If you love the taste of corn dogs but don't love the mess from deep-fried treats then Corn Dog Nuggets are what you've been waiting for. This hot dog appetizer recipe blends the flavors and textures of traditional corn dogs but in bite-sized, absolutely delicious, oven-baked portions.
Serve these nuggets with Homemade Fry Sauce, ketchup and mustard!
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🥘 Ingredients to Have on Hand
Bite-sized corn dog nuggets are convenient for snacking and an ideal option for parties, appetizers or fun finger food. Here are the ingredients you'll need:
- hot dogs
- Bisquick
- corn meal
- ground mustard
- paprika
- cayenne pepper
- puff pastry sheets
Scroll down to the recipe card for details on how to make this tasty recipe!
💭 Use a Mini-Muffin Pan
Corn Dog Nuggets are best when baked in a mini-muffin pan as opposed to a standard-sized muffin pan. The key is to make these the right size to pop in your mouth and bite-sized.
The batter for Corn Dog Nuggets is very similar to corn dog batter.
This new spin on serving corn dogs makes for a nostalgic and crowd-pleasing comfort food, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
🌭Hot Dog Substitutions
No matter which brand of hot dogs you use, this recipe is likely to remind you of classic corn dogs from the state fair. I usually use beef hot dogs, but there are plenty of options in the grocery store.
There are many varieties of hot dogs to choose from: pork, beef hot dogs - or turkey dogs.
Pro Tip: Turkey hot dogs are seasoned, cured, and smoked like pork and beef hot dogs. They taste similar, but here's the best part, they are lower in saturated fat.
🔪 How to Chop the Hot Dogs
Regardless of which type of hot dogs you use, dice the hot dogs into equally sized chunks.
I start by cutting them into quarters first.
Pro Tip: I like to cut each link into eight pieces, that way each section of hot dog is big enough to seem like we are biting into a corn dog but small enough for several hot dog sections to nestle into each muffin cup.
📋 Puff Pastry Recipe
Puff pastry isn't just for desserts!
It's also a delicious foundation for some great appetizers! In addition to Corn Dog Nuggets, Brie and Cranberry Bites are tasty and a great combination of tangy cranberries and smooth brie. Pork Wonton Stars are another family favorite and a great way to use up leftover ham.
By using frozen, puff pastry Corn Dog Nuggets become even more flaky, buttery, and irresistible.
Once the pastry is thawed, cut the dough into 2-inch squares and press one square into each mini muffin cup - you'll have just enough dough for a 24 mini-cup baking pan.
🥣 How to Make Corn Dog Nugget Batter
Here's how to create corn dog batter, which is what makes corn dog nuggets taste like a corn dog from the state fair:
Step One: In a small bowl, combine Bisquick, cornmeal, egg, milk and seasonings.
Step Two: Whisk to combine, then allow to set for a few minutes to thicken while you prepare the puff pastry for the baking sheet.
Pro Tip: All you need is a few small dollops of corn dog batter on the puff pastry and the top of each hot-dog-filled muffin cup.
In the oven, that little dollop will puff up and create the perfect bite-sized burst of corn dog flavor for each hot dog appetizer.
📖 How to Assemble Corn Dog Nuggets
Here's how to assemble Corn Dog Nuggets, which I think you'll find taste just like a mini corn dog.
Step 1: Place ½ teaspoon of the Bisquick/cornmeal mixture on top of the defrosted puff pastry dough in each mini-baking cup.
Step 2: Then place 6-8 small wedges of diced hot dog on top of the cornmeal mixture, pressing firmly to fit.
Step 3: On top of each cup filled with hot dog pieces, dollop a small amount of additional Bisquick/cornmeal batter (about ¼ teaspoon for each muffin cup).
Pro Tip: Note, that the mini muffin cups will be full, you'll need to push the diced hot dogs firmly into the pastry. Each one will puff up beautifully while it bakes.
Corn Dog Nuggets are delicious served hot from the oven, or at room temperature. Remember, the addition of puff pastry elevates the corn dog nuggets, giving them an elegant twist while keeping their easy-to-handle, bite-sized format.
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes. After baking, let the corn dog nuggets cool and place them in a freezer-safe container or zipped-top storage bag. To reheat, place the frozen nuggets on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until hot.
One of the great things about these nuggets is they are delicious served at room temperature. But if you'd like to serve them warm, after baking, I recommend placing them on an oven-safe plate, covering them lightly with foil, and place in an oven warmed to 170°F until you are ready to serve.
No need to cook the hot dogs in advance, they will heat sufficiently while baking.
⭐ The Inspiration for Corn Dog Nuggets
This recipe has been fondly adapted from a well-used recipe card in my mother-in-law Odessa's wonderful recipe collection. Her recipe was for traditional, deep-fried corn dogs. What a treat. Thank you, Grammy!
🍴More Appetizer Recipes and Snacks
If you tried Corn Dog Nuggets or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below.
Recipe
Anaiah says
Yum yum yum! This was such a creative and fun recipe to make. The corn dog nuggets were delicious!
Akshita says
That looks yum! Can't wait to try it ❤️
Gregory Halpen says
What a perfect little appetizer or finger food for a cook out or party! Yum!!
Emily says
My son is going to go crazy for these…hot dogs and a corn muffin?!? He will be I heaven…I’m pretty sure the adults will like them too!