Pronto Pup {Copycat Recipe} (2024)

Pronto Pups have been winning the corn dog race for generations. The light and fluffy batter surrounds a perfectly cooked hot dog with a slight sweetness and a light crisp. No one can resist this amazing flavor combination! If you love State Fair foods, make sure to check out my fried pickles!

Pronto Pup {Copycat Recipe} (1)

Pronto Pups vs. Corn Dogs

The great debate here at the state fair is not co*ke versus Pepsi, it is pronto pup versus corn dog. Personally, I gravitate towards the pronto pup. Why? The batter.

The reality is that the pronto pup and the corn dog are very similar, but a few tweaks in the ingredients make all of the difference. Want to know what the big difference is? Pronto pups use more flour and less cornmeal, making for a much lighter batter and a crispier crust.

No matter which side of the debate you are on, I think we can all agree that you simply cannot go wrong with a deep-fried hot dog.

Pronto Pup {Copycat Recipe} (2)

Heating the Oil

You will want to make sure that the skillet is deep enough to add a few inches of oil. Pour enough oil into the pan so that it will adequately cover an entire hot dog. Heat that oil up to 365°F. I will put a candy thermometer right into the oil and leave it there so I can monitor the oil temperature. You really want to regulate it and keep it as close to 365°F as possible.

If the oil gets too hot, your dogs will burn on the outside but not be cooked through on the inside. And, be sure to check the temperature of the oil after each hot dog or two has been fried; the oil tends to cool down a bit after each batch. If you have any leftover oil, don’t throw it out; first, check outHow to Clarify Used Cooking Oilso it doesn’t go to waste.

Pronto Pup {Copycat Recipe} (3)

Prepping and Cooking Pronto Pups

While your oil is heating, you can prep the pronto pup. Insert a wooden stick into the end of each hotdog. Dip the hotdog into the batter and cover it completely. Now, carefully lower the pronto pup into the oil, turning it a little as you go to set the batter.

Let that cook for about 5 minutes or until it is a nice golden brown color. Take it out of the oil and place it on a paper towel to catch any excess oil. Make sure to serve these hot!

Pronto Pup {Copycat Recipe} (4)

Best Toppings for Pronto Pups

Believe it or not, this is where the debate takes an even crazier turn. Once you FINALLY decide on a pronto pup or a corn dog, you will then learn that there are entire groups of people that will literally fight you on what you decide to put on top. Mustard people don’t like the ketchup people, and ketchup people don’t like the mustard people. I have always liked to stay neutral so I went with both. 😉

If you are feeling like a complete rebel, there are a few other ways to dress up a pronto pup. Here are some options:

  • chili, cheese, and onions
  • cheese sauce
  • hot sauce and sour cream
  • ketchup and mayonnaise
Pronto Pup {Copycat Recipe} (5)

Pronto Pup {Copycat Recipe} (6)

Pronto Pup

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Pronto Pups have been winning the corn dog race for generations. The light and fluffy batter surround the perfectly cooked hot dog with a slight sweetness and a light crisp. No one can resist this amazing flavor combination!

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • cup (81 g) yellow cornmeal
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons shortening
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup milk
  • 10 wooden craft sticks
  • 1 pound hot dogs
  • canola oil, for frying
  • ketchup, optional
  • mustard, optional

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, dry mustard, and salt. Mix well.

  • Add the shortening and cut it into the mixture using fork until the mixture becomes a fine crumble.

  • In a small bowl, mix together egg and milk. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until smooth (batter will be thick).

  • Pour enough oil into a deep heavy skillet to cover the hot dogs completely. Heat the oil to 365°F.

  • Insert a wooden stick in one end of each hot dog. Dip the hot dog into the batter to coat. Place the hot dogs into the hot oil 1 or 2 at a time. Cook the hot dogs in the oil for 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally. The hot dogs are done with the batter is a dark golden brown color.

  • Remove the pronto pup from the oil and set on a paper towel to catch any excess oil.

  • Serve immediately topped with ketchup and/or mustard.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal

Course: Main Course

Keyword: Corn Dog, Pronto Pup, State Fair

Servings: 12

Calories: 320

Author: Amanda Rettke

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Categorized in: Drinks

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Meet Amanda Rettke

Amanda Rettke is the creator of I Am Baker, and the bestselling author of Surprise Inside Cakes: Amazing Cakes for Every Occasion – With a Little Something Extra Inside.Over the course of her 15+ year blogging adventure, she has been featured in and collaborated with the Food Network, New York Times, LA Times, Country Living Magazine, People Magazine, Epicurious, Brides, Romantic Homes, life:beautiful, Publishers Weekly, The Daily Mail, Star Tribune, The Globe and Mail, DailyCandy, YumSugar, The Knot, The Kitchn, and Parade, to name a few.

