Homemade Corn Dogs Recipe

I enjoy eating corn dogs at carnivals so I created this easy frankfurter batter recipe to make them at home. They’re great served with mustard.

There's something irresistible about the nostalgic appeal of corn dogs, and making them at home is easier than you might think! With this simple recipe, you can recreate that classic fairground flavor right in your own kitchen. Whether you're craving a taste of summertime or planning a fun family meal, these homemade corn dogs are sure to delight.

Vadim Rachok

Chef

Did you know that it is quite easy to make corn dogs at home? This recipe is perfect for when you can’t make it to the fair or carnival.

What Is a Corn Dog?

A corn dog is a popular American street food. It consists of a hot dog sausage coated in a thick layer of cornmeal batter, skewered on a stick, and deep-fried until golden brown. The resulting snack has a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

The corn dog was probably invented by German immigrants in Texas in the 1920s. While there is some debate as to the exact inventor of the corn dog, it is widely believed to have been created by a variety of vendors at state fairs and amusement parks across the country. Similar European dishes such as the German “Wurstbrot” or “Wurstelprater” and the Scottish “Saveloy Dip” likely inspired the concept of combining a hot dog with a cornmeal batter and deep-frying it.

Corn dogs have a distinctive flavor that comes from combining the juicy, savory hot dog sausage with the sweet, slightly grainy texture of the cornmeal batter. To enhance the flavor of the hot dog, the batter is often seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices. When fried, the batter becomes crispy and golden. This provides a satisfying contrast to the soft interior of the hot dog.

Corn Dog Ingredients

To make a homemade corn dog, you will need these ingredients:

• Corn flour and panko breadcrumbs: Form the crunchy outer coating of the corn dog, adding texture and flavor.
• Chicken Egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold the batter together and adhere it to the franks.
• Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the batter to balance the savory flavors.
• Milk: Provides moisture to the dough, creating a tender and moist interior.
• Sausage: Provides the savory and meaty flavor inside the corn dog and is the star of the dish.
• Processed cheese and parmesan: These cheeses add richness and depth of taste to the dish.
• Smoked paprika, mustard, salt, pepper, and dried garlic: These condiments add layers of flavor to the batter and enhance the overall flavor of the corn dog.
• Frying Oil: Used to fry the corn dogs until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside while the sausage is cooking inside.

How to Make Corn Dogs

1. To make the dough: Mix corn flour with paprika, dry garlic, and sugar.
2. Then, mix the mass, and add chicken egg, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread sausages on skewers and wrap them with processed cheese.
4. Next, dip sausages in the dough, then coat them in panko breadcrumbs.
5. Heat the oil in a saucepan or pot to 356 degrees F (180 degrees C). 
6. Then, fry the corn dogs for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. 
7. Transfer them to paper napkins to remove excess fat. 
8. Serve with mustard or your favorite sauce. Enjoy!

Chef Recipe Tips:

• I recommend soaking wooden sticks in water beforehand to prevent them from burning during the frying process. 
• If you do not have a culinary thermometer (probe), you can check if the oil is at the right temperature by adding some breadcrumbs to the saucepan. If they rise to the surface and fry immediately, the temperature is satisfactory.

What to Serve With Corn Dogs

Serve your corn dogs with your favorite dipping sauce and a classic side dish for the perfect picnic or potluck meal. For some mouthwatering ideas, try these delicious options:

1. Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
2. Baked Beans
3. French-Fried Potatoes
4. Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad
5. Sweet Restaurant Slaw

What goes on with corn dogs?

Ketchup and mustard are the classic condiments on the corn dog, but why stop there? For a nice kick, try Sriracha chili sauce. Honey mustard adds a little sweetness to the mix. They’re also great to dip! Dip them in whatever your heart desires – queso dip, burger sauce, ranch dressing!

Recipe FAQs and Tips

Can you freeze homemade corn dogs?
Yes, you can freeze them. Allow them to cool completely after cooking, then store them in an airtight bag or container for up to two months.

How do you reheat the corn dogs?
To reheat, bake in a 300-degree oven for about 15 minutes if they’re frozen or 10 minutes if they’ve been thawed. You can also place an individual corn dog in the microwave for about 60 seconds if frozen or 30 seconds if thawed. They can also be reheated in an air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 2 minutes.

How long will leftover corn dogs keep in the refrigerator?
You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer than that, I recommend freezing them instead.