Who doesn’t love a good corn dog? That crispy, golden exterior with the savory sausage inside is the kind of comfort food that brings back all the fun memories of summer fairs, carnivals, and backyard barbecues. Well, here’s a twist on the classic—Corn Dog Sausage! This recipe is just as fun as it sounds, and it’s perfect for a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a fun dinner idea. Imagine your favorite sausage, coated in a crisp, slightly sweet cornmeal batter, fried to perfection—each bite is a crispy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying experience. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along!
Why You’ll Love Corn Dog Sausage
A Twist on the Classic: If you’re a fan of corn dogs, this recipe takes everything you love about them and gives it a slight twist. The sausage is the star of the show, with the crispy batter adding the perfect crunch.
Easy and Fun to Make: You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to make this—simple ingredients, easy steps, and the whole family can get involved. It’s a perfect dish for kids and adults to help with, and the result is absolutely delicious.
Versatile: You can use your favorite type of sausage in this recipe—whether it’s classic hot dogs, bratwurst, or even a spicy sausage for a little kick. It’s totally customizable to suit your taste buds!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, enjoying a weekend BBQ, or simply craving something comfort-food-worthy, corn dog sausages are always a hit. They’re quick to make and easy to serve in individual portions, making them great for snacking or a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients
For the Corn Dog Batter:
- 1 cup cornmeal – The base of the crispy batter with a slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Gives the batter structure and helps it crisp up beautifully.
- 2 tbsp sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory sausage.
- 1 tbsp baking powder – Helps the batter rise and become light and airy.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors in the batter.
- 1/2 tsp paprika – Adds a little smokiness and depth to the flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – A little savory kick to balance the sweetness of the cornmeal.
- 1 large egg – Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 3/4 cup milk – Adds moisture to the batter for a smooth consistency.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil – Helps with batter consistency and frying.
For the Sausages:
- 6-8 small sausages (like hot dogs, bratwurst, or your favorite type of sausage) – These are the star of the dish, wrapped in that delicious cornmeal batter.
- Vegetable oil for frying – You’ll need enough oil to deep fry the sausages until they’re golden brown.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Sausages:
Start by patting the sausages dry with paper towels. This will help the batter stick better. If using long sausages like bratwurst, you may want to cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier handling.
2. Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir to mix everything evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until you get a smooth, thick batter. It should be thick enough to coat the sausages without dripping off too much.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or a large pot, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the sausages (about 2-3 inches deep). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to make sure the temperature is just right. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the top, the oil is ready.
4. Coat the Sausages:
Dip each sausage into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. You can use a skewer or a stick to hold the sausages while dipping them in the batter for easier handling.
5. Fry the Corn Dog Sausages:
Carefully drop the battered sausages into the hot oil, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each corn dog sausage for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally until the batter is golden brown and crispy on all sides.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once the sausages are fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Corn Dog Sausages warm with your favorite dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, or a tangy barbecue sauce. These are perfect for snacking or as part of a fun meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 460mg
Total Carbohydrates: 17g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 6g
Vitamin A: 4%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Corn Dog Sausage
With Dipping Sauces: Serve with classic dipping sauces like mustard, ketchup, or barbecue sauce. You can also get creative with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo.
As a Meal: Pair these corn dog sausages with a fresh salad or crispy potato wedges for a more filling meal. You can also serve them with some pickles or coleslaw for extra flavor.
For a Party: These are perfect for game day, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers. Serve them with a variety of sauces for everyone to enjoy!
Additional Tips
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, try using spicy sausages or adding some cayenne pepper to the batter for a bit of a kick.
Try Different Sausages: Experiment with different types of sausages—smoked sausages, spicy chorizo, or even vegetarian sausages for a fun variation.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy corn dogs. Fry in batches if necessary.
Make It Ahead: You can prep the sausages and batter in advance. Just store the sausages in the fridge until ready to coat and fry.
Use Skewers: For an even more fun presentation, insert wooden skewers into the sausages before battering and frying. It makes for a neat way to serve them, especially for kids!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of flour?
A1: Yes! You can substitute corn flour for a finer texture or whole wheat flour for a more hearty flavor, though it may slightly change the texture.
Q2: How do I store leftovers?
A2: Store leftover corn dog sausages in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best crispy texture.
Q3: Can I make these in advance?
A3: You can prepare the sausages and batter in advance, but frying them fresh is the best way to enjoy them. If you do make them ahead, reheat them in a hot oven to get them crispy again.
Q4: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A4: Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, but they won’t have the same crispy texture as frying.
Q5: Can I freeze these?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the battered sausages before frying. Simply freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Fry from frozen when ready to eat.
Q6: What kind of sausages should I use?
A6: You can use any type of sausage you like, including classic hot dogs, bratwurst, or even spicy sausages for a kick. Experiment with different types!
Q7: Can I make the batter gluten-free?
A7: Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour, and make sure your sausage is gluten-free as well.
Q8: How do I make these less greasy?
A8: To make them less greasy, avoid overcrowding the pan and drain the sausages on paper towels immediately after frying.
Q9: Can I dip the sausages in something other than mustard or ketchup?
A9: Absolutely! You can try honey mustard, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even spicy mayo for a fun twist.
Q10: Can I make these without oil?
A10: These are best fried in oil for the crispy coating, but you could try using an air fryer for a healthier alternative.
Conclusion
Corn Dog Sausages are a fun, easy-to-make, and utterly delicious snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner, a party appetizer, or just because you’re craving something crispy and savory, these treats won’t disappoint. The best part? You can customize them with your favorite sausages and dips. So, grab your ingredients, heat up the oil, and get ready to enjoy a crispy, juicy, and all-around delicious treat!
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Corn Dog Sausage
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 corn dog sausages 1x
Description
These homemade Corn Dog Sausages are a fun and delicious twist on the classic fair favorite. With juicy sausages coated in a thick, golden cornmeal batter and deep-fried to perfection, these corn dogs are a perfect snack or party food. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing treat!
Ingredients
- 6 hot dogs or sausages (your choice, beef, pork, or chicken)
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (optional, for flavor)
- 1–2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Wooden skewers (for inserting into the sausages)
Instructions
-
Prepare the sausages:
- Insert a wooden skewer into each sausage or hot dog, leaving enough room at the bottom for easy handling. Set aside.
-
Make the batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and mustard (if using).
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a thick batter forms. If the batter is too thick to coat the sausages evenly, add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.
-
Heat the oil:
- In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 3-4 inches deep and heated to 350°F (175°C).
- To test the oil, drop a small amount of batter into it. If it sizzles and rises to the top immediately, the oil is ready.
-
Coat the sausages:
- Dip each sausage into the batter, rolling it to coat it evenly. Be sure to coat the sausage fully with the batter to create a thick, even layer.
-
Fry the corn dogs:
- Carefully lower the battered sausages into the hot oil, one at a time. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the corn dogs from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Serve:
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or honey mustard.
Notes
- You can use any type of sausage or hot dog you prefer. Beef, chicken, or turkey sausages work well, or even veggie dogs for a vegetarian option.
- If you don’t have wooden skewers, you can also just fry the sausages without them, but skewers help for easy handling.
- For extra crunch, you can add a bit of breadcrumbs to the batter or use a panko crust for a textured coating.
- For a healthier version, try baking the corn dogs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes or until crispy, turning halfway through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Party Food Method:
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 corn dog
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg