Patrick Oconnell
Cheese-stuffed hot dogs are a delicious snack, perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick meal. They can be made in a variety of ways, from scratch or using pre-made stuffed hot dogs. One way to make them is to slice the hot dogs in half lengthwise, stuff them with cheese, wrap them in bacon, and cook them on a grill or in a skillet until crispy. You can also get creative with toppings, such as spicy onions or pretzel buns with beer cheese sauce. Some pre-made stuffed hot dogs are made with chicken, turkey, and pork, with pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese product.
How Cheese-Stuffed Hot Dogs Are Made
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Mechanically separated chicken, mechanically separated turkey, pork, water, pasteurized prepared cheddar cheese product, corn syrup, salt, sodium phosphate, potassium chloride, sodium diacetate, sodium benzoate, sodium ascorbate, flavor, sodium nitrite |
| Preparation | Cut hot dogs lengthwise and crosswise into small bite-sized pieces for children under 6. Place strips of cheese inside the hot dog and wrap with bacon. Heat a skillet on high heat and cook the hot dogs, turning frequently until all sides are crispy. |
| Cooking Time | 2 minutes in the microwave |
| Storage | Keep the 16-ounce, 10-count pack of cheese-filled hot dogs in the refrigerator until ready to prepare |
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What You'll Learn
Slicing the hot dogs
Once the hot dogs are sliced, the next step is to stuff them with cheese. For a simple cheese-stuffed hot dog, placing strips of cheddar cheese inside the sliced hot dog is sufficient. However, if you want to get creative, you can experiment with different types of cheese and add additional ingredients to create unique flavor combinations. For instance, you can try using a processed cheddar cheese product or a beer cheese sauce.
After stuffing the hot dogs with cheese, they can be wrapped in bacon to add another layer of flavor and texture. Starting at one end, carefully roll the hot dog in bacon, twisting it until it is completely covered. This step is optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy the combination of meat and cheese. The bacon will add a crispy texture and a savory flavor to the final dish.
When preparing the hot dogs, it is important to note that they should be cooked thoroughly to ensure the safety of consuming both the meat and the cheese. The cooking method can vary, from grilling to cooking in a skillet or even microwaving, depending on your preference and the desired level of crispness. Always allow the hot dogs to cool for a few minutes before serving, as the melted cheese inside can be extremely hot.
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Adding cheese
Preparing the Hot Dogs:
Begin by choosing your preferred type of hot dog. You can use traditional pork or beef hot dogs, or opt for poultry-based options like chicken or turkey. If you're feeling adventurous, you might even try making your own hot dogs from scratch. Once you have your desired hot dogs, it's time to stuff them with cheese:
- Slice each hot dog lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a pocket for the cheese.
- Choose your favourite variety of cheese. Cheddar is a popular choice, but you can experiment with other varieties like Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Cut the cheese into thin strips or small cubes. This will ensure that the cheese melts evenly and creates a gooey, delicious centre.
- Stuff the cheese into the slit you created in the hot dog. You can be generous here, as the cheese will melt and fill any gaps.
- If desired, wrap the cheese-stuffed hot dog with bacon. This step is optional but adds a crispy, savoury element to your hot dog.
- Secure the hot dog: Depending on your preference, you can use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the hot dog and prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
- Cooking methods: Cheese-stuffed hot dogs can be cooked in various ways. You can grill them, bake them in the oven, or cook them in a skillet on the stovetop. Choose the method that best suits your equipment and cooking style.
- Cook until crispy: Regardless of your chosen cooking method, ensure that you cook the hot dogs thoroughly and achieve a crispy exterior. For grilled or skillet-cooked hot dogs, this involves turning them frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the buns: While the hot dogs are cooking, prepare your hot dog buns. Butter the insides of the buns and place them in the oven or on the grill to toast until lightly browned.
- Assemble the hot dogs: Once the hot dogs are cooked and the cheese is melted, carefully remove any toothpicks or twine and place the hot dogs in the toasted buns.
- Toppings: You can serve the hot dogs as-is or offer a variety of toppings for your guests to choose from. Popular toppings include ketchup, mustard, relish, onions (caramelized or raw), chili, sauerkraut, or additional shredded cheese.
- Serving: Allow the hot dogs to cool slightly before serving, as the melted cheese inside can become extremely hot. Enjoy your delicious, cheese-stuffed hot dogs!
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and toppings to create your ultimate cheese-stuffed hot dog!
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Wrapping with bacon
Cheese-stuffed, bacon-wrapped hot dogs are a delicious treat that can be made in the oven or on the grill. They are a fun twist on the classic hot dog and are perfect for game days, summer grilling, or a simple weeknight dinner.
