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Crispy, golden, and full of bold flavor, these beer battered little smokies are a crowd-pleasing snack that brings something extra to any party table. Cocktail weenies are coated in a fluffy beer-infused batter, deep-fried to perfection, and finished with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for added crunch and flavor. Paired with a creamy, zippy dipping sauce, they’re quick to make and even quicker to disappear. Whether it’s game day, happy hour, or just a craving, this recipe delivers fun and flavor.
Looking for new appetizer or finger food ideas? Try these everything bagel beer dogs which boast cocktail weenies and a beer-infused coating. Great for game day!
You might also like these chicken mozzarella sticks or how about egg rolls with firecracker sauce? Bloody Mary deviled eggs are also irresistible!
Why You’ll Love It
Fun to serve: These bite-sized snacks are a guaranteed hit at gatherings.
Bold flavor: Beer batter, spices, and bagel seasoning add serious flavor.
Quick to fry: Just a few minutes in oil and they’re ready to eat.
Versatile dip: The tangy dipping sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy coating.
Beer Battered Little Smokies Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Wheat beer: Adds lightness to the batter and enhances flavor.
Eggs: Bind the batter for a smooth and cohesive coating.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter and gives it structure.
Cornstarch: Helps achieve a crispier texture when frying.
Kosher salt: Enhances overall flavor.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
Garlic powder: Lends savory, aromatic notes.
Cocktail weenies: Juicy mini sausages that stay tender on the inside.
Everything bagel seasoning: Adds a salty, crunchy, flavorful finish.
Ketchup: Brings sweet and tangy balance to the dipping sauce.
Mayonnaise: Provides a rich, creamy base.
Horseradish: Adds mild heat and zip.
Dijon mustard: Brings tang and a slight sharpness to the sauce.
How to Make Everything Bagel Beer Dogs
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Make the batter: Whisk together beer, eggs, flour, cornstarch and garlic powder until smooth.
Prepare the weenies: Skewer each cocktail weenie for easy dipping.
Coat and fry: Dip the weenies into the batter, let excess drip off, and fry in hot oil until golden.
Season and drain: Place on a rack and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning while hot.
Make the dip: Mix ketchup, mayonnaise, horseradish and Dijon mustard until well combined, then serve immediately.
Substitutions and Variations
Try different sausages: Use hot dogs cut into pieces or chicken sausages.
Switch up the seasoning: Use ranch powder or Parmesan instead of everything bagel seasoning.
Make it spicy: Add cayenne or chili flakes to the batter or dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
With savory bites: Enjoy million dollar deviled eggs, brie cranberry bites and buffalo wings too.
With sweet treats: Serve cheesecake cookies, carrot cake cupcakes and oatmeal raisin muffins too, for a contrast.
How to Store Little Smokies in Beer Batter
Store: This appetizer or finger food will keep for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator but they won’t be as good as when served fresh. The batter won’t be as crisp or soft. They will still be good, but I’d recommend enjoying these on the day you make them.
Freeze: Wrap each of the battered weenies in plastic wrap and then in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost in the fridge overnight.
Reheat: Warm them back up in the oven or air fryer to get back some of that crispiness.
Top Tips
Dry the weenies first: Pat them dry before dipping to help the batter stick.
Fry in small batches: This keeps the oil temperature steady and prevents soggy results.
Use a thermometer: Keep the oil at a steady frying temperature for best results.
Serve immediately: These are best enjoyed while hot and crispy.
Prep ahead: Mix the dipping sauce in advance to save time when cooking.
Rest on a rack: Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the crust crisp.
Use skewers for dipping: It helps coat the sausages evenly and makes frying easier.
Don’t overcrowd the pot: Giving them space helps maintain crisp texture.
Everything Bagel Beer Dogs FAQs
Yes, you can use club soda or sparkling water as a substitute.
Not a fan of horseradish, mustard or one of the other sauce ingredients? You can serve these with any dipping sauce you want or offer several at the table so people can choose their own. Anything from sweet mustard to ketchup or BBQ sauce would work. For a spicier kick, try spicy mayo.
In Quebec, Canada, they’re known as pogos! The rest of Canada and the whole of the United States knows this special snack as the corn dog.
A mix of sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion flakes and a pinch of salt works well.
Frying gives the best texture, but you can try baking them at high heat until golden.
Everything Bagel Beer Dogs with Dipping Sauce Recipe
Beer Battered Little Smokies
Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 Cup beer, wheat
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/4 Cup all purpose flour
- 1 Teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 Teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 Teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 25 cocktail weenies, about 1 package
- 2 Tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- 1/4 Cup ketchup
- 1/2 Cup mayonnaise
- 1 Teaspoon horseradish
- 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
Instructions
- Heat canola oil in a Dutch oven or stockpot to 375 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl combine wheat beer, eggs, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth.
- Pierce cocktail weenies with a skewer to easily dip into the batter. Allow excess batter to drip off, then carefully add to the hot oil.
- Fry for 4 minutes, or until golden brown. I worked in batches of 5 at a time. It's important not to overcrowd them or allow the batter to touch as they will stick. Batch size will depend on the size of your pot.
- Once breading is golden brown remove from oil and rest on a wire rack lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before oil dries so that it will stick.
- Prepare the dip. Combine ketchup, mayo, horseradish, and dijon mustard in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Serve the little smokies and dip immediately.
Notes
Fry in small batches: This keeps the oil temperature steady and prevents soggy results.
Use a thermometer: Keep the oil at a steady frying temperature for best results.
Serve immediately: These are best enjoyed while hot and crispy.
Prep ahead: Mix the dipping sauce in advance to save time when cooking.
Rest on a rack: Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the crust crisp.
Use skewers for dipping: It helps coat the sausages evenly and makes frying easier.
Don’t overcrowd the pot: Giving them space helps maintain crisp texture.
Nutrition
Beer battered little smokies are fun, flavorful and incredibly easy to make. The crispy coating, bold seasoning and creamy dip come together to create a party-ready snack that never disappoints. Whether you’re serving them for friends, family or just treating yourself, they’re always a hit. These bite-sized appetizers are easy to customize, quick to prep and even better to eat. They come with an easy horseradish mayo dipping sauce.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Five stars for this recipe! I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it.
I’ve made this recipe several times, and there is always no leftover. The whole family enjoyed it
This was a flavor explosion. Absolutely amazing!
My boyfriend would love these! Will be making!