Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating a delightful Corn Dog Casserole, a dish that effortlessly combines the classic fun of a carnival corn dog with the comforting simplicity of a baked casserole. Forget the deep fryer and the messy preparation; this recipe transforms your favorite fairground treat into an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal perfect for any weeknight. Topped with a golden layer of melted cheese, this casserole promises all the beloved flavors without the fuss. It’s best served with classic condiments like ketchup and mustard, making it an instant hit with both kids and adults.
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If your family loves the satisfying taste of hot dogs, you’ll also want to explore other exciting hot dog recipes like these Chili Dog Nachos, ideal for game day, or this indulgent 7-Layer Chili Dog Dip, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
The Ultimate Easy and Kid-Friendly Dinner: Corn Dog Casserole
In the quest for truly family-friendly meals, some recipes stand out above the rest. This Corn Dog Casserole isn’t just “family-friendly”; it’s a culinary triumph that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. We all adore the delightful experience of a classic corn dog, whether it’s the nostalgic crunch of a state fair staple or the magical taste of a Disneyland treat. However, replicating that deep-fried perfection on a busy weeknight can feel like an impossible task, often reserved for special occasions or relying on pre-packaged frozen options.
That’s where this ingenious Corn Dog Casserole recipe comes in. It captures all the beloved flavors and textures of a traditional corn dog – the savory hot dogs, the sweet and tender cornbread, and the irresistible melted cheese – all baked together in a single dish. This makes it not only perfectly doable for a bustling Wednesday evening but also significantly less messy and healthier than its fried counterpart. It’s a fantastic solution for parents seeking a quick, delicious, and universally loved meal that brings smiles to every face.
Effortless Steps to Crafting Your Delicious Corn Dog Casserole
Preparing this mouthwatering Corn Dog Casserole is incredibly simple, making it accessible even for novice cooks. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal on the table in no time. Follow these instructions to create your perfect casserole:
- **Prepare Your Oven and Skillet:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large, oven-proof skillet (a 12-inch cast iron skillet works wonderfully here), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- **Sauté the Aromatics:** Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced celery and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and become translucent, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. This step adds a subtle depth of flavor to the casserole. Remove the softened vegetables from the skillet and set them aside in a bowl.
- **Brown the Hot Dogs:** Cut your hot dogs into 1-inch pieces. Return the skillet to medium-high heat (you may add a touch more oil if needed). Add the hot dog pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until they are nicely browned and crispy on all sides. This browning step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor and a pleasant texture, mimicking the crispness of a traditional corn dog.
- **Whip Up the Cornbread Mixture:** While the hot dogs are browning, prepare the cornbread batter. In a separate large bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, eggs, sage, and a generous dash of black pepper. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher cornbread. Stir in most of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving about 1/4 cup for the topping.
- **Combine and Bake:** Once the hot dogs are beautifully browned, pour the prepared cornbread mixture directly into the skillet with the hot dogs. Gently fold in the sautéed celery and onion until everything is evenly distributed. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
- **Bake to Golden Perfection:** Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is cooked through, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cheese on top should be bubbly and melted.
To add a touch of freshness and a pop of color, I love to garnish my Corn Dog Casserole with chopped green onions – though this is entirely optional. And, of course, no corn dog experience is complete without a side of classic condiments! While my kids might not always see the necessity, I firmly believe that a generous dollop of ketchup and a squeeze of mustard elevate this dish to its full delicious potential. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Expert Tips and Tricks for Your Best Corn Dog Casserole
To ensure your Corn Dog Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips and tricks, gathered from years of making this beloved recipe:
- **The Unexpected Celery:** You might initially question the addition of celery to a corn dog casserole – it’s certainly not a typical ingredient! This recipe, which I discovered in an old church cookbook, cleverly incorporates it. I’ve always kept it in, and it adds a subtle, fresh counterpoint to the richness of the hot dogs and cornbread. If you’re truly not a fan, you can omit it, and the casserole will still be delicious. However, I encourage you to try it as intended; you might be surprised by how well it works!
- **Choosing Your Cornbread Mix:** The quality of your cornbread mix can significantly impact the final taste and texture of the casserole. Some mixes are sweeter, while others are more savory. For the best results, use a brand you already know and love. Experiment with different types to find your family’s favorite, whether you prefer a classic Southern-style or a slightly sweeter cornbread.
- **Cornbread Mix Package Size Flexibility:** Don’t stress too much about finding an exact 16-oz package of cornbread mix. This recipe is quite forgiving. I’ve successfully used 15-oz packages, two 7-oz packages (totaling 14 oz), and the specified 16-oz package, all yielding delicious and consistent results. The slight variation in quantity won’t drastically alter the outcome, so use what you have on hand.
