Love corn dogs? Love bacon cheeseburgers? Let’s put them together in one glorious, deep-fried mashup. These Deep-Fried Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs are crispy on the outside, meaty and melty on the inside, and straight-up addictive. Imagine a juicy hot dog wrapped in cheddar, loaded with crumbled bacon and seasoned beef, dunked in a fluffy cornmeal batter, and fried to golden perfection. It’s fair food reimagined—and way easier to make at home than you’d think.
Why I Love This Recipe
These are the kind of over-the-top comfort food creations that make people stop and say, “Wait, what??” They’re unexpected, indulgent, and wildly satisfying. The combination of crispy batter, cheesy bacon-loaded beef, and classic hot dog core is everything you love about summer fairs, game days, and backyard cookouts—wrapped into one portable bite. And yes, they pair perfectly with your favorite dips.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 4 beef hot dogs
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
For the Batter:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Cheddar: Go sharp for maximum flavor, or try pepper jack for heat.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon works too, or skip for a simpler version.
- Buttermilk: Sub with milk + a squeeze of lemon juice if needed.
- Ground beef: Pre-seasoned burger meat or leftovers work great here.
- Hot dogs: Beef franks hold their shape best during frying.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Beef
In a skillet, brown the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook until no longer pink, then let cool slightly.
2. Prep the Dogs
Slice cheddar into strips and wrap each hot dog in one slice. Spoon a bit of cooked beef and bacon onto each, pressing gently to help it stick. Skewer each one firmly through the center.
3. Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add in the buttermilk, eggs, and 1 tbsp oil. Mix until smooth and thick.
4. Heat the Oil
In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Dip and Fry
Transfer batter to a tall glass for easy dipping. Dip each dog to coat completely, then carefully lower into the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 4 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
6. Drain and Serve
Remove with tongs and place on paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve immediately with your favorite sauces.
Tips for Success
- Use chilled beef and bacon mixture to help it stick better to the dogs.
- Stick the skewer in deep for stability during frying.
- Keep oil at a steady 350°F for even cooking and golden crusts.
- Dip one at a time and fry in small batches to prevent oil temp drop.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with ketchup, mustard, or ranch—or go bold with spicy mayo.
- Pair with Beer Cheese Dip for extra cheesy dipping fun.
- Add to your game-day table alongside Crockpot Nacho Dip.
- Round it out with Dorito Casserole or
Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders. - Finish on a sweet note with Copycat Neiman Marcus Cookies.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Best fresh, but can be cooled and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in air fryer or oven at 375°F until hot and crispy.
- Avoid microwaving—it softens the crust and makes the cheese rubbery.
- Freeze before frying (after assembling and battering) for make-ahead game-day prep.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- These Copycat Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookies Are My Secret Weapon Dessert
Final Thoughts
These Deep-Fried Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs are everything you love about diner food, burger joints, and state fairs—rolled into one glorious bite. They’re crispy, meaty, cheesy, and totally unforgettable. Perfect for parties, game day, or whenever you want to flex your fryer skills in the tastiest way possible.
Tried it? Share your take and tag us—we can’t wait to see your epic corn dog creations!
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