Whenever I put this on the table, everyone seems to go bonkers

Corn dogs are an all-time favorite, especially at county fairs and summer carnivals. If you want to bring a little of that fun, festive atmosphere into your home, this recipe for Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Dogs is the way to do it. With a spicy twist and gooey cheese, these corn dogs are sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for a weekend treat or a party appetizer, they're easier to make than you might think and incredibly satisfying.

These Jalapeño Cheddar Corn Dogs pair wonderfully with crispy French fries or a fresh, tangy coleslaw to balance out the spicy and savory flavors. For a complete meal, serve them with a side of baked beans or a light, citrusy green salad. Don't forget the dipping sauces too; honey mustard, spicy ketchup, or a creamy ranch can add an extra burst of flavor.

Servings: 8

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
8 hot dogs
4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into small sticks
2 jalapeños, finely chopped
8 wooden skewers
Vegetable oil for frying

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In another bowl, lightly beat the buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.

4. Pat the hot dogs dry with paper towels. Make a slit down the center of each hot dog and insert a stick of cheddar cheese and a few pieces of chopped jalapeño into each slit.

5. Insert the wooden skewers into the hot dogs, leaving enough sticking out to comfortably hold.

6. Pour the batter into a tall glass; this will make it easier to coat the hot dogs evenly.

7. Preheat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).

8. Dip each hot dog into the batter, ensuring it is completely coated. Let any excess batter drip off before carefully placing it in the hot oil.

9. Fry the corn dogs for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

10. Remove the corn dogs with a pair of tongs and drain on paper towels.

11. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

If you want a milder version, you can omit the jalapeños or substitute them with mild green chilies. For a more decadent option, try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You can also swap out the hot dogs for chicken sausages or even vegetarian sausages to cater to different dietary preferences.