Corn doggies are a tasty and fun snack that can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients.
You can make your own cornmeal batter using a mixture of cornmeal, flour, and spices, which is a key component of a traditional corn doggy recipe.
For a crispy coating, it's essential to use the right type of oil, such as vegetable or peanut oil, which has a high smoke point.
To achieve the perfect corn doggy, the temperature of the oil should be around 375°F, as indicated in the "Corn Doggies Temperature Control" section.
Making corn doggies at home is a great way to get creative with different toppings and fillings, such as cheese, chili, or bacon bits.
Making and Serving
To make the perfect corn doggies, start with a delicious dipping sauce. You can't go wrong with a classic side dish like Homemade Macaroni and Cheese or Baked Beans.
Serve your corn doggies with a side of French-Fried Potatoes for a satisfying crunch.
What to Serve
Serving corn dogs is all about finding the perfect pairing.
You can't go wrong with a classic combination of your favorite dipping sauce and a side dish.
Homemade macaroni and cheese is a match made in heaven, especially if you're looking for a comforting, indulgent option.
Baked beans are a great choice if you want something a bit more laid-back and easy to prepare.
French-fried potatoes are a tasty and satisfying side that pairs well with the crispy exterior and juicy interior of corn dogs.
Easy broccoli bacon salad is a refreshing and healthy option that's perfect for a picnic or outdoor gathering.
Sweet restaurant slaw is a great choice if you want a side that's both sweet and tangy, and adds a nice crunch to your meal.
The Best Sticks
When making corn dogs, the right stick can make all the difference. You want one that's sturdy enough to hold the corn dog together, but not so long that it's hard to handle.
The length of the stick is crucial - you want it to fit easily into your frying pot. For this, you can use sticks that are around 6.5" to 8.75" long.
If you're using a multi-use skewer, make sure it's 6.5" long. This length is perfect for most frying pots and will make it easy to cook your corn dog.
Corn dog sticks come in a range of lengths, but 8"-8.75" is a good size to use. This will give you plenty of room to maneuver the stick and make it easier to cook the corn dog.
For smaller corn dogs, you can use candy apple sticks that are 5"-5.5" long. These are perfect for mini corn dogs or for kids who are just starting to make their own corn dogs.
Here are some options to consider:
- Multi-Use Skewers 6.5″
- Corn Dog Sticks 8″-8.75″
- Candy Apple Sticks 5″ to 5.5″
Texas State Fair Connection
The Texas State Fair is where it all began for the corny dog, a culinary masterpiece that's been a crowd-pleaser since the early 1940s.
In 1942, the Fletcher brothers, Carl and Neil, had a lightbulb moment that changed the fair food game forever. They created the corny dog by dunking hot dogs into a cornmeal mix, skewering them on sticks, and frying them up.
The Fletcher clan still runs their booth at the Texas State Fair, serving up those delicious corny dogs to crowds who can't seem to get enough. It's a testament to Texan ingenuity and a reminder of those carefree days spent under the big Texas sky.
Tips and Variations
You can make the batter ahead of time and store extra for a quick fry the next day. This is a great option if you're short on time or want to prep ahead for a party.
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can skip the corn starch step altogether. Simply dry the hot dogs with paper towels and they'll stick to the batter just fine.
This recipe is also freezer friendly, making it perfect for meal prep or for when you want to have a quick snack later. Just cool the corn dogs to room temperature, pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and you're good to go.
Here are some additional tips for reheating your corn dogs:
- Defrost in the refrigerator overnight or for 30 seconds in the microwave.
- Then, pop them in the air fryer or sautee on a skillet until crispy on the outside.
Remove
If you're looking to remove any excess batter from your corn dogs, you can simply pat them dry with paper towels. This step is especially important if you're trying to skip the corn starch step.
You can store leftover batter in the fridge for up to 2 days, making it a great make-ahead option.
To remove any frozen corn dogs from the freezer, simply arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Here are some tips for reheating your corn dogs:
- Defrost them in the refrigerator or for 30 seconds in the microwave
- Then pop them in the air fryer or sauté them on a skillet until crisp on the outside
Remember, the batter is best the day it's made, so plan on using it up within 24 hours or discard any leftover batter.
Preventing Cracks
To prevent cracks in your homemade corn dogs, it's essential to dip them correctly.
The right technique is key: dip straight down until the hot dog is fully coated.
Air bubbles cause corn dogs to crack and burst, so make sure to twirl and swirl the corn dog as you pull it up out of the glass to remove any excess batter.
Maintaining the right oil temperature is also crucial – it should be at 350˚F.
If you see gaps in the dough or big bubbles, re-dip the corn dog to ensure a smooth coating.
Recipe and Tutorial
To make delicious corn doggies, you'll need to start with the right ingredients. The classic combination is cornbread batter and hot dogs. You can use all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, a large egg, milk, and oil for frying. Don't forget the hot dogs themselves!
In a medium bowl, combine the dry ingredients, including flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the wet ingredients, such as milk, egg, and honey. This will create a smooth batter.
To prepare the hot dogs, insert a skewer halfway up the center of each one. Pat them dry with a clean paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter adhere evenly.
To fry the corn doggies, heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Fry 2 or 3 corn dogs at a time until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Drain them on paper towels and serve warm.
Here's a list of the ingredients you'll need:
- Yellow cornmeal
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Large egg
- Milk
- Oil for frying
- Hot dogs
You can use different types of hot dogs, such as beef, chicken, or turkey. Just make sure they fit the diameter of your pot to fry once the stick is on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Americans call corn dogs?
In the US, corn dogs are commonly referred to as "hot dogs" or "frankfurters". This type of sausage is typically used as the base for a corn dog.
Are corn dogs ok for dogs?
While corn dogs aren't toxic to dogs, they're not a healthy choice due to high levels of salt and fat that can lead to pancreatitis and salt poisoning. It's best to limit or avoid giving corn dogs to your dog altogether.
Why are they called corn dogs?
Corn dogs get their name from being a hot dog coated with sweetened cornmeal batter and fried on a stick. This clever design is the origin of the snack's catchy name.
Sources
- Homemade Corn Dogs Recipe (allrecipes.com)
- Homemade State Fair Corn Dogs (jennifercooks.com)
- Share (facebook.com)
- deep fryer (amzn.to)
- Share on Yummly (yummly.com)
- Share on Facebook (facebook.com)
- CORN DOGS — Basics With Babish (basicswithbabish.co)
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