Elevate Your Comfort Food Game with Corn Dog Casserole
Looking for a fun and delicious twist on classic comfort food? Look no further than Corn Dog Casserole! This hearty dish combines the flavors of cornbread, baked beans, and hot dogs into one satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to make Corn Dog Casserole from scratch, along with variations, keto-friendly options, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in and discover the ultimate comfort food casserole!
Introduction
Corn Dog Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the nostalgic flavors of corn dogs with the heartiness of baked beans. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With layers of savory baked beans, juicy cocktail weenies (or hot dog pieces), tangy BBQ sauce, and a golden cornbread topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings and ingredients. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 28-ounce can baked beans
- 1 16-ounce can cocktail weenies (can substitute 1 16-ounce package regular hot dogs, cut into 1-2″ pieces)
- 1/2 cup sweet BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
For the Topping:
- 1 8.5-ounce box corn muffin mix
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or shortening
- 1 egg
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baked beans, cocktail weenies (or hot dog pieces), BBQ sauce, and chopped onion. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the bean and weenie mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 2: Make the Cornbread Topping
- In a separate mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread topping by combining the corn muffin mix, milk, melted butter or shortening, and egg. Stir until just combined.
- Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the bean and weenie mixture in the baking dish.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve the Corn Dog Casserole hot, garnished with additional BBQ sauce or your favorite toppings, if desired.
- Enjoy the comforting flavors of cornbread, baked beans, and hot dogs all in one delicious dish!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or chopped green onions.
- Make It Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, omit the cocktail weenies or hot dogs and add extra beans or your favorite vegetarian protein substitute.
- Spice It Up: Add some heat to the casserole by incorporating diced green chilies, hot sauce, or chili powder into the bean mixture.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use different types of beans in this casserole? A: Yes, you can use your favorite variety of canned beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, or navy beans, in place of baked beans.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking it straight from the refrigerator.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Corn Dog Casserole for up to 3 months. Simply wrap individual portions or the entire casserole tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven until heated through.
Keto Version
For a keto-friendly version of this casserole, omit the cornbread topping and use a low-carb alternative, such as a cauliflower mash or cheese crust. You can also reduce the amount of BBQ sauce or use a sugar-free version to lower the carb count.
Low-Carb Version
To make a low-carb version of this casserole, substitute the baked beans with extra vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. You can also skip the cornbread topping altogether and serve the bean and weenie mixture as a hearty stew.
Corn Dog Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the flavors of a classic carnival treat with the comfort of a homemade casserole. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. With its simple preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Give this recipe a try and experience the joy of comfort food at its finest!
