Dinner

Mini Corn Dogs with Cheddar Recipe

Name: Mini Corn Dogs with Cheddar Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Bite-size cocktail sausages or regular hot dogs cut into small pieces, about 24 pieces; Sharp cheddar cheese cut into small cubes, approximately 24 cubes; 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg; 1 cup milk; Vegetable oil (for frying, about 4 cups or enough to fill pot 2 inches deep, choose one with a high smoke point such as canola or sunflower oil)

Bylina moretti December 11, 2025December 11, 2025

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Introduction

These Mini Corn Dogs with Cheddar are a fun and delicious twist on a classic fair favorite. Bite-sized and bursting with melty cheese, they’re perfect for parties, snacks, or anytime you crave something crispy and comforting.

A close-up view of a group of golden brown corn dogs on wooden sticks, piled together with a slightly crispy and textured outer layer showing a warm orange hue; one corn dog at the center has a bite taken out, revealing a soft, shiny, yellow cheese interior. The corn dogs are resting on a sheet of light tan parchment paper with a smooth texture. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

Bite-size cocktail sausages or regular hot dogs cut into small pieces
Sharp cheddar cheese cut into small cubes
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 large egg
Vegetable oil for frying (choose one with a high smoke point)

Instructions

Prep the Sausages and Cheese: Cut your hot dogs into small bite-sized pieces and cheddar cheese into similar-sized cubes. Use slightly firmer cheddar to prevent the cheese from oozing out completely during frying.
Assemble the Mini Corn Dogs: Using toothpicks or small skewers, carefully impale a piece of cheddar cheese followed by a hot dog piece. Alternatively, sandwich the cheese between two smaller hot dog pieces for extra cheesy bites to ensure a perfect cheese-to-sausage ratio.
Make the Cornmeal Batter: In a bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the egg and milk, then stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined to keep the batter light. Avoid overmixing.
Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or fryer to about 2 inches deep and heat to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is key for a crispy, golden crust without sogginess or greasiness.
Coat and Fry Mini Corn Dogs: Dip each assembled sausage and cheddar piece into the batter, letting excess drip off, then gently drop into hot oil. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally to cook evenly.
Drain and Serve: Remove mini corn dogs with a slotted spoon, let excess oil drain on paper towels, and serve warm to enjoy the gooey cheddar and crispy cornmeal crust combination.

Tips & Variations

Use firmer cheddar or a blend of cheeses to prevent excessive melting and keep the shape intact during frying.
Try substituting cocktail sausages with spicy chorizo or vegetarian sausage for different flavors.
For extra crispy corn dogs, double-dip in the batter before frying.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, or a spicy mayo for extra flavor.

Storage

Store leftover mini corn dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of seven small, golden-brown, fried snacks on wooden sticks, stacked in a pile. Each snack has a crispy, textured outer layer, with one of the snacks in the front showing a bite taken out, revealing a smooth, melted yellow cheese filling inside. The snacks are set on a white plate, all close together, with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen hot dogs or cheese for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them dry before assembling to prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter and frying process.

Why is it important to maintain 350°F oil temperature?

Maintaining 350°F ensures the corn dogs cook evenly with a crispy crust while avoiding sogginess or absorbing too much oil, which can make them greasy.