Corn Dog: The Blurry Origin

Over the centuries, corndogs have gained global popularity. But what is a corn dog, and where does it originate?

What is a corndog?

A corn dog is a deep-fried sausage on a stick covered in a thick layer of batter made from cornmeal.

Where did it all begin?

It turns out that the history of who invented corndogs is somewhat blurry, as per various inventions. More than one American eatery has claimed that they were the originator of this delicious product. So let's trace back to where it all supposedly began.

In 1927, Stanley Jenkins - a New Yorker, would apply for a patent for a device to make what would be known now as corndog. His application would explain how the device would be used to cook any food impaled on a stick, battered and deep-fried, such as the franks. However, corndogs themselves would only gain popularity in the 1940s.

In 1941, 'Pronto Pup' a small fountain shop in Portland, Oregon, would start selling their cornmeal battered and deep-fried hot dog on a stick. They would later claim that corndogs are nothing but an off-brand of their product.

Meanwhile, Ed Waldmire - a co-founder of Cozy Dog Drive-in, would argue that the invention came to him after he ate a sandwich in 1941 at this roadside diner in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He would later confide in his friend Don Strand, whose dad was in the baking field. In 1946, they would launch Cozy dogs.

But, years earlier, in 1942, Neil and Carl Fletcher would decide to start selling 'Corny dogs' at Texas State Fair. Hence, there would be these vast claims for many about how they were the inventors of this brilliant idea. And funnily enough, deep frying has been traced back to ancient Egypt. The concept of corn dog seems to have existed prior to those claims made by these American eateries.

Even if the history of corndog is not necessarily clear, there is no denying that this delicious creation has gained popularity and rightfully so. Corndog shops and businesses are now present worldwide, with many enterprises putting their own spin on the product.