Can I make these with a homemade cornbread batter instead of Jiffy mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite cornbread recipe, you can definitely use it instead. Just aim for a slightly thicker batter consistency so it holds the hot dog pieces well. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on your recipe.

My family doesn't like spicy food. Can I leave out the chipotle powder?

Yes, you can easily omit the chipotle powder without affecting the recipe's success. Consider substituting a teaspoon of regular paprika for color and a mild flavor boost, or simply leave it out entirely for a more traditional taste.

Can I make these in a regular muffin tin if I don't have a mini one?

You can, but you'll need to adjust accordingly. Use one whole hot dog per regular muffin cup and increase the baking time to about 15-18 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cornbread part - it should come out clean when they're ready.

Can I use plant-based hot dogs to make these vegetarian?

Definitely! Plant-based hot dogs work wonderfully in this recipe. The cooking time remains the same, and the cornbread batter complements them beautifully. It's a great way to accommodate vegetarian guests or family members.

Mini Corn Dogs Recipe

Name: Mini Corn Dogs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8.5 ounces Jiffy corn muffin mix (240 grams); 1 teaspoon onion powder; ⅛ teaspoon chipotle powder; 1 extra-large egg; ⅓ cup milk; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 5 bun-length hot dogs, cut into fifteen 1-inch sections (e.g., Ballpark all-beef hot dogs)

These Mini Corn Dogs are the perfect bite-sized version of a classic favorite! Tender, sweet cornbread batter surrounds juicy hot dog pieces, creating a delicious homemade treat that’s ready in just 22 minutes. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a quick dinner, or want to surprise the kids with a fun meal, these mini marvels deliver big flavor in small packages!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish in just 22 minutes – perfect for those evenings when you need something tasty without the time commitment.
Kid-Approved: These bite-sized treats are absolute winners with the younger crowd, but trust me, adults won’t be able to resist them either!
No Deep Frying: All the delicious taste of traditional corn dogs without the mess and hassle of deep frying. The oven does all the work for you!
Customizable: The base recipe is fantastic, but you can easily adjust the spices and flavors to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Jiffy corn muffin mix: The perfect shortcut that provides that classic, slightly sweet cornbread flavor we all love in corn dogs.
Egg: Helps bind everything together and creates that perfect cornbread texture.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter – whole milk works best, but any type will do in a pinch.
Vegetable oil: Creates a tender crumb in the cornbread coating.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle savory note that complements the sweetness of the cornbread.
Chipotle powder: Brings a gentle smoky heat that elevates these beyond basic corn dogs – it’s not enough to make them spicy, just enough to make them interesting!
Hot dogs: The star of the show! Bun-length hot dogs work perfectly when cut into sections. All-beef varieties have the best flavor, but use your family’s favorite.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your mini corn dogs:

Cheese-Stuffed: Press a small cube of cheddar or pepper jack cheese into the batter alongside each hot dog piece for a gooey surprise.
Breakfast Version: Use breakfast sausage links instead of hot dogs and add a sprinkle of maple sugar to the batter.
Jalapeño Kick: Mix finely diced jalapeños into the batter for spice lovers.
Everything Bagel: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking for a savory twist.
Mini Cornbread Muffins: Skip the hot dogs altogether for simple cornbread bites – perfect for serving with chili!

How to Make Mini Corn Dogs

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Take a minute to spray your mini muffin tin thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray – don’t skimp here, it prevents sticking issues later!

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy corn muffin mix, egg, milk, vegetable oil, onion powder, and chipotle powder. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, well-combined batter. It should be thick but pourable.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Cups

Scoop about 2 teaspoons of the cornbread mixture into each cavity of your mini muffin tin. A small cookie scoop makes this job much easier and creates uniform portions.

Step 4: Add Hot Dogs and Bake

Press a 1-inch section of hot dog into the center of each batter-filled cup. The batter will rise around the hot dog as it bakes. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown around the edges.

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let your mini corn dogs rest in the pan for 2-3 minutes after baking. This brief cooling period helps them set up and makes them easier to remove from the pan. Then serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Portioning: Use a small cookie scoop for the batter to ensure uniform cooking and a consistent hot dog-to-cornbread ratio.
Hot Dog Prep: Pat your hot dog pieces dry with a paper towel before adding them to the batter – this helps the cornbread adhere better.
Don’t Overfill: Keep the batter amount consistent so that the cornbread rises evenly around the hot dog piece.
Rotate While Baking: For even browning, rotate your muffin pan halfway through the baking time.
Testing Doneness: The cornbread should spring back when lightly touched when fully cooked.

How to Serve

These mini corn dogs are versatile and perfect for various occasions:

Dipping Sauces:

Create a dipping station with ketchup, mustard, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.

Complete the Meal:

Pair with crispy tater tots, a fresh side salad, or mac and cheese for a kid-friendly dinner everyone will devour.

Party Presentation:

For gatherings, arrange on a platter with small dishes of different dipping sauces and garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover mini corn dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They maintain their flavor surprisingly well!

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Place cooled mini corn dogs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes from refrigerated, or 15 minutes from frozen. Avoid microwave reheating if possible as it can make the cornbread coating tough.

FAQs

Can I make these with a homemade cornbread batter instead of Jiffy mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite cornbread recipe, you can definitely use it instead. Just aim for a slightly thicker batter consistency so it holds the hot dog pieces well. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on your recipe.
My family doesn’t like spicy food. Can I leave out the chipotle powder?

Yes, you can easily omit the chipotle powder without affecting the recipe’s success. Consider substituting a teaspoon of regular paprika for color and a mild flavor boost, or simply leave it out entirely for a more traditional taste.
Can I make these in a regular muffin tin if I don’t have a mini one?

You can, but you’ll need to adjust accordingly. Use one whole hot dog per regular muffin cup and increase the baking time to about 15-18 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cornbread part – it should come out clean when they’re ready.
Can I use plant-based hot dogs to make these vegetarian?

Definitely! Plant-based hot dogs work wonderfully in this recipe. The cooking time remains the same, and the cornbread batter complements them beautifully. It’s a great way to accommodate vegetarian guests or family members.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Corn Dogs bring all the fun of the fair right to your dinner table, but with none of the fuss! They’re the perfect solution when you need something quick that will please everyone, from picky kids to adults who want a nostalgic treat. The combination of sweet, tender cornbread and savory hot dogs is simply unbeatable. Give this recipe a try next time you want to add a little fun to mealtime – I promise they’ll disappear faster than you can say “corndog!”