Deep-Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger

Crispy, gooey, and packed with bold flavor, this deep fried turkey bacon cheeseburger corn dogs recipe delivers everything you crave in a single bite. If you are searching for an easy homemade party snack or a creative twist on classic fair food, these corn dogs come together in under 30 minutes with savory seasoned beef, melty cheddar, and smokey turkey bacon tucking into a golden cornmeal batter. Prep requires just 20 minutes, and with a four minute fry they are a quick weeknight dinner, make ahead game day appetizer, or unique potluck hit everyone will love.

I first made these deep fried turkey bacon cheeseburger corn dogs for a football watch party and guests devoured the entire first batch before halftime. The layers of seasoned ground beef, smokey turkey bacon, creamy cheddar, and ultra crunchy coating recreated a cheeseburger corn dog in one portable snack. After experimenting with different filling combinations and cheese choices, this fun recipe quickly became a family tradition that gets requests at kid sleepovers, potlucks, and weekend movie nights alike.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Ground beef (80 percent lean or higher): Provides the savory, juicy filling for each corn dog; choose quality beef for better texture and flavor. Substitute with ground turkey for a lighter variation.
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder: Season the beef blend, enhancing its depth without overpowering the cheese or bacon. Sea salt adds more complexity if desired.
• Turkey bacon: Brings smokey flavor with less fat than pork; makes these corn dogs a touch lighter and kid friendly. Substitute with pork bacon or vegan bacon for preference.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey interior; sharp cheddar adds extra punch, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda can be used too.
• All purpose flour and yellow cornmeal: Create the classic fluffy yet crisp corn dog coating; use gluten free flour blends as needed for dietary modifications.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory filling and help browning. Adjust to taste or omit if you like a less sweet batter.
• Baking powder: Makes the coating puff up and stay light; helps prevent a dense crust. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best results.
• Buttermilk: Brings tang and moisture to the batter, keeping the crust tender and flavorful. Substitute with regular milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar if needed.
• Large egg: Binds the batter together, providing structure so it adheres well during frying. Pasture raised eggs add a richer color.
• Vegetable oil (for frying): Chosen for its high smoke point to achieve crisp exterior without burning; canola or peanut oil work equally well.
• Wooden skewers: Allow for easy assembly and serving; soak before use if batch frying to prevent charring on the ends.

How to Make Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs

Sauté and Season the Beef Filling:

Combine one pound of ground beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Mix gently with clean hands just until evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat or it may become dense. Let the seasoned beef rest while preparing the remaining ingredients to let flavors blend.

Add the Turkey Bacon and Cheese Center:

On wax paper or a tray, flatten two tablespoons of seasoned beef into an oval. Place a pinch of shredded cheddar plus small pieces of cooked turkey bacon in the center. Fold the beef up and around the filling, fully sealing it in, and shape each into a four to five inch sausage. Repeat for all portions to create uniform pieces.

Chill and Skewer for Easy Handling:

Insert a wooden skewer lengthwise into each formed beef sausage and line them on a tray. Freeze skewered sausages for at least thirty minutes until firm. Chilling is crucial for holding shape while dipping and prevents cheese from leaking while frying.

Mix Up the Cornbread Batter:

In a clean bowl, stir together one cup flour, one cup yellow cornmeal, two tablespoons sugar, one tablespoon baking powder, and half a teaspoon salt. In a separate container, whisk one cup buttermilk and a large egg until blended, then combine with dry mixture just until incorporated. Do not overmix to preserve a light, fluffy coating.

Heat the Oil to Frying Temperature:

Pour at least three inches of vegetable oil into a heavy pot or deep fryer. Attach a frying thermometer and heat the oil to 350°F. Maintaining this precise temperature prevents greasy batter and ensures even cooking with a perfectly crisp shell.

Coat and Fry Each Corn Dog:

When beef skewers are solid, dip each sausage into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Let excess drip off, then carefully submerge a few at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about four minutes, turning as needed until golden brown and the coating is crisp all over.

Drain and Serve Hot:

Remove with tongs to a wire rack or paper towels to drain off oil. Repeat with remaining corn dogs, letting oil return to heat between batches. Serve immediately with dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or spicy ketchup for extra flavor and fun.

The moment I discovered how well turkey bacon paired with cheddar inside seasoned beef, I started testing different cheeses and bacon types for even bolder flavor. One of my favorite kitchen memories is making these with my kids, and their excitement when the cheese oozed out with every bite still makes me smile. Packed with protein and flavor, these corn dogs make parties, lunchboxes, or game days fun and memorable for all ages.

Smart Swaps and Variations

If you want a lighter option, swap in ground turkey or chicken for beef, or use vegan meat crumbles for a plant based version. Substituting gluten free flour and cornmeal lets anyone enjoy these without wheat. Play with different cheese varieties like mozzarella for extra melt, pepper jack for heat, or smoked gouda for a deeper flavor profile. If you prefer to avoid deep fryers, bake at 425°F on a lined sheet for twelve to fifteen minutes, flipping halfway, for a crisp shell and gooey center without oil.

How to Store and Reheat Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs

Store leftover corn dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days to maintain freshness and texture. For longer storage, wrap each cooled corn dog in parchment and place in a freezer safe zip top bag or storage container; they keep well frozen for up to three months. To reheat, bake from refrigerated or frozen in a 350°F oven for ten to fifteen minutes or air fry at 350°F for five to seven minutes, restoring a hot, crispy coating and gooey center each time.

What to Serve with Deep Fried Turkey Bacon Cheeseburger Corn Dogs

Pair these crispy corn dogs with apple slaw for a bright, tangy bite or classic dill pickle chips to highlight fair food nostalgia. Create a dipping bar featuring spicy ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue, or sriracha aioli to let everyone customize. Serve alongside sweet potato fries, baked beans, or coleslaw for a hearty, well balanced weeknight dinner or party spread that appeals to both kids and adults.

Nutritional Benefits

Each deep fried turkey bacon cheeseburger corn dog supplies about 25 grams of protein per serving to keep you full and energized. Using turkey bacon instead of pork lowers saturated fat, while gluten free flour blends allow anyone to enjoy these handheld snacks. Essential vitamins like calcium and B12 from the beef and cheese make them nourishing as well as fun, and plant based swaps can further increase fiber or protein as desired.

Recipe Success Tips

If your cornbread batter doesn't stick, make sure the beef sausage is well chilled and dry before dipping and keep batter cold. Fry in small batches to sustain the right oil temperature for maximum crunch and minimal greasiness. Insert a thermometer into the beef to ensure it reaches at least 160°F for food safety, and let the oil return to temperature between batches for evenly golden, crisp results every time.

These deep fried turkey bacon cheeseburger corn dogs are always the hit of my family gatherings and work just as well for parties or weeknight treats. Try them once and they’ll quickly become your go to for bold, crispy, cheesy corn dogs everyone raves about.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How do I ensure a crispy coating?

Use hot oil (around 350°F) and coat the corn dogs evenly before frying for a perfect, golden crust.

→ Can I substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon?

Yes, regular bacon works if you prefer traditional flavors—just cook and crumble before adding.

→ What cheese works best?

Shredded cheddar melts easily and adds tangy flavor, but you can try pepper jack for a kick.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Ensure the beef fully encloses the cheese and bacon, pressing gently to seal all edges well.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Let cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best texture.