These Waffle Corn Dogs are the ultimate mash-up of two beloved comfort foods: crispy waffles and classic corn dogs. The waffle batter envelops the hot dog in a golden, crunchy crust, making it the perfect treat for any occasion, from game day to casual snacking.
Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a crowd, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup or mustard, and you’ve got the perfect handheld snack that’s both fun and delicious.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 hot dogs
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup milk
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1 egg
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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Vegetable oil, for frying
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Wooden skewers
Directions:
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Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
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Insert wooden skewers into the hot dogs.
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In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
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Carefully dip each hot dog into the waffle batter, ensuring it is evenly coated.
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Place the battered hot dogs in the preheated waffle iron and close the lid. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
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Remove the waffle corn dogs from the iron and set aside to cool slightly.
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Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot over medium heat. Once hot, carefully lower the corn dogs into the oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
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Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
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Serve hot with ketchup, mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 300 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origins of the Corn Dog
To understand the waffle corn dog, we first need to appreciate the corn dog, its classic form. The corn dog is believed to have originated in the United States during the 1920s. It was invented as a quick, portable snack, with its crunchy cornmeal batter encasing a savory hot dog. Initially, the corn dog was a staple at state fairs, amusement parks, and food trucks across the country, with its popularity growing as it became synonymous with American street food.
Over the years, the humble corn dog has been adapted into various forms and flavors, but the waffle corn dog stands out as a particularly fun and inventive twist. By swapping the classic batter for waffle batter, the waffle corn dog brings a delightful crunch and sweetness to the savory hot dog, creating a perfect balance of flavors that makes it irresistible to both kids and adults alike.
Why Choose Waffle Corn Dogs?
There are plenty of reasons why waffle corn dogs are a great choice for your next meal or snack. Here are just a few of the benefits of making this dish:
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A Fun, Innovative Twist: The waffle corn dog puts a new spin on the classic corn dog, introducing a fluffy and crispy waffle batter that is just as satisfying as the original.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a family dinner, or attending a potluck, waffle corn dogs make for a crowd-pleasing treat that will be the star of the show.
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Easily Customizable: You can make waffle corn dogs your own by experimenting with different types of hot dogs, adding seasoning or spices to the batter, or serving them with a variety of dipping sauces. The possibilities are endless!
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Great for Both Kids and Adults: This dish strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it a versatile treat for all ages.
How to Make the Perfect Waffle Corn Dogs
While the waffle corn dog is simple to make, a few key tips can help you get the perfect crispy, golden crust every time.
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Choose the Right Hot Dog: The type of hot dog you choose will play a significant role in the flavor of your waffle corn dog. Whether you prefer classic beef hot dogs, turkey, chicken, or even vegan sausages, be sure to select high-quality hot dogs for the best taste.
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Preheat the Waffle Iron: To get the crispiest results, always make sure your waffle iron is preheated before adding the batter-covered hot dogs. This helps to create that signature crunch while also ensuring that the waffle batter cooks evenly.
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Coat Evenly: When dipping the hot dogs into the batter, ensure they are fully covered for a uniform crispy exterior. You can adjust the batter’s consistency if needed, making sure it’s thick enough to coat the hot dogs without dripping off too quickly.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Waffle Iron: Give each hot dog plenty of space in the waffle iron to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up properly. If needed, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
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Deep Frying for Extra Crispiness: After cooking the waffle corn dogs in the waffle iron, you can take it a step further by deep frying them for an extra crispy finish. This adds a satisfying crunch and enhances the overall texture of the dish.
Serving Ideas and Dipping Sauces
Waffle corn dogs are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy them just as they are or pair them with a variety of sauces and sides to elevate the meal.
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Dipping Sauces: Classic ketchup and mustard are the go-to sauces for corn dogs, but why not experiment with some new flavors? Try pairing your waffle corn dogs with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or even spicy sriracha mayo for a more adventurous kick.
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Sides: Waffle corn dogs are great served with traditional sides like crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. You can also pair them with a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavor of the corn dog.
Variations of the Waffle Corn Dog
While the traditional waffle corn dog is delicious on its own, there are countless ways to make it your own. Here are some fun variations you can try:
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Mini Waffle Corn Dogs: Perfect for parties or kids, mini waffle corn dogs are bite-sized versions of the original recipe. Use small cocktail sausages or cut regular hot dogs into smaller pieces, and adjust the waffle iron to cook them in smaller batches.
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Stuffed Waffle Corn Dogs: If you want to add an extra element of surprise, try stuffing the hot dogs with cheese, jalapeños, or other fillings before dipping them in the waffle batter. As the corn dog cooks, the cheese will melt inside, creating a gooey and delicious treat.
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Spicy Waffle Corn Dogs: For those who like a little heat, add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the waffle batter. This gives the dish a spicy kick that complements the savory hot dog and adds a new layer of flavor.
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Sweet Waffle Corn Dogs: If you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter, try making a dessert version of the waffle corn dog. You can dip the hot dogs in cinnamon sugar after cooking or drizzle them with chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Why Waffle Corn Dogs are Perfect for Game Day
There’s no better snack for game day than waffle corn dogs. They’re handheld, easy to eat while cheering on your favorite team, and packed with flavor. Plus, you can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces that cater to different tastes, ensuring that your guests are satisfied. The combination of crispy waffles and savory hot dogs is sure to keep everyone coming back for more.
Whether you’re hosting a tailgate party or watching the big game at home, waffle corn dogs are sure to be a crowd favorite. They’re simple to make, easy to serve, and perfect for any occasion where you need a hearty snack that’s sure to please.
Conclusion
Waffle corn dogs are the perfect fusion of two iconic American comfort foods: the corn dog and the waffle. With their crispy, golden crust and savory hot dog filling, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a fun weeknight dinner. Whether you stick with the classic version or experiment with different variations, waffle corn dogs are sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Try making them at home and watch as they disappear from your plate in no time!
Now that you know all the ins and outs of waffle corn dogs, it’s time to get cooking. Whether you enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, serve them as an appetizer, or pair them with some crispy sides, these waffle corn dogs are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!