Corn Dog Casserole

It’s state fair time and what better way to celebrate than with some carnival inspired food? Do you like corn dogs? I sure do. But I don’t like the fat and calories associated with eating a deep fried hotdog. This casserole tastes a lot like a corn dog and it’s a lot better for you, too.

Corn Dog Casserole

2 cups thinly sliced celery

2 T butter

1 1/2 cups sliced green onion

1 1/2 pounds hot dogs

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

2 tsp rubbed sage

1/2 tsp pepper

2 packages (8 1/2 oz each) corn bread/muffin mix

2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

In a skillet, saute celery in butter for 5 minutes. Add onions; saute for 5 minutes. Place in a large bowl; set aside. Cut hotdogs lengthwise into quarters, then cut into thirds. In the same skillet, saute the hot dogs for 5 minutes or until lightly browned; add to vegetables. Set aside one cup.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk, sage and pepper. Add the remaining hotdog mix. Stir in corn bread mixes. Add 1 1/2 cups of cheese.

Spread into a 3 quart baking dish. Top with reserved hot dog mixture and remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Yield: 12 servings

Taste of Home Magazine (August/September 1998)

My Notes

• I use fat-free hotdogs, skim milk, and low-fat cheese to save calories.
• I saute the celery for five minutes, add the onions for a few minutes, then add the hotdogs.
• I mix the milk, eggs, corn bread mix, and sage in a separate bowl and then mix in the hot dog mixture (all of it).
• I add all of the cheese, mix, and then spread in a greased casserole. It’s a lot faster and easier this way.

Saute the celery first, then add in the onions:

Add the hotdogs and cook until they are just browned:

I forgot to take pictures of the next few steps!

Hot out of the oven:

I layered the hotdog/veggie mixture in the pan first and topped it with the cornbread/egg/ milk/cheese/sage mixture. I think it is best to mix it all together first. It was worth a try!

Mmmm…..

I’m linking this post to Tasty Tuesday at Jen’s Balancing Beauty and Bedlam and to Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum. Be sure to visit each blog for great recipe ideas.