Description
A fun and spicy twist on a classic fair favorite, Jalapeño Cheesy Corn Dogs combine juicy hot dogs and gooey mozzarella cheese, wrapped in a jalapeño-studded cornbread batter and fried to golden perfection. These crispy, cheesy snacks are perfect for parties or a flavorful handheld treat.
Ingredients
Corn Dogs:
- 6 hot dogs (beef or preferred kind)
- 6 sticks of mozzarella cheese (or cut block cheese into sticks)
- 6 wooden skewers
Batter:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Corn Dogs: Skewer each hot dog with a wooden skewer, then firmly wrap each with a mozzarella cheese stick to ensure the cheese adheres well. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set the cheese and stabilize the assembly.
- Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Stir in the buttermilk, egg, and finely diced jalapeño until the batter is smooth and thick enough to coat the corn dogs.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or deep fryer and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is deep enough to fully submerge the corn dogs during frying.
- Coat the Corn Dogs: Dip each chilled corn dog (hot dog wrapped with cheese) into the batter, using a tall cup if needed to fully coat the corn dog with batter for an even crispy crust.
- Fry the Corn Dogs: Carefully place the battered corn dogs into the hot oil. Fry them for 3 to 5 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even golden-brown color and crispiness on all sides.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried corn dogs with a slotted spoon and set them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot to enjoy the gooey melted cheese and spicy jalapeño flavor.
Notes
- Make the batter thicker if the cheese tends to melt out while frying to help it hold better.
- For an extra cheesy experience, freeze the assembled hot dogs wrapped with cheese for 15 minutes before dipping in batter.
- You can use an air fryer alternative: cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, spraying lightly with oil, but deep frying yields the best crunchy texture.
- Add ¼ cup canned corn to the batter to add texture and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Party Food
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American Fair-Style