To make bacon-wrapped hot dogs, you will need hot dogs, bacon, cheese, and toothpicks. The type of cheese is up to your preference, but it should be something that melts well, such as American cheese or cheddar. For the bacon, thinly sliced, precooked bacon works best as it crisps up nicely during cooking.
- Start by slicing the hot dogs lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a pocket for the cheese.
- Stuff your desired type of cheese into the slit. You can use shredded cheese, thin slices, or cheese sticks, depending on what you have available.
- Wrap each hot dog with two slices of bacon. Start wrapping at one end of the hot dog, slightly overlapping the bacon slices, and work your way down.
- Secure the bacon in place by poking toothpicks through each side of the bacon-wrapped hot dog.
- Season the bacon-wrapped hot dogs with your favorite seasonings. Popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs on a wire rack on top of a cookie sheet or a foil-lined tray to catch any drips.
- Bake in the oven at 375-450°F for 10-12 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. Alternatively, you can grill the hot dogs using the two-zone method, cooking them for a total of 10-12 minutes until the bacon is crispy.
The result is a savory, rich, and fatty treat that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Serve the hot dogs in buns with your favorite toppings, such as mustard, ketchup, relish, or BBQ sauce. Enjoy!
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Cooking the hot dogs
There are a few different ways to cook the hot dogs. One method is to heat a large skillet on high heat and cook the hot dogs, turning them frequently so that all sides become crispy. Alternatively, you can cook the hot dogs on a grill. To do this, heat the grill using the two-zone method. Lay the sausages on the cool side of the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. This step ensures the sausage is cooked thoroughly without burning the bacon. Then, transfer the sausages to direct heat and cook, turning every 2-3 minutes until the bacon is crisp.
If you want to add some extra flavor, you can cook the hot dogs with onions. To do this, place the hot dogs on a baking sheet and stuff each with 2 or 3 strips of cheese. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook until softened and golden, which should take around 12 to 15 minutes. Next, add the brown sugar, chipotle, adobo sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, which should take about 2 minutes. Butter the insides of the buns and place them on the baking sheet with the hot dogs. Broil until the cheese melts and the buns are toasted, which should take around 3 to 5 minutes.
You can also cook the hot dogs in the microwave, which is a quick and easy option.
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Adding toppings and condiments
Once your cheese-stuffed hot dogs are grilled to perfection, it's time to dress them up with toppings and condiments. This is your chance to get creative and customize your hot dog to your liking. Here are some ideas to get you started:
For a classic take, stick to the tried-and-true combination of ketchup and mustard. These condiments provide a tangy and savory contrast to the juicy hot dog and melted cheese. You can squeeze them directly from the bottle or get fancy by drizzling them in a zig-zag pattern for a fun presentation.
Take your hot dog to the next level by adding some crispy bacon. The salty, smoky flavor of bacon pairs exceptionally well with the cheese and adds a delightful crunch to every bite. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even wrap your hot dog in bacon before grilling, creating a mouthwatering bacon-cheesy masterpiece.
If you're a fan of spice, consider adding some spicy onions or caramelized onions with chipotle and adobo sauce. The sweetness of the onions balances the heat, making for a flavorful topping that will tantalize your taste buds. You can also try other spicy toppings like jalapeños or chili peppers to kick things up a notch.
For a more indulgent option, drizzle your hot dog with a beer cheese sauce. This creamy, cheesy sauce takes your hot dog to the next level, making it a true comfort food. If you're feeling extra creative, experiment with different types of cheese sauces, like a sharp cheddar or a spicy jalapeño jack.
Don't forget to serve your hot dog in a toasted bun, preferably one that's been buttered and toasted to perfection. You can also opt for a pretzel bun for a unique twist that adds a chewy texture and a hint of saltiness to your dog.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with regional favorites and unique toppings. Sauerkraut, relish, chopped pickles, or even crushed potato chips can all add interesting textures and flavors to your cheese-stuffed hot dog. Remember, the beauty of toppings and condiments is that you can mix and match to create your own signature hot dog.
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Frequently asked questions
Slice the hot dogs in half lengthwise, stuff them with cheese, wrap them in bacon, and cook them on a grill or skillet.
Cheddar is a popular choice, but you can use any type of cheese that melts well and has a strong flavour.
You will need hot dogs, cheese, bacon, a grill or skillet, and optionally, buns and condiments.
It depends on your method of cooking. On a grill, it will take around 10-12 minutes. On a skillet, it will take a few minutes on high heat.
