Copycat Disneyland Corn Dog Recipe for National Corn Dog Day

Happy National Corn Dog Day! Yes, it’s a real thing. And even if you don’t believe me, I’ll be celebrating with a crunchy and delicious copycat recipe of Disneyland’s Red Wagon Corn Dog. It’s not nearly as difficult as it looks, and I hope you’ll give it a shot.

Hot dogs were a favorite food of Walt Disney. His housekeeper was known to always have a supply on hand in case Walt needed a snack. During the planning of where to put trashcans in Disneyland, Walt’s calculus was based on how many steps it took him to eat a hot dog. Exactly 25 steps! In the classic 1929 Mickey short “The Karnival Kid,” Mickey’s first words are “Hot Dog!”

That’s all good and dandy, but we’re celebrating corn dogs today, aren’t we? That brings me to my next point: what’s better than a hot dog? One that’s been dipped in a cornmeal mix, deep-fried, and eaten on a stick! in my opinion, the best place to get one is at the Red Wagon on Main Street, tucked around the corner from Plaza Inn.

Let me explain my reasoning behind my statement: you can get a corn dog at The Stage Door in Frontierland or at a handful of places in DCA but those corn dogs are all cooked in the same oil as french fries, onion rings, fish, cheese, and other fried foods. As a result, the corn dogs from those locations will absorb the other flavors of fried food since it shares the same oil. The corn dogs from the Red Wagon is exclusive to corn dogs so you can enjoy those crispy, golden goodies in their purest form. I’ve been known to wait in a very long noon-time line for one of these great corn dogs. That’s my dedication to Disneyland foodie greatness!

While we wait for Disneyland to reopen on April 30, I hope that you’re able to make a little Disneyland-inspired magic at home with this delicious recipe.

And here’s a fun fact for you: the Disneyland Railroad steam trains are powered by biodiesel made from recycled cooking oil! So next time you’re in the park, don’t feel bad about ordering a corn dog or two— the oil will be put to good use again soon.

Copycat Red Wagon Corn Dogs

• 1 quart vegetable or peanut oil for frying
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2  teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
  • Don’t have buttermilk on hand? No need to stress, use this handy substitution: add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 cups of milk, let stand for 5 minutes before using in the recipe. Reserve leftover “buttermilk” for pancakes or other use)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 8 hot dogs
• Popsicle, long wooden coffee stirrers or craft sticks

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to use a candy thermometer to ensure the accurate temperature of oil.
  
  
• In a mixing bowl, stir together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to beat in the egg, milk, and melted butter.
  
  
• Insert the popsicle or craft sticks into each hot dog leaving enough of the stick showing to create a handle. Pat each hot dog dry with a paper towel.
  
  
• Transfer batter to a tall drinking glass for easy dipping. I have found that a Disney/Starbucks ceramic tall travel mug works great. Dip each hot dog into the batter, covering the hot dog completely. After dipping, put immediately into the hot oil to fry.
  
  
• Fry each dog until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per corn dog. Put on paper towels to drain.
  
  
• You can freeze what you don’t eat right away. Reheat in the oven on a baking sheet at 400 degrees for about 10-12 minutes to crisp them up.
  
  
• Use can save unused batter in the travel mug by putting on the lid and storing in in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Let’s Hear From You

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a Red Wagon corn dog, and this recipe is as close as it gets for the time being. I hope that you give this recipe a try, and of course, show off your home-made corn dogs! Where is your go-to spot for a corn dog at the Disneyland Resort? Share your thoughts in the comments below.