Step 1: Prepare the Mini Burger Patties. In a medium bowl, gently combine the ground beef, crumbled bacon bits, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Form the mixture into 16 small, thin patties, roughly 1.5 inches in diameter. Place a small cube of your chosen cheese in the center of 8 of the patties. Top each with another patty and seal the edges tightly, forming 8 cheese-stuffed mini burger patties. Insert a wooden skewer or corn dog stick into each patty, pushing it about halfway through.
Step 2: Chill the Patties. Place the skewered patties on a plate lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart in the hot oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Deep Frying Oil. Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to reach a depth of 3-4 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Ranch Corn Dog Batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, dry ranch seasoning mix, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and large egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter should be thick enough to coat the patties evenly. Transfer the batter to a tall glass or container.
Step 5: Coat the Patties. One by one, remove a chilled mini burger patty on its stick from the fridge. Dip each patty into the tall glass of ranch corn dog batter, rotating to ensure it's completely and evenly coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before carefully transferring it to the hot oil.
Step 6: Deep-Fry to Golden Perfection. Carefully lower the coated corn dogs into the hot oil, frying 2-3 at a time. Fry for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal beef temperature 160°F / 71°C).
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy! Remove from oil and place on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like extra ranch dressing, ketchup, mustard, or even a spicy aioli.