My Secret for the Ultimate Fair-Style Snack: Deep-Fried Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs

Name: My Secret for the Ultimate Fair-Style Snack: Deep-Fried Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 8 strips of cooked bacon, chopped; Hot dogs (8 pieces); Oil for frying

March 19, 2025

Recipes

If there’s one indulgence I can never resist, it’s fair food. There’s something about those golden, deep-fried creations that brings out the kid in me. But instead of waiting for the county fair to roll around, I decided to recreate one of the most over-the-top snacks at home: deep-fried bacon cheeseburger corn dogs.

I’m not talking about regular corn dogs. These are loaded, wrapped, and fried to crispy perfection. Imagine a juicy hot dog wrapped in seasoned cheeseburger meat, then hugged with crispy bacon, dipped in sweet cornbread batter, and fried until golden. It’s comfort food insanity in the best possible way — and they’re surprisingly easy to make once you know the tricks.

Let me walk you through exactly how I make them.

Why These Corn Dogs Work

I’ve made these for family gatherings, football watch parties, and even backyard BBQ nights. They vanish every single time. Here’s why:

The ground beef layer makes them extra meaty: It’s like biting into a cheeseburger and a hot dog at the same time.
Crispy bacon seals the deal: The bacon crisps up beautifully when fried and adds an irresistible smoky crunch.
The batter is perfectly sweet and golden: I use just a touch of sugar and buttermilk for that classic fairground flavor.
They freeze well before frying: I can prep them ahead, freeze, and fry fresh when guests arrive.
Dipping sauces make them endlessly customizable: From spicy mustard to tangy BBQ sauce, you can serve these up however you like.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes 8 big, satisfying corn dogs — enough to feed a small crowd or keep a few leftovers for reheating (if you’re lucky!).

(Serves 6-8 | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Freeze Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes)

1 lb ground beef
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
8 hot dogs
8 slices bacon
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 cup buttermilk
1 egg
Oil for frying (I use vegetable or peanut oil)

How I Make Deep-Fried Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Cheeseburger Layer

In a mixing bowl, I combine the ground beef, shredded cheddar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. I mix gently — just enough to combine everything without overworking the beef.

2. Wrap the Hot Dogs in Meat and Bacon

I take each hot dog and press a thin layer of the ground beef mixture around it. I keep it about ¼ inch thick so it cooks evenly. Then, I wrap each one in a slice of bacon, securing both ends with toothpicks. The bacon not only adds flavor but also helps keep the beef in place.

3. Freeze Before Frying

This part makes all the difference. I place the bacon-wrapped dogs on a lined baking sheet and freeze them for 30 minutes. It firms everything up so they won’t fall apart when dipped in batter.

4. Make the Batter

While the corn dogs are freezing, I whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, buttermilk, and egg until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat without dripping too much. If it’s too runny, I add a spoonful more flour or cornmeal.

5. Heat the Oil

I heat my oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C). I use a thermometer to keep the temperature steady — too hot and they’ll burn on the outside; too cool and they’ll soak up oil.

6. Dip and Fry

Once frozen, I remove the toothpicks and dip each bacon-wrapped corn dog into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, I lower it carefully into the hot oil. I fry each one for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re deep golden brown and crisp.

7. Drain and Serve

I transfer the fried corn dogs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil. Then I plate them up with a variety of dipping sauces and watch them disappear.

My Favorite Dipping Sauces

These corn dogs are great on their own, but dipping sauces take them over the top. Here’s what I usually serve:

Spicy mustard
Honey BBQ sauce
Chipotle ranch
Ketchup (classic, and kids love it)
Sriracha mayo for those who like heat

Tips for the Best Results Every Time

Freeze the dogs before battering: This keeps everything intact and makes dipping so much easier.
Use thick-cut bacon: It holds up better during frying and adds an extra crunch.
Keep the oil temperature steady: If it drops too low, the corn dogs get greasy. If it’s too high, they’ll brown too fast.
Make mini versions: If I’m serving these at parties, I use half hot dogs and toothpick-sized sticks for bite-sized portions.

What I Serve with These Corn Dogs

These are pretty indulgent, so I like to balance them with a few lighter sides:

Crisp coleslaw with vinegar dressing
Pickles or pickled jalapeños for acidity
Fresh-cut watermelon for sweetness and refreshment
Ice-cold lemonade or root beer for a classic fair feel

FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)

Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: You can, but they won’t have that crispy, fair-style texture. I’ve tried baking at 400°F for about 20 minutes, and while they taste great, frying is the way to go for that perfect crust.

Q: Do they reheat well?
A: Yes! I reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. They crisp back up surprisingly well.

Q: Can I use turkey or chicken hot dogs?
A: Absolutely. Just keep in mind that turkey or chicken hot dogs cook a bit faster, so watch the frying time closely.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them and reheat when the craving hits.

Why You Need to Try This Recipe

There’s something magical about combining a bacon cheeseburger and a corn dog into one golden-fried bite. It’s salty, cheesy, crispy, and just plain fun to eat. Whether you’re making them for a family cookout, game day, or just because you’re craving something outrageous, these deep-fried bacon cheeseburger corn dogs are worth every minute.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Did you go for spicy sauces or keep it classic? Maybe you found a new twist I need to try. Let me know!