Corn Dog Muffins

Corn dog muffins combine two of my favorite foods: hot dogs and corn muffins. These little guys hit all the nostalgic notes of classic corn dogs and sweet cornbread, all baked into fluffy, golden muffin format. This creative riff on a corn dog is always a hit at summer cookouts like the Fourth of July, and it’s always a hit with the kiddies.

There are a million ways to go about building corn dog muffins, and none of them are wrong. People slice hot dogs into halves, quarters or even tiny rounds. You can stir the hot dogs into the mix or place them neatly into each muffin cup for that classic corn dog look. No matter how you do it, the result offers flavor-filled bites that are as fun as they are tasty.

Ingredients for Corn Dog Muffins

• Cornbread mix: Getting a cornbread mix like Jiffy at the store is the ideal shortcut to classic corn dog flavor without the fuss of making homemade cornbread. It gives you a slightly sweet, fluffy base that bakes up golden and tender every time.
• Two-percent milk: Milk brings the batter together and keeps the muffins moist. You can swap in whole milk for a richer bite or even a dairy-free milk if needed.
• Egg: The egg adds structure and helps the muffins rise properly. Let it come to room temperature so it blends more smoothly into the batter.
• Hot dogs: These sausages are the star of the show, obviously. We use turkey hot dogs, but beef, pork or plant-based hot dogs all work beautifully, depending on your vibe.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a melty, slightly tangy richness that helps balance the cornbread’s sweetness.
• Finely chopped pickled jalapeno (optional): These spicy, vinegary peppers bring a little pop of acidity and heat that cuts through the richness.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the pan

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line nine muffin cups with foil liners, or grease nine nonstick muffin cups.

Step 2: Mix the batter

In a small bowl, combine the muffin mix, milk and egg. Stir in the hot dogs, cheese and, if desired, jalapeno. Fill the prepared cups three-quarters of the way full.

Step 3: Bake them until they’re golden

Bake the muffins until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 14 to 18 minutes. Cool them for five minutes before removing them from the pan and transferring them to a wire rack. Serve them warm.

Editor’s Tip: For extra color and a slightly crisp top, brush the tops lightly with melted butter right after baking.

Corn Dog Muffins Variations

• Swap the cheese: Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick, mozzarella for a milder melt, or smoked Gouda for a deeper, savory flavor. Each type of cheese brings a totally different personality to these muffins.
• Add corn kernels: Stir in a handful of sweet corn for extra texture and little bursts of sweetness that play beautifully with the hot dogs.
• Make them mini: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized party snacks that are dangerously easy to pop in your mouth. Just reduce the bake time to about 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add condiments: Drizzle baked muffins with a little honey, or serve with mustard and ketchup on the side for dipping.

How to Store Corn Dog Muffins

Let the corn dog muffins cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Waiting a beat helps prevent condensation that can make them soggy, and they’ll keep their texture much better. They’re great for quick reheats, making them a solid make-ahead side dish for busy days.

How long do corn dog muffins last?

Corn dog muffins last about three to four days in the refrigerator. After that, the muffins start to dry out, but they’re usually long gone before that becomes an issue.

Can you freeze corn dog muffins?

Yes, you can freeze corn dog muffins by placing the cooled muffins in freezer containers. They’ll last in the freezer for two to three months. When you’re ready to eat them again, microwave each muffin individually on high until it’s heated through, about 30 to 60 seconds.

Corn Dog Muffins Tips

Can you make these in a different pan?

Yes, you can make corn dog muffins in different pans like an 8×8-inch baking dish or even a loaf pan. Just keep in mind that the bake time will increase, so check for doneness with a toothpick in the center before pulling it out of the oven.

What can you serve with corn dog muffins?

Corn dog muffins will complement the main event of your barbecue along with other classic cookout sides like potato salad, coleslaw or baked beans. They can also be the perfect alternative for kids when barbecue ribs and steaks are the entrees for adults.