Homemade Corn Dogs

Don't wait for the state fair—you can make corn dogs at home! Although bacon-wrapped hot dogs are irresistible, and Ree Drummond's chipotle chili dogs may be her husband Ladd's favorite, these corn dogs are hard to beat. They're golden brown, crunchy, and just waiting to be dipped in mustard or ketchup. Pair them with delicious BBQ sides like baked beans and other fried foods at the next cookout!

What makes a corn dog?

It only takes two things: cornbread batter and hot dogs! As long as the hot dog is coated in cornbread and fried until golden brown, it's considered a corn dog in our book.

How do you make corn dogs?

Corn dogs are very easy to make! Simply skewer some hot dogs, whisk up the batter, heat up the oil, dip the dogs, and fry them until golden brown! Here are a few tricks that make them even easier: use a deep cup, such as a pint glass, for battering the hot dogs. It should be deeper than the hot dogs are long so that there's plenty of room to dip the entire hot dog in batter. Once the hot dog is completely coated, using the stick as a handle, carefully lower the hot dog into the hot oil at a slight angle until it's beneath the surface of the oil, and twirl it for a few seconds to set the batter before letting go of the stick.

Why is the batter falling off my corn dogs?

It's all about getting the consistency of the cornbread batter just right. This recipe makes a batter that's not too thin so that it coats the hot dog, but not so thick that it's too heavy and falls off the frank. If you ever have a batter that's too thick, try adding a touch more milk to thin it out. Make sure, too, that your oil reaches 350 degrees before you start frying.

What goes on corn dogs?

A drizzle of ketchup and mustard are the classic condiments for corn dogs, but why stop there? Sriracha chili sauce adds a nice kick. Honey mustard brings a bit of sweetness. They're also great for dipping! Plunge them into queso dip, burger sauce, ranch dressing—whatever your heart desires!