These Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Dogs are a spicy twist on the classic fair favorite. The combination of tangy jalapeños, melty cheddar cheese, and crispy cornmeal batter wrapped around juicy hot dogs creates a fun and flavorful snack or meal. Perfect for a party, game day, or just when you’re craving something deliciously different.
Ingredients for Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Dogs
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 8 hot dogs
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small sticks
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped
- 8 wooden skewers
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions for Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Dogs
1. Prepare the Hot Dogs
- Pat the hot dogs dry with a paper towel. Make a small slit lengthwise in each hot dog and insert a small stick of cheddar cheese inside each one.
- Insert a wooden skewer into each hot dog, pushing it in about halfway.
2. Make the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 cup buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped jalapeños to evenly distribute throughout the batter.
3. Heat the Oil
- In a large, deep skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, or test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter into it—it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
4. Coat the Hot Dogs
- Pour the batter into a tall glass to make dipping easier.
- Hold the skewer and dip each hot dog into the batter, making sure the hot dog is fully coated. Let any excess batter drip off.
5. Fry the Corn Dogs
- Carefully lower the batter-coated hot dogs into the hot oil. Fry the corn dogs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn dogs are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the corn dogs and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Serve
- Serve the Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Dogs hot, with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or ranch.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key to achieving crispy corn dogs. Too hot, and they’ll burn before cooking through; too cool, and the batter will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Jalapeños: For extra heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeños. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds before chopping.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, like pepper jack for extra spice or Colbyfor a milder flavor.
Variations for Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Dogs
1. Bacon-Wrapped Corn Dogs
- Wrap each hot dog in a slice of bacon before coating it with the batter for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
2. Mini Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Dogs
- Cut the hot dogs and cheese into smaller pieces to make bite-sized mini corn dogs—perfect for appetizers or party snacks.
3. Spicy Corn Dogs
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the batter for an extra kick of spice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake these corn dogs instead of frying them?
While frying gives them their signature crispy texture, you can bake the corn dogs. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)and bake the corn dogs on a greased baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover corn dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
3. Can I freeze Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Dogs?
Yes! After frying and cooling, freeze the corn dogs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven directly from frozen.
A Fun and Flavorful Twist on Corn Dogs
These Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Dogs offer a delicious blend of spicy jalapeños, melty cheese, and crispy cornmeal batter. Whether you’re making them for a party, a casual dinner, or just for fun, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold flavors and crispy textures. Serve them with your favorite dips and enjoy the fun, cheesy twist on a classic
