A hot dog inside of a pickle inside of crispy corn dog batter? Dipped in peanut butter? Here's how and why to make Disney Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs at home.

I Recreated the Disney Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs So You Can Have a Taste of Disney at Home

I recently returned from “the happiest place on earth” with the happiest tummy on earth, all thanks to the Disney Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs. The food scene at Walt Disney World is no joke. That’s probably why so many tourists, like myself, come home and make Disney Parks copycat recipes to recreate the experience over and over again.
Many of these meals are larger than life, delightfully indulgent and just over the top enough to offer a bit of magical dramatic flair—like the Epcot Cosmic Cheesecake. The epic menu from the Disney Blue Ribbon Corn Dog stand on the Boardwalk is no exception. Reading up on these viral sensations in preparation for my most recent trip to Orlando, I learned that the corn dogs have quite the following online—and often a real line at the stand come lunchtime.
What’s so special about the Disney Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs?
In the name of culinary research, I embarked on a herculean task—to try all three of the impressive signature corn dogs on the menu at Blue Ribbon. They’re special for many reasons, but first and foremost, they’re huge. Each one sells for $15.50, but make no mistake, you are getting a full meal on a stick. The main reason these corn dogs have become so popular is because of the unique toppings and dipping sauces. Some will make your mouth water, while others will make you wonder what they were thinking!
How are they made?
The three signature corn dogs are each made in their own hand-crafted way.
First, there’s the Mexican Street Dog. It’s made with a jalapeno cheddar sausage that’s dipped and fried in a cornmeal batter. Just before serving, it’s topped with garlic mayonnaise, corn kernels, Cotija cheese, cilantro and garnished with a lime wedge. It’s probably best enjoyed with a knife and fork—that way you can get the full experience in every bite.
Then, there’s the Golden Dragon. This all-beef hot dog is also dipped in a cornmeal batter, but it’s also rolled in panko bread crumbs before it’s fried. This one is served with a duo of dipping sauces: Sriracha mayo and sweet Thai chili sauce.
Finally, there’s the reason for the trip and the recipe I couldn’t wait to recreate … the Pickle Dog. Imagine an all-beef hot dog squeezed inside a hollowed-out dill pickle. The entire thing is then dipped in a cornmeal batter, rolled in panko bread crumbs and deep-fried. But wait. Just before taking that first bite, the corn dog is dipped in a side of creamy peanut butter. This was a combination so wild, I had to taste it for myself to see what all the fuss was about.
Pickle Dog Ingredients
- Large dill pickles: Since the pickles will be hollowed out, search for pickles that are on the longer side and the straighter the better. You will see why in a minute.
- Hot dogs: Opt for a more traditional size all beef hot dog, not a jumbo size or bun length dog.
- Cornmeal batter: A basic recipe using cornmeal, self-rising flour, egg and milk works great. Our homemade corn dog recipe is a good place to start.
- Oil for frying: Make sure you have enough to fill your skillet or electric fryer at least an inch deep.
- Creamy peanut butter: Pick your favorite brands of peanut butter, and keep an open mind.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the pickles
To make this recipe work, I needed to find a way to get a whole hot dog encased in a pickle. It turns out, an apple corer is the perfect tool for the job. Carefully press down and twist each pickle to make space to insert the hot dogs. Insert the sticks in one end.
Step 2: Make the cornmeal batter
For the cornmeal batter I used the ratios from the corn dog recipe linked in the Ingredients section. It’s just the right consistency. The secret is to pat the pickles dry with a paper towel before dipping them, otherwise the batter won’t stick.
Step 3: Deep fry, and dip
Finally, fry the corn dogs in 375°F oil for about six minutes. They should be golden brown. Before taking that first bite, dip the corn dog in creamy peanut butter.
Are the Disney Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs good?
Corn dogs such a staple of summer and are inherently delicious, yet these creative inventions from Blue Ribbon are seriously next level. I loved the flavor profiles of the Mexican Street Dog and the Golden Dragon options. The idea of the Pickle Dog threw me for a loop, but the juxtaposition of textures, as well as the sweet-sour-savory notes was nothing short of Disney magic. The next time you’re in Orlando, hop on the Skyliner and take it to the Boardwalk for a dining experience that can’t be missed!