Cheesy Corn Dog Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic American favorite, bringing all the beloved flavors of a carnival corn dog into a convenient and comforting casserole form.
There’s something undeniably magical about state fair season. The vibrant lights, the thrilling rides, and, of course, the irresistible aroma of classic fair food wafting through the air. For many, including myself, the quintessential state fair experience isn’t complete without a hot, golden-brown corn dog on a stick, generously drizzled with ketchup and mustard. It’s a taste of pure nostalgia and one of my all-time favorite indulgences.
But what if you could capture that quintessential corn dog experience without the deep fryer, the messy sticks, and the trip to the fairgrounds? After weeks of craving that specific sweet and savory flavor, I decided it was time to bring the carnival home. The solution? A homemade Cheesy Corn Dog Casserole! This recipe delivers all the awesome flavors of a traditional corn dog in a hearty, easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight family meal or a fun gathering.
This Cheesy Corn Dog Casserole quickly became a new family favorite in our home. Everyone raved about how perfectly it replicated the taste of a classic corn dog, enhanced by the comforting addition of gooey, melted cheddar cheese throughout the cornbread batter. It’s truly a dish that brings smiles to faces and satisfies those deep-seated comfort food cravings. What’s not to love about a wholesome, flavorful meal that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious to eat?
Making a casserole version of corn dogs offers several advantages over the traditional deep-fried method. Firstly, it eliminates the need for hot oil, making it a much safer and less messy option for home cooks. Secondly, it’s far more convenient to serve a crowd, as you can bake a large batch in one dish, rather than frying individual corn dogs. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. The casserole format also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a harmonious blend of the savory hot dogs, the sweet cornmeal batter, and the rich, melted cheese. It’s a complete meal in one dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing enjoyment.
The beauty of this Cheesy Corn Dog Casserole lies in its simplicity and the familiarity of its flavors. The base is a tender, slightly sweet cornbread, reminiscent of the crispy coating on a traditional corn dog. This is layered with sliced hot dogs, which are pre-tossed with a hint of ketchup and mustard to infuse them with that iconic tangy taste. Finally, generous amounts of shredded cheddar cheese are mixed into the batter, melting into luscious pockets of cheesy goodness as the casserole bakes. The result is a comforting, golden-brown dish with a delightful contrast of textures – a soft, moist interior and a slightly crisp topping, all bursting with that classic corn dog appeal.
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Description
Transform your favorite state fair treat into a comforting, easy-to-make casserole! This Cheesy Corn Dog Casserole features a sweet and savory cornbread base loaded with juicy hot dog pieces and melted cheddar cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a fun, family-friendly dinner that delivers classic corn dog flavor without the fuss of deep frying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (for that authentic corn dog flavor and texture)
- 3/4 cup self-rising flour (ensures a light and fluffy batter; if using all-purpose, add 1.5 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (crucial for balancing the savory elements and replicating the classic sweet corn dog taste)
- 1 large egg (acts as a binder, adding richness and structure to the cornbread)
- 1 cup milk (provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (adds richness and a tender crumb to the cornbread)
- 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (for irresistible cheesy goodness throughout the casserole)
- 6 hot dogs, sliced into small, bite-sized pieces (your favorite brand will work perfectly)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup, plus more for topping (for tossing with the hot dogs and serving)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, plus more for topping (to complement the hot dogs and for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare your oven and baking dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as the casserole goes in. Take an 8-inch baking dish and generously grease it with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and help achieve a beautiful golden crust. Set the prepared dish aside.
- Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: yellow cornmeal, self-rising flour, and sugar. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and there are no clumps. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: the large egg, milk, and melted butter. Once smooth, gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cornbread texture. Stir in 1-1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, incorporating it evenly into the batter. This is where the “cheesy” magic happens! Now, scoop out approximately 3/4 cup of this delicious batter and set it aside; this portion will be used later for the topping. Spread the remaining batter evenly into the bottom of your greased 8-inch baking dish, creating a solid base for your casserole.
- Prepare and layer the hot dogs: In another medium bowl, place your sliced hot dog pieces. Add 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard. Toss the hot dog pieces thoroughly until they are all lightly coated with the condiments. This step infuses the hot dogs with that signature tangy flavor. Carefully spread the seasoned hot dog pieces evenly over the batter layer in the baking dish. Finally, take the 3/4 cup of reserved batter and dollop it in small clumps over the top of the hot dog pieces. These little clumps will bake into delicious, crispy cornbread bits.
- Bake to perfection: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on the casserole; you’ll know it’s ready when the cornmeal topping turns a beautiful golden brown and starts to crisp up around the edges. A wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the cornbread portion should come out clean. Once baked, carefully remove the Cheesy Corn Dog Casserole from the oven. For an extra touch of classic corn dog flavor, immediately drizzle more ketchup and yellow mustard over the top before slicing and serving. Enjoy this comforting and fun meal straight from the oven!
This Cheesy Corn Dog Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It brings the joy and nostalgia of fair food into your home with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting a casual get-together, or simply craving a comforting dish, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing taste make it a staple for any home cook looking for a delicious and fun dinner solution. Give it a try, and prepare to be delighted by this simple yet ingenious take on a classic!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Corn Dog Casserole:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: For a tender cornbread, mix the wet and dry ingredients only until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher texture.
- Grease Your Dish Well: A well-greased baking dish ensures easy removal of slices and a nice, crispy edge to your casserole. Butter adds extra flavor, but cooking spray works just as effectively.
- Hot Dog Choice: While any hot dog brand will work, consider using good quality all-beef hot dogs for the best flavor. For a slight variation, try using turkey dogs or even plant-based hot dogs.
- Cheese Matters: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts more smoothly and has a better flavor than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Colby-Jack blend.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole is hearty enough on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad, coleslaw, or even a simple bowl of baked beans for a complete comfort food experience.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Variations to Customize Your Casserole:
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño pepper (seeds removed for less spice) to the hot dog mixture, or sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the batter. A dash of hot sauce with the ketchup and mustard can also add a delightful zing.
- Different Cheeses: Beyond cheddar, consider using a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick, a mild Colby, or a smoky provolone to change up the flavor profile.
- Mini Corn Dog Muffins: Instead of a large casserole, divide the batter and hot dog mixture into greased muffin tins for individual, portable “corn dog muffins.” Adjust baking time as needed (usually around 20-25 minutes).
- Add-ins for the Batter: Finely diced bell peppers, a small amount of corn kernels, or even a tablespoon of chives can be folded into the batter for added flavor and texture.
- Creative Toppings: Beyond extra ketchup and mustard, consider serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or green onions, or even a spoonful of sweet pickle relish.
Enjoy every cheesy, corny, hot dog-filled bite!
xoxo,
