These homemade corn dogs are coated in a sweet and savory cornbread batter, then deep fried to golden brown perfection. A fun meal option that tastes way better than what you’d get at the local fair!
I love to recreate some of my favorite fried foods at home, including fried pickles, deep fried Oreos and these insanely delicious corn dogs.
I can never resist a good corn dog! When I see those hand dipped corn dogs at the fair or at an amusement park, I just have to order one. This homemade version of the classic dish is easy to make and produces perfect results every time.
How do you make corn dogs?
This recipe starts with a homemade cornbread batter, which consists of cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, egg and buttermilk. Place hot dogs on sticks, then thoroughly pat them dry with a paper towel. Pour the batter into a tall class, and dip a hot dog into the glass until it’s fully coated. Deep fry the hot dog until it’s golden brown, then repeat the process with the remaining hot dogs and batter. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Tips for the perfect dogs
- You can use your favorite brand of hot dogs for this recipe. I typically use Hebrew National. You can also use other types of sausage, such as hot links or chicken apple sausage.
- This recipe will work with either popsicle sticks or candy sticks, whichever one you have on hand.
- Use a thermometer to make sure that your oil is at the right temperature. If your oil is too hot, the corn dogs can burn. If the oil is too cold, the breading will absorb excess grease and be heavy.
- While this recipe is best when served right away, and leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat the hot dogs in a 350 degrees F oven until warmed through and crispy.
- It’s important to make sure your hot dogs are completely dry before you dip them in batter. If there is moisture on the hot dogs, the batter will slide off.
- Having trouble with the batter not sticking to your hot dogs? You can try coating the hot dogs in a little flour or corn starch before you dip them.
- If you feel that your batter is too thick, you can add another tablespoon or two of buttermilk to thin it out.
What to serve with corn dogs
The most common dipping sauces for corn dogs include ketchup and mustard. That being said, you can get creative and offer a variety of sauces such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing or spicy mayo.
I typically round out the meal with a side of french fries, either frozen fries or my homemade baked potato wedges. I also serve a vegetable, such as a simple green salad, or a roasted veggie such as asparagus or green beans.
The flavor of these corn dogs are SO much better than what you’d get at the fair or from a box in the freezer section. This is a must try recipe!
More delicious fried foods
Corn Dogs Video
Corn Dogs
Ingredients
For the batter
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the corn dogs
- 10 hot dogs
- 10 popsicle or craft sticks
- neutral flavored oil for frying such as canola oil or peanut oil
Instructions
For the batter
- Place the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pepper and sugar in a bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add the egg, honey and buttermilk to the bowl. Stir until just combined. Chill the batter for at least 10 minutes.
For the corn dogs
- Heat 4 inches of oil in a deep pot to 350 degrees F.
- Insert the sticks about halfway into the hot dogs. Pat the hot dogs dry with a paper towel.
- Pour the cornbread batter into a tall glass. Dip a hot dog all the way into the batter until it's coated, then transfer the hot dog to the pot of oil.
- Cook the hot dog for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat the process with the remaining hot dogs and batter.
- Drain the cooked corn dogs on paper towels, then serve.
When putting the dogs in the oil do you dip and hold in oil or do you lay them in the oil. And for how long?
It’s fine to lay them in the oil, the cook time is in the recipe!
Can you freeze these corn dogs then heat them in the oven
Yes that’s fine!
I did them in a greased muffin tin with 1 1/2″ hot dog pieces pushed on to the center. Bake at 350’F for 15 -20 minutes.
I also made a mayo, mustard, catsup dip. Delicious
I have a vintage Wagner Krusty Korn cast iron cob mold. Do you think baking the dog in the batter in the mold would have similar results?
I’ve never tried baking these so I’m not sure, but I don’t see any particular reason why it wouldn’t work.
Perfect corndogs !
These corndogs were fabulous. So quick and easy to make and the taste was spectacular! I hate corndogs usually…and I never let my kids eat the ones out of a box, but these were great! I will have to do a double batch next time. Hubby ate 4! Thanks for a great reliable recipe!
I made this tonight for the fam! It was very easy and came out great! Thanks for another great recipe!
These are AMAZING!!! Followed the recipe to the dot and they are just perfect!! So essy and delicious!
Quick question – if wooden sticks not available – would just cutting hot dog in half & dipping in batter work?
Yes that should be fine!
If you don’t have buttermilk is it ok to use 2% milk?
That should be fine!
These came out just as good as fair food! The best part was you could sit down and eat them!
Corn dogs have always been a summertime staple in our home! These look perfect; can’t wait to make these for my kids!
I love corn dogs but never made them before and these look so perfect! I need to try these soon…I know my family would absolutely love them!
So fun!! Now we don’t have to wait until the fair comes to town to have our favorite corn dogs!! These are so much better than those!
I totally need at least 2 of these right now! They look perfect!
These corn dogs look amazingly delicious. My family would love to have these.
Tried this recipe and the corn dogs were so delicious. My whole family loved them!
I am craving for corndog and it looks very delicious. I am defintely going to try making this one in the kitchen.
My favorite carnival food. Now that we are all confined at home, making these for the family makes everyone cheer up. 🙂
I can NOT wait to try these out on my family! Corn dogs are a favorite and I love the opportunity to make them at home! YUMMY!!
These corn dogs look amazing, and everyone is going to love them! Will be buying the ingredients and making them very soon.