- **The Ideal Baking Vessel:** I’ve found that a 12-inch cast iron skillet is the perfect vessel for this casserole for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for a true one-pan meal: you can sauté the vegetables, brown the hot dogs, and then mix and bake everything right in the same skillet. This minimizes cleanup, which is always a bonus on busy weeknights! Secondly, cast iron provides exceptional heat retention, leading to wonderfully crispy edges on the cornbread, a texture that truly elevates the dish. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet or prefer a different approach, you can certainly use a large skillet for cooking the veggies and hot dogs, then transfer everything to a 9×13-inch baking dish before adding the cornbread mixture and baking. Both methods work well, but for that extra crispiness, cast iron is my top choice.
- **Hot Dog Selection:** While beef hot dogs are often preferred for their robust flavor, feel free to use your family’s favorite brand and type of hot dog. Turkey or chicken hot dogs can also be used for a lighter version. Ensure they are good quality, as they are a star ingredient!
Customize Your Corn Dog Casserole: Fun Variations
One of the best things about this Corn Dog Casserole is how adaptable it is. Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand:
- **Add More Veggies:** Boost the nutritional value and texture by stirring in a can of drained corn kernels, diced bell peppers, or even finely chopped zucchini with the celery and onions.
- **Spice It Up:** For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) to the cornbread mixture. A dash of chili powder can also enhance the savory flavors.
- **Cheesy Twists:** Experiment with different types of cheese! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend can offer a different flavor profile and excellent melt.
- **Smoky Flavor:** A sprinkle of smoked paprika in the cornbread batter can add a wonderful smoky depth that complements the hot dogs.
- **”Chili Pie” Inspiration:** For a heartier meal, brown some ground beef or turkey with the hot dogs and stir in a can of your favorite chili beans (drained) before adding the cornbread mixture. This creates a delicious chili-corn dog fusion.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
This Corn Dog Casserole is fantastic for meal prepping, making your weeknights even easier:
- **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the hot dog and vegetable mixture a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, prepare the cornbread batter, combine everything in the skillet, and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting with cold ingredients.
- **Storage:** Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- **Freezing:** For longer storage, allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Cut it into individual servings, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, and then in foil. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated evenly, about 15-20 minutes, for best results. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight first, or reheat directly from frozen in the oven, covering with foil to prevent drying out, until heated through.
Explore More Hot Dog Recipes!
If this Corn Dog Casserole has sparked your love for creative hot dog dishes, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of hot dog possibilities beyond the bun. Here are some other exciting recipes to try:
Mexican Hot Dogs
Hawaiian Hot Dogs
Coney Island Hot Dog Recipe
Taco Dogs
Pizza Dogs
Mac and Cheese Dogs
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Corn Dog Casserole
Deborah Harroun
15
25
40
8
servings
Main Dish
American
Pin
This Corn Dog Casserole is an easier version of the kid-friendly corn dog – made into a casserole topped with cheese. Best served with ketchup and mustard.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 1/2 lbs beef hot dogs
- 1 (16 oz) cornbread mix
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon sage
- Black pepper
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C).
- In a 12-inch oven-proof skillet, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the celery and onion and cook until softened. Remove to a bowl.1 cup sliced celery,
1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil,
1 cup chopped onions - Cut the hot dogs into 1-inch pieces. Place the hot dog pieces in the same skillet over medium-high heat and cook, stirring often, until all of the pieces are browned.1 1/2 lbs beef hot dogs
- While the hot dogs are cooking, combine the cornbread mix, milk, eggs, sage, and pepper in a bowl and mix to combine. Add all but about 1/4 cup of the cheese to the mixture.1 (16 oz) cornbread mix,
1 1/2 cups milk,
2 eggs,
1 teaspoon sage,
Black pepper,
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese - Pour the cornbread mixture into the skillet with the hot dogs and add in the reserved celery and onion. Stir gently until mixed.
- Top with the remaining cheese and bake until the casserole is baked through, 20-30 minutes.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.
Nutrition Information
Serving:
1/8 of casserole
,
Calories:
684kcal (34%)
,
Carbohydrates:
58g (19%)
,
Protein:
25g (50%)
,
Fat:
36g (55%)
,
Saturated Fat:
10g (63%)
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
4g
,
Trans Fat:
0g
,
Cholesterol:
78mg (26%)
,
Sodium:
820mg (36%)
,
Fiber:
0g
,
Sugar:
13g (14%)
corn dog casserole