Mini Corn Dogs

Dive into the nostalgia of county fairs and amusement parks with our irresistible Homemade Mini Corn Dogs recipe. These bite-sized delights offer the perfect combination of crispy cornmeal batter and savory hot dogs, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a fun snack, or a party favorite, these mini corn dogs are sure to bring joy to any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your skewers, and get ready to indulge in a taste of childhood.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup melted butter (or a mix of 1/4 cup butter and 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version)
• 1/4 cup Truvia Baking Blend (or your preferred sugar substitute)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk (substitute with regular milk if needed)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 8-10 all-beef hot dogs, cut into 1-inch bites
• Wooden skewers or lollipop sticks for dipping

Instructions:

1. Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar substitute, and eggs until well combined. Add the buttermilk and baking soda, and mix until smooth.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and salt to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix.
3. Prepare Hot Dogs: Pat the hot dog bites dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Skewer each hot dog bite with a wooden skewer or lollipop stick, leaving about half of the stick exposed for easy handling.
4. Coat Hot Dogs: Dip each skewered hot dog bite into the batter, coating it evenly. Rotate the skewer to ensure the hot dog is fully coated.
5. Fry Mini Corn Dogs: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower the coated hot dog bites into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked mini corn dogs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the mini corn dogs hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or honey mustard. Enjoy the crispy exterior and juicy interior of these irresistible treats!

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Cheesy Variation: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for an extra burst of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Mix some finely chopped jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper into the batter for a spicy twist.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute vegetarian hot dogs or tofu dogs for a meat-free alternative.

Keto and Low Carb Versions:

For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, we’ve adapted this Mini Corn Dogs recipe to suit your dietary preferences:

• Keto Version: Replace the sugar substitute with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Use almond flour or coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content. Opt for unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of buttermilk. Use a low-carb hot dog brand or make your own keto-friendly hot dogs using ground meat and spices. Fry the mini corn dogs in coconut oil or avocado oil for a keto-friendly frying option.
• Low Carb Version: Reduce the amount of cornmeal and all-purpose flour by half or substitute with almond flour or coconut flour. Use a low-carb sweetener in place of sugar substitute. Choose low-carb hot dogs or turkey hot dogs for a lower-carb option. Serve with a low-carb dipping sauce such as sugar-free ketchup or mustard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I bake these mini corn dogs instead of frying them? A: Yes, you can bake the mini corn dogs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Q: Can I make these mini corn dogs ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the batter and skewer the hot dog bites ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry or bake.

Q: Can I use turkey hot dogs or veggie dogs instead of beef hot dogs? A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your preferred type of hot dog to suit your dietary preferences or restrictions.

With their crispy exterior, juicy interior, and nostalgic appeal, homemade Mini Corn Dogs are a fun and delicious treat for any occasion. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or party food, these bite-sized delights are sure to bring smiles to faces and joy to taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the fryer, and treat yourself to the simple pleasures of homemade comfort food.