Food Tells Stories

Corn Dog

The corn dog is an iconic American fair and festival food that perfectly captures the fun, casual spirit of summer carnivals and ball games. This tasty treat consists of a juicy hot dog (or sometimes a sausage) coated in a thick layer of sweet cornmeal batter, then deep-fried to golden, crispy perfection.

Corn dogs offer the best of both worlds — the comforting familiarity of a hot dog combined with a uniquely crispy, sweet, and slightly dense cornmeal crust. They’re typically served on a stick, making them easy to eat on the go. While classic corn dogs are plain, many modern variations include additions like cheese, jalapeños, or spicy mustard dipping sauce, making them customizable for all tastes. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up, the corn dog is a fun and satisfying treat loved by kids and adults alike.

Classic Corn Dog Recipe (Makes 6 Corn Dogs)

Ingredients

6 hot dogs
6 wooden skewers or sticks
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus extra for frying)

Instructions

1. Insert wooden skewers into each hot dog, leaving enough stick exposed to hold. Pat hot dogs dry with paper towels.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.

4. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until smooth and thick (batter should be thick enough to coat the hot dogs). If too thin, add a little more flour.

5. Pour oil into a deep pot or deep fryer to a depth of about 3 inches and heat to 350°F (175°C).

6. Dip each hot dog into the batter, turning to coat evenly and quickly (to prevent batter from sliding off). Immediately place into hot oil and fry 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally.

7. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with ketchup, mustard, or your Favorite dipping sauces.

Corn Dog FAQs

Q: Can I make corn dogs without a deep fryer?
Yes! You can deep-fry them in a heavy pot or Dutch oven with enough oil, or bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway.

Q: Can I use vegetarian or vegan hot dogs?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a batter recipe without eggs or dairy if you want a fully vegan corn dog.

Q: How do I keep the batter from sliding off the hot dog?
Pat the hot dogs dry before dipping and make sure your batter is thick enough to cling well.

Q: Can I freeze corn dogs?
Yes, freeze cooked corn dogs individually wrapped. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.