Pronto Pup {Copycat Recipe} (2024)

FAQs

What is Pronto Pup batter made of? ›

Pronto Pup batter is made with pancake batter, whereas non-descript corn dogs use variations of cornbread batter. While both include cornmeal, the difference is in the sweetness: corn dogs have it; Pronto Pups don't.

What makes a Pronto Pup different than a corn dog? ›

Both the Pronto Pup and corn dog contain a certain percentage of cornmeal, but a “classic” corn dog has sugar, while a Pronto Pup does not.

How much is a Pronto Pup at the Minnesota State Fair? ›

Pronto Pups are only $4. 4. The Corn Roast will sell you an ear for $3.

Was Pronto Pup the first corn dog? ›

Pronto Pup is to the "C-D word" as Xerox is to copier and Kleenex is to tissue — but at its heart, it's a corn dog. And some claim it was the very first one in the country. Pronto Pups aren't native to Minnesota, but Minnesotans have wholeheartedly embraced them.

What is the origin of the Pronto Pup? ›

The birth of the Pronto Pup goes back to Labor Day 1939. It was on that day that George Boyington, who ran a hot dog stand in Rockaway Beach with his wife, had an idea as he sat with overstocked stale buns. What about a batter that could be cooked on demand? Boyington determined a delicious, pronto solution.

What is a papa pup? ›

Papa Pup on-a-stick. 10" flour-battered deep-fried hot dog.

Is a Dagwood dog the same as a corn dog? ›

Whether you call it a pluto pup, dagwood dog, or corn dog, we can all agree that these American fair classics will be a hit with the kids and adults alike. Drizzled with ketchup and mustard, these crispy, battered hot dogs make the ultimate party food.

Why are corn dogs called Pluto pups? ›

The name "Pluto pup" likely derives from the Disney character Pluto, who is a dog. "Dagwood dog" is derived from the name of a character from the American comic strip Blondie, which was created in 1930.

How many calories in a pronto pup? ›

Pronto Pup - About 332 calories due to the sweeter batter.

Where was the corn dog invented? ›

Several sources say Carl and Neil Fletcher were the official inventors, at the Texas State Fair in 1942. However, there is a debate as Pronto Pup vendors claim they created the corn dog in 1941 at the Minnesota State Fair.

Which is sweeter corn dog or Pronto Pup? ›

That's likely because Pronto Pup batter only uses a dash of sugar in comparison to the sweeter corn dog crusts. While there is cornmeal in the Pronto Pup batter, according to Minnesota franchise owner Gregg Karnis, there's also corn, wheat and rice flours, giving it a more grain-forward taste.

Why is it called corn dog? ›

The term "corn dog" refers to the fact that a hot dog or sausage is coated in a batter made from cornmeal before being deep-fried. The "corn" in the name comes from the cornmeal batter, not the meat, and the "dog" part of the name refers to the hot dog or sausage used as the filling.

Who invented the Pronto Pup? ›

Early in 1941, George and Vera Boyington's dreams became reality when their ingenious Pronto Pup became a nation-wide hit, revolutionizing America's fast-food industry and kicking off the franchise craze. The Pups are plump and tasty hot dogs on a stick, coated with the special batter and deep-fried to a golden brown.

What is corn dog breading made of? ›

Cornmeal and flour: This corn dog batter starts with yellow cornmeal and all-purpose flour. Sugar: A pinch of sugar lends a hint of sweetness. Baking powder: Baking powder acts as a leavener, which means it helps the batter rise. Salt and pepper: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

What is cornmeal batter made of? ›

In mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add melted butter, stir to combine, and make a well in center of dry ingredients. Add beaten egg, buttermilk and baking soda; mix until smooth.

What are Disney corn dogs made of? ›

all-purpose flour– Flour is used to make the batter for the corn dogs. kosher salt– Kosher salt is a coarse salt commonly used in cooking and baking. baking powder– Baking powder is used in the batter for the corn dogs. granulated sugar– This fine white sugar is used to add a touch of sweetness to the batter.

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