Chili Cheese Stuffed Corn Dogs: The Ultimate Fair Food Hack 🌭🧀🌶️
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Introduction:
If you love fair food, then Chili Cheese Stuffed Corn Dogs are the ultimate treat you didn’t know you needed! This recipe takes classic corn dogs to the next level by stuffing them with gooey cheese and hearty chili. It’s a mash-up of two favorite comfort foods that brings all the nostalgia of a summer fair or carnival right into your kitchen.
Perfect for game day, weekend parties, or even as a fun family dinner, these stuffed corn dogs will be a huge hit with everyone. Crispy on the outside, cheesy and savory on the inside, and packed with flavor, they’re the kind of indulgent food that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients for Chili Cheese Stuffed Corn Dogs:
For the Corn Dogs:
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 wooden skewers
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ cups yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
For the Chili:
- 1 cup cooked chili (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional for extra heat)
Toppings (Optional):
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Diced jalapeños
- Hot sauce
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fair Food at Home: No need to wait for the annual fair or a special event. These stuffed corn dogs bring that nostalgic, fun flavor right to your kitchen.
- Cheesy and Hearty: The combination of cheesy hot dogs and chili gives you a filling and flavorful meal in each bite.
- Fun for All Ages: Whether it’s a fun snack for the kids or a hearty treat for adults, these corn dogs are guaranteed to please any crowd.
- Easy to Customize: You can make these as spicy or as mild as you want, or swap out toppings to create your own flavor variations.
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Prepare the Chili
If you’re using store-bought chili, warm it up in a saucepan and add garlic powder and chili powder for extra flavor. If you have homemade chili, make sure it’s thick and not too soupy—you want it to stuff into the corn dogs without making them soggy. Set the chili aside to cool slightly.
2. Stuff the Hot Dogs with Cheese and Chili
Make a slit down the length of each hot dog, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff each hot dog with a small spoonful of chili and shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t overfill them, or they’ll burst while cooking. Use the wooden skewers to hold the hot dogs together.
3. Prepare the Corn Dog Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, and vegetable oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be thick but smooth. If it’s too thick, you can add a little extra milk to reach the right consistency.
4. Heat the Oil
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying, as this will ensure a crispy, golden coating.
5. Dip and Fry the Corn Dogs
Carefully dip each chili cheese-stuffed hot dog into the cornmeal batter, making sure it’s fully coated. You can use a spoon or your fingers to help cover any gaps. Gently place the battered corn dogs into the hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time, depending on the size of your pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn dogs are golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve
Remove the corn dogs from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like extra cheese, sour cream, diced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Chili Cheese Stuffed Corn Dogs:
- Chili Consistency: If your chili is too runny, try reducing it on the stove or refrigerating it for a bit to thicken it up. A thicker chili will stuff better and prevent leaks.
- Skewer Trick: If your stuffed hot dogs seem to be falling apart, try freezing them for 10 minutes after stuffing to help them hold their shape before dipping them in batter.
- Fry Temperature: Be sure to keep an eye on the oil temperature. Too low, and your corn dogs will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Too hot, and the batter will burn before the inside is cooked.
- Add Heat: For an extra kick, sprinkle a little cayenne pepper into the batter or add diced jalapeños directly into the chili stuffing.
FAQs:
Can I bake these corn dogs instead of frying?
Yes! While frying gives that classic crispy exterior, you can bake them in a 375°F (190°C) oven. Place the batter-dipped corn dogs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
What type of chili works best?
Any thick, hearty chili will work great. You can use homemade, canned, or leftover chili. Just make sure it’s not too runny, as this can make the corn dogs difficult to fry.
Can I make these in advance?
You can prepare the chili and stuff the hot dogs ahead of time. When ready to eat, simply dip them in the batter and fry them up fresh for the best taste and texture.
Customization Ideas:
- Spicy Corn Dogs: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the chili before stuffing the hot dogs for a spicy version.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or a sharp cheddar for more unique flavor combinations.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based hot dogs, vegan chili, and a non-dairy cheese substitute to make these chili cheese corn dogs entirely vegan.
Why Chili Cheese Stuffed Corn Dogs Are a Game Changer:
Chili Cheese Stuffed Corn Dogs take everything you love about fair food and turn it into a hearty meal that’s loaded with flavor. The crispy cornmeal batter paired with the cheesy, chili-filled center is pure comfort food magic. Whether you’re serving them for a casual family dinner, game day, or as a fun snack, these stuffed corn dogs are sure to impress.