These Game Day Mini Vegan Corndog Bites are fun and tasty little snacks! Made with plant-based ingredients, they are perfect for munching while cheering on your team.
Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist these bites. I love how easy they are to whip up, and they’re perfect for sharing with friends. Who doesn’t want a mini corndog at a game day party? 🏈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vegan Hot Dogs: These are the heart of the recipe! You can find various brands offering great-tasting options. If you’re not picky, consider using tempeh or seitan for a different texture and flavor.
Cornmeal: This gives the bites their classic corndog crunch. If you don’t have cornmeal on hand, you could use fine polenta or even ground oats for a unique twist!
Flour: All-purpose flour is common, but feel free to swap with gluten-free flour if needed. I’ve made it with chickpea flour too, which adds a nice richness!
Plant-based Milk: Almond and soy milks work great, but oat milk delivers a creamy texture that I personally enjoy. Just ensure it’s unsweetened to keep the flavor balanced.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Perfectly Coated Corndog?
Coating the hot dogs properly makes all the difference! Make sure your batter is thick enough to stick but not so thick that it can’t cover the hot dog evenly.
- Prepare the batter right before frying to maintain its thickness.
- Pat the hot dog pieces dry for better adhesion of the batter.
- Dunk the skewered hot dogs, allowing excess batter to drip off before frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
Follow these tips and you’ll have perfectly crispy corndog bites that are sure to please your guests! Enjoy them hot for the best experience!
Game Day Mini Vegan Corndog Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 vegan hot dogs or vegan sausages, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard powder (optional, for corndog flavor)
- 1 tablespoon oil (plus more for frying)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks
- Ketchup and yellow mustard for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 10 minutes for cooking. You’ll have delicious bites ready in about 25 minutes! Perfect for game day or any fun gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegan Buttermilk:
In a medium bowl, combine the plant-based milk with the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Give it a quick stir and let it sit for 5 minutes. This helps create a vegan buttermilk that adds flavor!
2. Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, mustard powder (if using), and black pepper (if using). Once mixed, slowly whisk in the vegan buttermilk and oil until you get a smooth batter. It should be thick enough to coat the hot dog pieces.
3. Prepare the Hot Dogs:
Using a paper towel, pat dry the mini hot dog pieces to ensure the batter sticks well. This step is key for a perfect coating!
4. Skewer the Hot Dogs:
Insert wooden skewers or toothpicks into each mini hot dog piece. This makes them easy to handle and dip into the batter.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat oil to about 350°F (175°C). It should be around 2-3 inches deep for frying. Keep an eye on the temperature to ensure even cooking.
6. Dip and Fry:
Carefully dip each skewered hot dog piece into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, gently place the battered pieces into the hot oil. Fry them in batches for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the bites with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels. This keeps them crispy! Serve warm with ketchup and yellow mustard for dipping.
Enjoy these crispy, fun-sized vegan corndog bites perfect for game day snacks! They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Can I use different types of vegan hot dogs?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite brand or type of vegan sausage. Tempeh, seitan, or even homemade veggie dogs can work wonderfully for this recipe!
What can I substitute for cornmeal if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have cornmeal, you can use fine polenta or even ground oats for a similar texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these corndog bites gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your vegan hot dogs are also gluten-free!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until crispy again, rather than the microwave, which can make them soggy.
