WW 5 Points Corn Dogs: A Nostalgic Treat, Reimagined

As a chef, I’ve always believed that comfort food holds a special place in our hearts, often tied to cherished memories. For me, the scent of hot dogs wrapped in golden batter, fresh from the fryer or oven, immediately transports me back to carefree summer days and bustling fairgrounds. There’s an undeniable joy in that simple, satisfying bite. Today, we’re going to revisit that beloved classic, the corn dog, with a clever twist that aligns with mindful eating principles, making it a delicious and accessible treat for everyone. This recipe takes the familiar flavors and textures we love and offers a way to enjoy them without the guilt.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 8 Corn Dogs
• Dietary Type: Low Point Friendly

Ingredients

• 1 can (11.5 ounces) Pillsbury cornbread twists
• 8 fat-free beef and pork hot dogs
• 8 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
• 2 large egg whites, whisked
• 1/3 cup seasoned dry bread crumb
• 1 spritz cooking spray

Equipment Needed

• Large baking sheet
• Shallow dishes (two)
• Rolling pin (optional, for adjusting rectangle size)

Instructions

Let’s dive into creating these delightful corn dogs. The process is straightforward, and the result is incredibly rewarding.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a perfectly golden and cooked exterior.
2. Next, prepare your baking sheet. Coat a large baking sheet with a light mist of cooking spray. This will prevent the corn dogs from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
3. Now, it’s time to work with the cornbread. Unroll the cornbread twists from their packaging. You’ll notice perforations that are designed to help you divide them. Separate into 8 equal parts by following these perforations. Each of these larger pieces will consist of two original cornbread twists.
4. To create a uniform wrapper, pinch together the existing perforations between your thumbs. The goal here is to form 8 solid pieces of cornbread, eliminating any gaps.
5. Gently roll each piece into a 4×5-inch rectangle. If the dough is a little resistant, a light dusting of flour on your surface might help, but try to keep it minimal to maintain the point values. You want a thin, even layer to wrap around the hot dogs.
6. On the inner surface of each cornbread rectangle, spread 1 teaspoon of spicy brown mustard. This adds a wonderful tang and depth of flavor that complements the sweet cornbread and savory hot dog.
7. Carefully place one hot dog on each rectangle of mustard-spread cornbread. Roll up the cornbread snugly around the hot dog, ensuring it’s fully enclosed.
8. Once rolled, pinch the ends in to seal the hot dog completely within the cornbread. This step is crucial to prevent any filling from escaping during baking.
9. Prepare your coating station. Place the whisked egg whites in one shallow dish and the seasoned dry bread crumbs in another shallow dish. These will form the crispy outer layer.
10. Now, for the coating. Roll each corn dog first in the egg whites, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess drip off.
11. Immediately after the egg white bath, transfer the corn dog to the bread crumbs. Turn to coat thoroughly, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
12. Finally, transfer the coated corn dogs to your prepared baking sheet. Arrange them so they have a little space between them for even cooking.
13. Bake until golden brown, which should take approximately 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they reach your desired level of golden perfection.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Elevating your homemade corn dogs is all about attention to detail and a few smart techniques.

• Uniformity is Key: When rolling out the cornbread rectangles, aim for consistency in thickness. This ensures that all your corn dogs cook evenly and have a similar bite. If some are thicker than others, they might brown at different rates.
• Seal it Tight: Don’t be shy when pinching the ends of the cornbread around the hot dog. A good seal is essential to keep everything contained and present a clean, appealing finished product.
• Double Dip? While this recipe uses a single coating of egg white and breadcrumbs for point management, if you were aiming for a more traditional, thicker crunch, you could repeat the egg white and breadcrumb dip. However, for this specific recipe, we’re sticking to the single layer to maintain its lightness.
• Hot Dog Choice Matters: Opt for good quality, fat-free hot dogs. The flavor of the hot dog itself will shine through, so choose one you enjoy. Some brands offer smaller, cocktail-sized hot dogs, which could be a fun variation if you’re looking for mini corn dogs.
• Mustard Magic: Spicy brown mustard offers a pleasant kick, but feel free to experiment with other mustards like Dijon or even a honey mustard for a sweeter profile, keeping in mind any point adjustments if you deviate significantly.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These WW 5 Points Corn Dogs are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the cornbread is warm and slightly crisp, and the hot dog is perfectly heated. They make a fantastic main dish, a fun appetizer, or a satisfying snack.

For serving, you can present them as is, or with a side of extra spicy brown mustard, ketchup, or even a light coleslaw for a complete meal.

If you find yourself with leftovers, which is unlikely but possible, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the cornbread is slightly crisped again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the cornbread soft and gummy.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, keeping in mind that point values can vary based on specific product brands used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	26.8 kcal
Calories from Fat
Total Fat	0.5 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	0%
Cholesterol	0.1 mg	0%
Sodium	158.3 mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	3.8 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.4 g	1%
Sugars	0.4 g	1%
Protein	1.8 g	3%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and brands used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is designed to be point-friendly, there’s always room for personalization.

• Gluten-Free Twist: For a gluten-free version, explore pre-made gluten-free cornbread mixes or recipes that use gluten-free flour blends. You’ll need to experiment with how they behave when unrolled and shaped, as gluten-free doughs can be trickier to handle.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef and pork hot dogs with your favorite vegetarian or vegan hot dogs. Ensure they are the correct size to fit within the cornbread rectangles.
• Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture. You could also drizzle a touch of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce on the side for dipping.
• Herbal Infusion: For a subtle aromatic twist, try adding dried herbs like chives, parsley, or even a touch of dill to the breadcrumb mixture.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these corn dogs ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the rolled and coated corn dogs and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to bake them as soon as possible after coating.

Q: What kind of hot dogs are best to use?
A: Fat-free beef and pork hot dogs are recommended for their flavor and lower point value. However, feel free to use any hot dog you enjoy, just be mindful of potential point adjustments.

Q: Why are my corn dogs not golden brown?
A: Ensure your oven is accurately preheated to 375°F. If they aren’t browning sufficiently, you can increase the oven temperature slightly for the last few minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Q: Can I air fry these corn dogs?
A: While this recipe is written for oven baking, air frying is a possibility. You would likely need to experiment with temperature and time, potentially around 375°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, to achieve a similar result.

Q: What are “WW 5 Points”?
A: “WW 5 Points” refers to the Weight Watchers (now WW) program’s system of assigning point values to foods. This recipe is designed so that each corn dog counts as approximately 5 points within that system, allowing for mindful enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

These WW 5 Points Corn Dogs are a testament to how classic comfort food can be adapted to fit a mindful lifestyle without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. They offer a delightful crunch, a savory filling, and that unmistakable taste of nostalgia, all in a more approachable package. I encourage you to give these a try, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a taste of childhood with a modern sensibility. Serve them with a crisp green salad for a balanced and utterly delicious meal. Happy cooking!