Description
Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs with Cheddar Explosion
Take your corn dog game to the next level with these Deep-Fried Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs! Featuring crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a savory beef filling all wrapped in a crispy batter.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
6 slices crispy bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cornmeal, flour, sugar
Hot dog skewers
Directions:
Brown the beef, season, and mix with bacon and cheese.
Shape into sausage forms and freeze for 15-20 minutes.
Dip in batter and fry until crispy!
Pro Tip: Sprinkle with a little extra cheese while frying for a gooey surprise!
#CheeseburgerCornDogs #DeepFriedBacon #CheddarLovers
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Cook the Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the 1 lb of ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Season generously with salt and pepper. Crumble the 6 slices of crispy bacon and stir it into the beef along with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Let the mixture cool slightly.
2. Form the “Dogs”: Take handfuls of the beef mixture and firmly pack them around your hot dog skewers, forming a sausage-like shape roughly the size of a standard hot dog. Ensure the meat is tightly packed to prevent crumbling.
3. Freeze for Firmness: Place the formed corn dogs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 15-20 minutes. This critical step ensures the filling holds its shape during battering and frying.
4. Prepare the Batter: While the dogs chill, prepare a classic corn dog batter. In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Gradually whisk in 1 1/4 cups milk and 1 large egg until smooth.
5. Fry to Perfection: Heat 3-4 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 375°F (190°C). Remove “dogs” from freezer. Working one at a time, dip each into the batter, letting excess drip off. Carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown and crispy. For the “Cheddar Explosion,” sprinkle a pinch of extra cheese onto the batter during the first 30 seconds of frying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these decadent corn dogs immediately while hot and crispy. Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as classic ketchup, mustard, burger sauce (mayo, ketchup, relish), or a spicy sriracha mayo. Pair with light sides like a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or pickles to cut through the richness.
How-to Summary
Create a seasoned beef, bacon, and cheese filling. Form it around skewers and freeze solid. Dip the frozen “dogs” in a simple cornmeal batter and deep-fry until golden. The pro-tip is to add extra cheese to the batter while frying for a melty, cheesy crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying? For a lighter version, you can bake them on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, but the exterior will not be as crispy as deep-frying.
Can I make these ahead of time? You can form and freeze the “dogs” up to a month in advance. Thaw slightly in the fridge before battering and frying. Fully cooked corn dogs can be refrigerated and reheated in an air fryer or oven.
What’s the best oil for frying? Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
My filling is falling apart. What went wrong? This is likely due to insufficient freezing. The meat mixture must be very cold and firm before battering. Ensure it’s in the freezer for a full 20 minutes.
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while smoked gouda would offer a deliciously different flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Freeze: Not freezing the formed dogs will cause the filling to disintegrate in the hot oil.
- Oil Temperature is Wrong: Oil that’s too cool makes the corn dogs greasy; too hot burns the batter before the inside is hot. Use a thermometer.
- Overcrowding the Pot: Frying too many at once drops the oil temperature drastically. Fry in batches.
- Loose Packing: Not packing the meat mixture tightly enough around the stick leads to cracks and breakage.
Conclusion
These Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs are the ultimate fusion snack, combining the beloved flavors of a classic burger with the fun, handheld appeal of a fairground treat. By following the detailed steps—especially the crucial freezing time—and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create an impressively delicious and indulgent dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Enjoy the perfect crunch followed by the cheesy, savory explosion inside.
