper.

How To Make Corn Dogs

1. Prepare the oil. In a large Dutch oven, pour the vegetable oil to a depth of 4 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F.
2. Get the hot dogs ready. Stick each half hot dog onto the lollipop sticks. You can use wooden skewers as well.
3. Prepare the corn dogs. In a bowl, combine all the batter ingredients and whisk. I found it easier to pour the batter in a long glass. Dip each hot dog into the cornmeal batter to completely cover the hot dog.
4. Fry the corn dogs. Carefully place the hot dogs into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2 or 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. I fried about 2 or 3 at a time. Repeat with remaining hot dogs and batter. Serve with ketchup and mustard.

A Mini History Of Corn Dogs

This little delicacy was supposedly first invented at the Minnesota State Fair in 1941. Since then it has been enjoyed by generations of North Americans at games, fairs, and drive thus alike. Even the city I live in now pumps them out once a year in the craziest combinations, at the Calgary Stampede.

I for one, can probably count on one hand the number of times I’ve actually had a corn dog in my life. I do remember buying the prepackaged ones a long time ago and although I hate to admit it, I did love them. But a fresh corn dog is always better, especially a mini one!

What Else Can I Put In My Corn Dogs?

The fun doesn’t end here! Since these little Corn Dogs are so easy to make, why not play around with them some more? Try some of these fun twists:

• Chop up some jalapeños right in the batter for a spicy kick!
• Wrap your little hot dog in some American Cheese before dipping it in the batter and frying.
• Add some curry powder to your batter and garam masala to your ketchup for a curry kick!
• Get creative with your hot dog base, feel free to substitute your favorite sausage or smokey in its place.
• The Calgary Stampede features a hot dog stuffed in a hollowed out pickle dipped in batter and fried, this is a delicious treat that I encourage you to try!

Can I Bake My Corn Dogs?

While I do recommend frying these treats for the absolute best results, you can also make them in the oven.

Preheat your oven to 375°F and batter your hot dogs as usual. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes before removing from the oven. Spoon the batter that has collected on the parchment paper back onto the dogs and place back in the oven. Bake until golden for about 20 minutes.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead?

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh so I do recommend enjoying them right away, but if you’re in a time crunch or have leftovers, they also store just fine.

Fridge

These mini corn dogs can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2 – 3 days. You may find they get a bit soggy so I don’t recommend storing them for much longer than that. Just zap in the microwave when ready to enjoy.

Freezer

You can freeze these treats! Just freeze them individually on a baking sheet till frozen through, around 2 hours, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Pop them in the oven at 350°F till heated through  when ready to eat, please don’t put them in a fryer to reheat as it is not safe and could cause the oil to spit back violently.

Other Delicious Snacks To Try

• Bacon Corn Dip
• Banana Fritters
• Antojitos
• Crispy Baked Parmesan Wings
• Sweet Chicken Bacon Bites
• Canadian Butter Tarts
• Ham And Cheese Sliders
• Cheesy Guacamole
• Corn Fritters