Chili cheese corn dogs

Chili cheese corn dogs is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Elroy Redbeard on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $16.51 total, $4.13 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup All‑Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1 cup Yellow Cornmeal (fine grind)
  • 2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 Egg (large, at room temperature)
  • 1 cup Milk (whole or 2% works best)
  • 1/2 cup Beer (light lager, adds lightness to batter)
  • 8 Hot Dogs (standard beef or poultry franks)
  • 8 Wooden Corn Dog Sticks (soaked in water 5 min to prevent burning)
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
  • 1 cup Canned Chili (heated, can be beef or turkey based)
  • 4 cups Vegetable Oil (for deep‑frying, use a high‑smoke‑point oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Hot Dogs

    Insert a soaked wooden stick into each hot dog, leaving about 1 inch of stick exposed for handling.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Make the Batter

    In a mixing bowl whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate cup combine egg, milk, and beer, then pour into the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth; batter should be the consistency of thick pancake batter.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Heat the Oil

    Fill the large pot with vegetable oil to a depth of about 3 inches and heat over medium‑high heat until the thermometer reads 350°F (175°C).

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  4. Coat the Hot Dogs

    Holding a hot dog by its stick, dip it into the batter, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Gently lower the battered dog into the hot oil.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Fry Until Golden

    Fry each corn dog for 3‑4 minutes, turning once, until the coating is deep golden‑brown and the interior reaches 165°F (74°C).

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: 350°F

  6. Drain and Cool

    Remove the corn dogs with tongs and place on a paper‑towel‑lined baking sheet to drain excess oil for 1 minute.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Add Cheese

    While the corn dogs are still hot, sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over each one; the residual heat will melt the cheese in about 30 seconds.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Heat the Chili

    In a small saucepan, heat the canned chili over medium heat until simmering, about 3‑4 minutes.

    Time: PT4M

  9. Serve

    Arrange the cheese‑topped corn dogs on a serving platter and spoon hot chili over each. Serve immediately while hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Not vegetarian, Not vegan

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Chili cheese corn dogs

Recipe by Elroy Redbeard

A fun, indulgent snack of hot dogs coated in a light cornmeal batter, deep‑fried until golden, then topped with melted cheddar and hearty chili. Perfect for a casual night in or a party treat.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
45m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.51
Total cost
$4.13
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking the sticks prevents burning.
  • Maintaining oil at 350°F ensures a crisp, non‑greasy coating.
  • Batter consistency must be thick enough to cling but not too heavy.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; keep children away from the stovetop.
  • Use a thermometer to avoid overheating oil past its smoke point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chili cheese corn dogs in American snack cuisine?

A

Corn dogs originated at American state fairs in the 1940s as a portable, deep‑fried treat. Adding chili and cheese is a modern twist that reflects the love for hearty, indulgent fair foods and the popularity of chili as a comfort topping.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chili cheese corn dogs in the United States?

A

In the Midwest, corn dogs are often served plain with mustard, while in the Southwest you’ll find them topped with spicy beef chili and sharp cheddar. Some Southern versions add a drizzle of barbecue sauce instead of chili.

cultural
Q

How is a classic chili cheese corn dog traditionally served at fairs or parties?

A

Traditionally, the corn dog is served hot, with the cheese melted on top and a generous ladle of thick beef chili poured over it. It’s usually eaten with a paper napkin or on a small plate to catch the sauce.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are chili cheese corn dogs associated with in American culture?

A

They are popular at state fairs, backyard barbecues, sports tailgate parties, and casual movie‑night gatherings where finger foods are preferred.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a true American chili cheese corn dog versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include a cornmeal‑flour batter, a light lager beer, beef hot dogs, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hearty beef chili. Substitutes like veggie sausages, gluten‑free flour blends, or dairy‑free cheese can be used for dietary needs, but they change the classic flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with chili cheese corn dogs?

A

They pair nicely with classic sides such as coleslaw, potato wedges, baked beans, or a simple green salad to cut through the richness.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chili cheese corn dogs at home?

A

Common mistakes include frying at the wrong temperature, overcrowding the pot, using batter that’s too thin, and not letting the cheese melt properly. Each of these can lead to soggy, greasy, or unevenly cooked corn dogs.

technical
Q

Why does this chili cheese corn dog recipe use beer in the batter instead of plain water?

A

Beer adds carbonation and a subtle malt flavor, which creates a lighter, crispier crust compared to a water‑based batter. The carbonation also helps the batter adhere better to the hot dog.

technical
Q

Can I make chili cheese corn dogs ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. You can fry the corn dogs, let them cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes to regain crispness, then add cheese and hot chili just before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the chili cheese corn dogs are done?

A

The batter should be deep golden‑brown and crisp to the touch, the interior hot dog fully cooked, and the cheese melted into a glossy layer. The chili should be bubbling when spooned over the top.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Elroy Redbeard specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Elroy Redbeard focuses on playful, off‑beat home cooking experiments, often featuring comfort‑food twists and humorous commentary while still delivering clear, step‑by‑step instructions.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Elroy Redbeard's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Elroy Redbeard blends casual, conversational banter with straightforward cooking techniques, emphasizing fun variations (like adding beer to batter) rather than strict culinary precision, which sets his style apart from more formal cooking tutorials.

channel

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