With Super Bowl XLIX just a few days away, I had to make one more attempt at providing you with an appetizer that is sure to score a touchdown at your party. Whether it’s going to be just you, a couple, or a crowd, these Mini Corn Dogs pack alot of flavor in a small package.
Let’s call these properly inflated corn dogs, shall we? Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Plump little beef smokies with small nuggets of cheese on the inside are skewered, then dipped and fried in a sweet cornmeal batter similar to what you’d find at the ball park or county fair.
It’s always amazed me all the hoopla given to major league football. Fans get so excited. Some are more extreme than others, and certainly will argue their viewpoint on why “their” team is the best and is going to win. Amongst all the discussion about stats, players, and who shot John, there’s one place everyone will join on neutral ground.
The food table. Especially when these little football-looking appetizers are ready to be devoured.
Dogs on a stick is really all they are. Assembly is quite simple. You might even get the little ones in on the action. Lil’ smokies are secured horizontally at the end of wooden sticks.
Then they’re dipped in an easy-to-make corn meal batter.
Then in to hot oil in the deep fryer or frying pan they go.
I personally like to use a countertop deep fryer for fried foods. It’s easy to regulate the temperature and maintain the proper heat point for foolproof frying. This Presto ProFry has been just the right size for snacks. It doesn’t break the bank to fill with oil. It has a cover so you can leave the oil in it if you’re going to use it within a few days.
Once these puppies have turned a deep golden brown, they can be removed and drained on a plate lined with paper towels.
Garnishing is optional. I used a brown mustard piped with a small cake decorating tip to imitate the laces of a football. The main thing is everyone will have fun eating these whether they’re spiffed up or not. They hold their own just plain with a dipping sauce on the side.
I would suggest that you hold these little corn dogs in a warm oven until you’re ready to serve. If they end up sitting out for awhile and you want to heat them up, 10 seconds in the microwave will do the trick. However, I don’t think you’ll have to worry about it because they’ll be gone in no time.
Fingerfood and football go hand-in-hand. They’re a crowd pleaser. I think having these Mini Corn Dogs along with Easy Cheeseburger Bites make for a winning combination. Oh, and don’t forget the popcorn!
Here’s the recipe I settled on after trying a bit of this and that from other recipes I looked at. The batter is a real winner.
- 13 ounce package Lil' Smokies Beef Sausages with Cheddar Cheese (or flavor of choice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cornmeal
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- Corn Oil for frying
- You will need 6" wooden skewers if you choose to make them "on a stick."
- Insert skewer into sausage horizontally all the way to end to secure.
- Set aside.
- In a deep fryer or frying pan, heat the corn oil to 350 degrees.
- While oil is heating, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder in a medium bowl.
- Whisk dry ingredients to incorporate.
- Stir in egg and milk until thoroughly mixed and there are no lumps.
- When oil is ready, dip each sausage in batter and coat evenly.
- Fry in batches until deep golden brown in color, approximately 5 minutes per batch.
- Remove and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Keep in warm oven until ready to serve.
I hope you add these Mini Corn Dogs to your playlist on Super Bowl Sunday.
Once the big game is over, it will be time to start thinking about Valentine’s Day. I have some decadent delights in the works, so stay tuned.
Thanks for stopping in, and have a Super weekend!
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All morning I’ve been searching for words to post here but all I can say is, I’m in awe with your blog and photos.
You’re one of my Number One fans, and I appreciate it so much, Brian! Glad you like it.
TOUCHDOWN on these perfect (in more ways than one) little morsel-footballs!
(perfectly inflated , too)!!
ANOTHER fabulous and yummy addition to the other things on SB Sunday.
Your photos are incredible
You are a TRUE ARTIST!!!
Thanks, Judie, for the accolades. I actually felt a bit on the creative side when I piped the threads onto the dogs!
These are just awesome! A fitting tribute to America’s favorite pastime. What a wonderful bitesized appy for the big game. Go Seahawks!!!
These were alot of fun to make. Oh Candice, in memory and support of my dear Mother we have to cheer for the Patriots. She LOVED football! Enjoy!
These are so cute. If I walked into a party and these were on the appetizer table I would be so impressed with the creativity. Great idea!
Thanks so much, Amy! I appreciate you stopping in and checking them out.