Mini Corn Dogs with Cheddar
Mini Corn Dogs with Cheddar are bite-sized, crispy snacks featuring a golden cornmeal batter exterior with a gooey, melty sharp cheddar cheese center wrapped around mini hot dogs. Perfect as an easy, kid-friendly appetizer or party treat, these corn dogs deliver a satisfying crunch and cheesy warmth in every bite.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini corn dogs
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour is used)
Main Ingredients
- Hot Dogs: 6 hot dogs, cut into 1-2 inch bite-sized pieces
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 6 ounces, cut into pieces about the same size as hot dogs
- Vegetable Oil: For deep frying, about 4 cups
Batter Ingredients
- Cornmeal: 3/4 cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 3/4 cup (or substitute gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Milk: 3/4 cup
- Egg: 1 large
- Prep the Hot Dogs and Cheese: Slice the hot dogs into small bite-sized pieces roughly one to two inches long. Cut the sharp cheddar cheese into pieces about the same size as the hot dogs to pair each hot dog piece with a cheesy center.
- Assemble the Bites: Take one piece of hot dog and one piece of cheddar cheese. Skewer them together on a toothpick or small wooden stick, pushing the cheese onto one end of the hot dog piece to secure it firmly.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and milk, then add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, stirring until smooth and thick but not lumpy.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or fryer and heat it to about 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying the corn dogs to a crispy golden finish without becoming greasy.
- Coat and Fry: Dip each skewered hot dog and cheddar piece into the batter, ensuring full coverage. Carefully drop them into the hot oil and fry in batches for about 2-3 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the mini corn dogs from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces for the ultimate snacking experience.
Notes
- Use cold batter to help it stick better to the skewered pieces.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Sharp cheddar works best for melting and flavor retention inside the batter.
- Test oil temperature with a thermometer or by dropping a small batter bit into the oil before frying.
- Pat dry hot dogs before assembling to remove excess moisture for better batter adhesion.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mini corn dogs
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: mini corn dogs, cheddar corn dogs, party snack, appetizer, kid-friendly, cornmeal batter, cheesy snack