Short Description: These Deep-Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs are a carnival-inspired delight! Imagine a juicy hot dog embraced by savory ground beef, crispy turkey bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, all encased in a sweet cornmeal batter and deep-fried to golden perfection. This recipe is a playful twist on classic comfort foods, perfect for parties, game days, or any time you crave a fun and indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices of turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 slices cheddar cheese, cut into strips
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 wooden skewers
For the batter:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
For frying:
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Bacon
Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet or oven until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces. Set aside for later use.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease and let the beef cool slightly.
Step 3: Wrap the Hot Dogs
Take each hot dog and gently press cooked ground beef around it, forming an even layer. Tuck cheddar cheese strips and crumbled turkey bacon into the beef layer. Insert a wooden skewer through the center of each hot dog, making sure it goes all the way through for stability.
Step 4: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk and eggs, whisking until a smooth batter forms. The batter should be thick enough to coat the hot dogs but not too runny.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Pour enough oil into a deep fryer or large pot to fully submerge the corn dogs. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Step 6: Fry the Corn Dogs
Dip each beef-wrapped hot dog into the batter, ensuring it is coated completely. Carefully place 2–3 corn dogs into the hot oil at a time. Fry for 4–5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot with ketchup, mustard, ranch, or burger sauce. Add a side of fries or onion rings for a complete fair-style meal.
Why you’ll love this recipe This recipe transforms the ordinary corn dog into an extraordinary indulgence. The combination of ground beef, turkey bacon, and cheddar cheese elevates the flavor profile, making each bite a savory explosion. It’s a fun and unique dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, it brings the nostalgia of the county fair right to your kitchen!
Serving Suggestions: Serve these corn dogs with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or a spicy mayo. Pair them with classic sides such as:
- French fries
- Onion rings
- Coleslaw
- Potato salad
- Corn on the cob
Tips:
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature to achieve a golden-brown, crispy crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter or use pepper jack cheese.
- To prevent the hot dogs from sticking to the grill or pan, lightly oil it before cooking.
- Make sure the beef layer is not too thick, to ensure it cooks through evenly.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Information: (Estimated per serving – may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion These Deep-Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs are a must-try for anyone looking to add a bit of fun and decadence to their meal. They’re a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties, and surprisingly easy to make. So, gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable culinary adventure!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon? A: Absolutely! If you prefer the taste of regular bacon, feel free to substitute it. Just make sure to cook it until crispy and crumble it before adding it to the corn dogs.
Q2: What kind of oil is best for deep frying? A: Oils with a high smoke point are ideal for deep frying. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all excellent choices.
Q3: Can I bake these instead of deep frying? A: While deep frying provides the best texture, you can try baking them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the battered corn dogs on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. The texture will be different, but they’ll still be delicious.
Q4: Can I prepare these ahead of time? A: It’s best to fry these corn dogs fresh for optimal crispiness. However, you can prepare the hot dogs with beef, bacon, and cheese ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry.
Q5: What if I don’t have a deep fryer? A: No problem! You can use a large, heavy-bottomed pot filled with enough oil to fully submerge the corn dogs. Just be sure to monitor the oil temperature carefully with a thermometer.
