Dagwood Dog / Pluto Pup
Australian fair corn dog (often with sweeter batter than USA versions), typically served with tomato sauce.
The Dagwood Dog (Australia) and its sibling, the Pluto Pup, are Down Under’s answer to the corn dog. Popular at Australian fairs, carnivals, and beachside snack stands, these battered and deep-fried hot dogs are typically served on a stick and smothered in tomato sauce (ketchup). The name “Dagwood Dog” likely references the towering sandwiches of the comic strip character Dagwood Bumstead, while “Pluto Pup” may have been a playful commercial branding from the mid-20th century. Unlike the American corn dog, the batter is usually thicker and more flour-based than cornmeal-based. They’ve become a nostalgic treat for generations of Aussies, especially during show season (state fairs). No Aussie fairground is complete without that unmistakable red-sauced pup on a stick.
Authentic Recipe
Ingredients
- 6-8 Frankfurters or hot dogs
- 6-8 Wooden skewers
- 1 cup Plain flour (Wheat flour)
- 1/2 cup Cornmeal or polenta
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Bicarbonate of soda (Baking soda)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Caster sugar
- 1 Egg
- 3/4 cup Buttermilk (Or regular milk)
- 1/4 cup Extra flour (For dusting)
- for deep frying Vegetable oil
- for serving Tomato sauce (Australian ketchup)
Instructions
- Mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in bowl.
- In separate bowl, whisk egg and buttermilk together.
- Gradually stir wet ingredients into dry to make thick, smooth batter.
- Heat oil in deep fryer or large saucepan to 180°C (350°F).
- Insert wooden skewers into frankfurters.
- Dust frankfurters lightly in extra flour, shaking off excess.
- Holding skewer end, dip each frankfurter into batter for complete coverage.
- Gently lower into hot oil.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on paper towel.
- Serve immediately with tomato sauce for dipping.
- This is authentic Aussie showground tradition!
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