Frederic Melton
A cheese dog is a hot dog served with cheese on it or stuffed within it as a filling. In the United States, sliced or grated cheese, such as cheddar or American cheese, is commonly used, often served melted on the hot dogs. The cheese may be on the bun, on the wiener, processed inside the hot dog, or placed in the middle of a hot dog that has been sliced in half. There are also regional variations, such as the Swiss schnauzer, which consists of a bratwurst served with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut, and the Swiener, a Swiss-style hot dog from San Diego, California, made with a hot dog and Raclette cheese stuffed inside a hollowed-out baguette.
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What You'll Learn
- Cheese type: cheddar, Swiss, American, or cream cheese are commonly used
- Cheese placement: on the bun, on the wiener, inside the hot dog, or in a sliced hot dog
- Bun type: traditional hot dog buns, slices of toast, or plain bread
- Cheese application: grated, sliced, or melted
- Variations: chili dogs, the Francheezie, or the Swiss schnauzer
Cheese type: cheddar, Swiss, American, or cream cheese are commonly used
In the United States, cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese are commonly used in cheese dogs. Sliced or grated, these cheeses are often served melted on the hot dogs. The cheese may be on the bun, on the wiener, processed inside the hot dog, or placed in the middle of a hot dog that has been sliced in half. Traditional hot dog buns are typically used, but slices of toast or plain bread are also options.
Cheddar cheese is a versatile choice for cheese dogs as it melts beautifully. It is also naturally low in lactose, making it a viable option for those with lactose intolerance. A beloved variation of the cheese dog is the Cincinnati Cheese Coney, which uses shredded cheddar cheese. In Chicago, there is a variation of the danger dog called the Francheezie, which consists of a jumbo hot dog split in the middle and filled with cheddar cheese (or Velveeta). It is wrapped in bacon and deep-fried, then served on a toasted bun.
American cheese is another commonly used cheese for cheese dogs in the United States. While it can be a tasty treat for dogs, some dogs may have a sensitivity to dairy products and experience vomiting or diarrhea after consumption. If your dog starts having digestive issues, feed them a bland diet of boiled white rice and boiled chicken or hamburger. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, consult a veterinarian.
Swiss cheese is also used in cheese dogs, often as a regional variation. An example is the Swiss schnauzer, which consists of a bratwurst served with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut. In San Diego, California, a Swiss-style hot dog called a "Swiener" is prepared with a hot dog and Raclette cheese stuffed inside a hollowed-out baguette. Swiss cheese provides a long chewing pleasure for dogs and is made from 100% Swiss milk, which is healthy and fully digestible. It contains valuable protein, calcium, and vitamins A, D, and E, making it a nutritious option for cheese dogs.
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Cheese placement: on the bun, on the wiener, inside the hot dog, or in a sliced hot dog
The cheese in a cheese dog can be placed in several ways, each offering a unique taste experience. The placement of the cheese can be customised according to personal preference, the availability of ingredients, and the desired level of cheesiness. Here are some popular options:
On the Bun
A traditional way to add cheese to a hot dog is to place it on the bun. This method allows for a balanced distribution of cheese, ensuring each bite contains a combination of flavours from the wiener, bun, and cheese. It is a straightforward approach that does not require any modifications to the wiener itself.
On the Wiener
Another option is to place the cheese directly on the wiener. This technique creates a more intense cheese experience with each bite, as the cheese is in direct contact with the wiener. The cheese can melt and blend seamlessly with the wiener, creating a creamy texture.
Inside the Hot Dog
For a more indulgent and surprising take on the cheese dog, the cheese can be processed inside the hot dog itself. This method involves incorporating cheese into the meat mixture before shaping and cooking the hot dogs. Each bite releases a burst of cheese flavour from within, providing an unexpected twist to the classic hot dog.
In a Sliced Hot Dog
If you want to showcase the cheese as a star ingredient, consider placing it in the middle of a hot dog that has been sliced in half. This presentation offers a visually appealing display of the cheese and allows for a generous portion to be added. The cheese can be melted, creating a gooey and mouthwatering centre.
No matter which cheese placement you choose, the type of cheese used can also vary. Sliced or grated cheeses, such as cheddar or American cheese, are popular choices, often served melted on top of the hot dogs. Other options include cream cheese, Swiss cheese, or even more unique variations depending on regional preferences.
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Bun type: traditional hot dog buns, slices of toast, or plain bread
When it comes to cheese dogs, there are a few options for the type of bun you can use: traditional hot dog buns, slices of toast, or plain bread. Each option provides a different texture and flavour that can enhance the overall taste of the cheese dog.
