Corn dogs are a beloved American snack or meal consisting of a hot dog on a stick that has been dipped in cornmeal batter and deep fried. While plain corn dogs are delicious on their own, there are many tasty condiments and toppings that can help enhance their flavor. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular and delicious options for what tastes good on corn dogs.
Ketchup and Mustard
The classic condiment pairing for corn dogs is ketchup and mustard. These two condiments have a timeless appeal and bright, tangy flavors that perfectly complement the salty crunch of the cornmeal coating and the savory juiciness of the hot dog itself. Squirting on some ketchup and mustard takes corn dogs to the next level of flavor. The sweet tomato taste of ketchup and the zesty yellow tang of mustard add lots of flavor with just a little effort.
Honey Mustard
For those who want a sweet and tangy zip, honey mustard is an excellent choice for topping corn dogs. Honey mustard contains the spicy bite of regular mustard combined with the mellowing effect of sweet honey. The result is a condiment with layers of flavor that pair splendidly with corn dogs. The mellow sweetness balances out the saltiness of the coating and hot dog, while the mustard tang cuts through the richness with its zesty edge. It’s a gourmet kicked-up version of ketchup and mustard!
BBQ Sauce
Slathering on some smoky, sweet barbecue sauce is another fantastic way to dress up a corn dog. BBQ sauce has a distinctively American taste that feels right at home alongside the corn dog. The rich sweet and tangy flavors of the sauce complement the cornmeal coating and hot dog perfectly. Whether you prefer a sweeter, thicker Kansas City-style sauce or a more acidic, spicy Carolina-style sauce, they all taste great with corn dogs!
Ranch Dressing
For those who like a cool, creamy topping for their corn dog, ranch dressing is the way to go. The rich dairy taste and mild onion/garlic flavors of ranch pair wonderfully with hot, crisp corn dogs. Ranch has a cooling effect that balances the heat of the just-fried cornmeal coating and hot dog. It also adds a tasty creaminess and herb flavor that takes corn dogs to new heights. Ranch pairs well with the classic ketchup and mustard too for an unbeatable topping trio.
Chili
For a warm, spicy topping, try ladling on some hearty chili. The meaty, beany flavors and mild heat of chili make an exceptional flavor pairing with corn dogs. The cornmeal coating contrasts deliciously with the stew-like chili while the chili spices up the hot dog. Top with some shredded cheese and chopped onions for a fully-loaded chili cheese dog corn dog creation!
Cheese Sauce
For ultimate indulgence, try dipping your corn dogs in cheese sauce! The rich, creamy, cheesy goodness takes corn dogs over the top. The salty cheese flavor accentuates the crunchy cornmeal while adding a decadent creaminess to every bite. Nacho cheese, beer cheese, or simple cheddar cheese sauce all make drool-worthy dips for cheese-loving corn dog fans. You may need some extra napkins to enjoy cheese-sauced corn dogs though!
Jalapeños
If you like some heat with your corn dog, sliced or diced jalapeños are just the ticket. The fresh, pungent burn of jalapeños cuts through the oiliness of fried foods and brings extra flavor to the party. The spicy kick contrasts nicely with the sweet and savory flavors of the corn dog. Mix the jalapeños right into the ketchup or dip the corn dog directly into jalapeño slices for a fiery flavor boost.
Sriracha
For another way to spice up your corn dog, try drizzling on some tangy sriracha sauce. This piquant chili garlic sauce adds vibrant heat and serious flavor to anything it touches. The thick, red-orange sauce has just the right vinegary burn to light up corn dogs. Mix it with ketchup and mayo for a spicy fry sauce, or zig-zag it over the top of plain corn dogs. The rooster sauce is a great way to give corn dogs extra va-va-voom.
Maple Syrup
Here’s an unexpected sweet topping that tastes amazing on corn dogs – pure maple syrup! The rich, golden sweetness is a perfect foil for the salty crunch of the cornmeal coating. Maple syrup adds subtle flavors that elevate corn dogs to a fun, gourmet experience. Let excess syrup drizzle off for delicious sticky goodness in every bite. Top with a pat of butter for extra decadence!