Traditional hot dog buns are the most commonly used type of bun for cheese dogs. They are typically soft and fluffy, with a hint of sweetness, and are designed to hold the hot dog and its toppings securely. These buns are usually made with a combination of wheat flour, water, oil, yeast, sugar, and salt, resulting in a delicate and airy texture.
Slices of toast can also be used as an alternative to traditional buns. Toasting the bread adds a crispy texture and a subtle smoky flavour to the cheese dog. The toast may be buttered or plain, depending on personal preference. This option is particularly suitable for those who prefer a more robust and crunchy texture in their cheese dogs.
Plain bread is the simplest option, offering a more neutral flavour and a softer texture compared to toasted bread. It can be a good choice for those who want the focus to be on the flavours of the cheese and hot dog without the sweetness or crispiness of traditional buns or toast.
Regardless of the bun type chosen, the preparation and cooking method can also impact the final result. For traditional hot dog buns, it is essential to ensure they are fresh and soft, either by baking them from scratch or purchasing high-quality buns. Slices of toast should be toasted to a golden-brown colour, and plain bread can be lightly toasted or warmed to enhance its texture and flavour.
The type of cheese used is also a key consideration. Sliced or grated cheddar or American cheese is commonly used, often melted on top of the hot dog. Other options include cream cheese, Swiss cheese, or shredded cheddar cheese, as featured in the Cincinnati Cheese Coney. Experimenting with different types of cheese allows for a variety of flavour profiles and textures in the final dish.
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Cheese application: grated, sliced, or melted
In the United States, sliced or grated cheese, such as cheddar or American cheese, is commonly used for cheese dogs and is often served melted on top of the hot dogs. Other types of cheese such as cream cheese and Swiss cheese are also used. The cheese may be placed on the bun, on the wiener, processed inside the hot dog, or placed in the middle of a hot dog that has been sliced in half.
Traditional hot dog buns are typically used to make cheese dogs, but slices of toast or plain bread can also be used. For example, the Chicago-style variation of the danger dog, called the Francheezie, consists of a jumbo hot dog split in the middle and filled with Cheddar cheese (or Velveeta). It is wrapped in bacon and deep-fried, then served on a toasted bun.
In San Diego, California, a Swiss-style hot dog called a "Swiener" is prepared with a hot dog and Raclette cheese stuffed inside a hollowed-out baguette bread. The Cincinnati Cheese Coney is another example of a cheese dog that uses shredded cheddar cheese.
The type of cheese used for cheese dogs can also depend on the method of preparation. Some cheese dogs are made with a high-temperature cheese that does not melt like regular cheese. This type of cheese is added to the emulsion used to make the hot dog and is inserted after the dog is formed.
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Variations: chili dogs, the Francheezie, or the Swiss schnauzer
Chili Dog
A classic American dish, the chili dog is a popular variation of the cheese dog. It consists of a hot dog bun piled with a hot dog, thick and chunky chili, and melted cheese. The chili used for chili dogs is usually thicker than regular chili to prevent it from soaking the bread. It is often made with ground beef, diced onions, tomatoes, spices, salt, and pepper. Canned chili can be used, but homemade chili is preferred by many. The cheese used is typically shredded cheddar, but other types of shredded cheese can also be used. Onions, parsley, and other toppings can be added as optional garnishes.
The Francheezie
The Francheezie is a variation of the "danger dog" found in Chicago, typically served at "greasy spoon" restaurants. It consists of a jumbo hot dog split in the middle and filled with cheddar cheese or Velveeta. It is then wrapped in bacon, deep-fried, and served on a toasted bun.
The Swiss Schnauzer
The Swiss Schnauzer is a regional variation of the cheese dog, featuring a bratwurst served with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut. In San Diego, California, a similar variation called the "Swiener" is made with a hot dog and Raclette cheese stuffed inside a hollowed-out baguette.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese dogs are made of sliced or grated cheese, such as cheddar or American cheese, often served melted on hot dogs. Other types of cheese used include cream cheese and Swiss cheese. The cheese may be on the bun, on the wiener, processed inside the hot dog, or placed in the middle of a hot dog that has been sliced in half.
Cheese is inserted into hot dogs after the dog is formed. A high-temperature cheese that doesn't melt down like regular cheese is used.
Some examples of cheese dogs include the Cincinnati Cheese Coney, which uses shredded cheddar cheese, and the Francheezie, which consists of a jumbo hot dog split in the middle and filled with Cheddar cheese (or Velveeta), wrapped in bacon, and deep-fried, then served on a toasted bun.