Mango Salsa
For a fresh, fruity twist on corn dogs, try dipping them in mango salsa. The sweet-tart mango pairs sublimely with the cornmeal coating, while the onion and peppers in the salsa add crunch and zing. The cool, tropical flavors are a nice contrast to the hot corn dog. Make your own mango salsa or use store-bought – either way, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleasing dip for corn dog dunking.
Honey
Sweet honey is another great way to elevate plain corn dogs. Drizzle or dip the corn dogs in honey for an extra hint of sweetness. The sticky viscosity and floral flavors of honey complement the crisp cornmeal and savory hot dog beautifully. Honey adds subtle flavor and enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. Kids and adults alike will love this sweet nectar on corn dogs!
Cheddar Cheese
For extra cheesy corn dogs, try topping them with shredded cheddar cheese right after frying. The hot oil will melt the cheese into deliciously gooey ribbons of flavor. Sharp cheddar adds a salty, creamy punch that takes corn dogs over the top. For even more cheesy impact, dip the cheese-topped corn dogs in cheese sauce! The melted cheese on top and creamy cheese sauce make corndogs irresistibly cheesy.
Sesame Seeds
Here’s a simple yet flavorful topping – sprinkle sesame seeds onto freshly fried corn dogs. The tiny sesame seeds add crunch and nutty flavor to complement the hot dog and cornmeal coating. They also add eye appeal with a pretty speckled look. Sesame seeds are a classic crunchy topping for all kinds of fried foods, and they’re equally at home giving corn dogs an extra dash of flavor and texture.
Onion Rings
For the ultimate fair food pairing, serve up corn dogs with crispy onion rings on the side. Onion rings offer a tasty crunchy, oniony accompaniment to enjoy between bites of corn dog. The savory onion flavor balances out the sweetness of the cornmeal coating. Onion rings and corn dogs are classic state fair foods, so why not put them together for a delicious all-American meal? Add ketchup and mustard for dipping both!
Coleslaw
Cool, creamy coleslaw is another winning side pairing with corn dogs. The crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw tossed in a vinegary dressing provides fresh contrast to the hot corn dogs. Tangy coleslaw helps cut through the richness of the fried food. The veggie crunch also balances the starchy cornmeal. For a finger-food dinner, serve up corn dogs with a side of zesty coleslaw.
Chips and Guacamole
For a Mexican-inspired pairing, try serving corn dogs with tortilla chips and fresh guacamole. The salty crunch of the chips and cool, creamy guac make a tasty accompaniment. The green flavors of avocado and onion in the guacamole are delicious with the golden cornmeal coating. Scoop up guac with your chips between corn dog bites for a fun south-of-the-border twist.
Corn Salsa
Here’s an extra corny pairing – corn salsa! The sweet corn, tomato and onion flavors make a natural partner for corn dogs. The fresh textures and Mexican spices in the salsa liven up the hot corn dogs. Make your own quick corn salsa or use a store-bought version for chunky flavor. The corn-on-corn combo is surprisingly delightful.
Fries
For an easy, classic side, you can’t go wrong pairing corn dogs with french fries. Crispy fries are the perfect vehicle for more ketchup and mustard dipping. The combination of fries and corn dogs is a beloved fixture of fairs and fast food joints, for good reason – it just works! The salty crunch of fries complements the corny richness of the corn dogs. Serve up this all-American duo for a quintessential corn dog experience.
Conclusion
Corn dogs make for a fun and convenient snack or meal, and topping them with flavorful condiments or pairing them with tasty sides can take them to the next level. Ketchup, mustard, chili, cheese sauce, jalapeños, coleslaw, onion rings and more all taste great with corn dogs. Use your favorite condiments or get creative mixing sweet, savory, spicy and tangy flavors. With so many options for delicious toppings and sides, there’s no limit to the fun of finding your perfect corn dog flavor pairings!