Boiling Cheese-Stuffed Hot Dogs: How Long Is Ideal?

There are many ways to cook a hot dog, but boiling is a tried-and-true method, especially if you're cooking for a crowd. It's also a great way to cook cheese-stuffed hot dogs. To boil hot dogs, fill a large saucepan with enough water to cover the hot dogs (about 1 cup per hot dog), bring the water to a boil, add the hot dogs, and boil for 4-5 minutes for a crispy finish. If you're using frozen hot dogs, boil for 8 minutes.

Boiling cheese-stuffed hot dogs

Cheese-stuffed hot dogs are a delicious snack or meal, and boiling is a great way to cook them. Here's a step-by-step guide to boiling cheese-stuffed hot dogs to perfection.

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Cheese-stuffed hot dogs
• Large saucepan
• Water
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Step 1: Prepare the Water

Fill the large saucepan with enough water to cover the hot dogs. The amount of water needed will depend on the size of your saucepan and the number of hot dogs you plan to boil. As a general rule, use about 1 cup of water per hot dog.

Step 2: Bring the Water to a Boil

Place the saucepan on the stove and turn the heat to high. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil. This will ensure that your hot dogs are cooked thoroughly.

Step 3: Add the Hot Dogs

Once the water is boiling, it's time to add the cheese-stuffed hot dogs. Use tongs to gently lower them into the water, adding them one at a time to avoid splashing. Be careful not to overcrowd the saucepan, as you want the hot dogs to be fully submerged in the water.

Step 4: Simmer the Hot Dogs

Reduce the heat to low and allow the hot dogs to simmer. Simmering will ensure that the hot dogs are cooked through without overcooking. Simmer the hot dogs for 3 to 6 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. Keep in mind that boiling for too long can alter the taste, colour, and texture of the hot dogs.

Step 5: Remove and Dry the Hot Dogs

Once the hot dogs have simmered for the desired amount of time, use tongs to remove them from the water. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess water.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your cheese-stuffed hot dogs are now ready to be served! Place them in buns and add your favourite toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, onions, or jalapeños. Enjoy your delicious, boiled cheese-stuffed hot dogs!

Tips:

• If you're using frozen cheese-stuffed hot dogs, double the cooking time, boiling them for about 8 minutes.
• To prevent the hot dog skins from splitting, poke holes in the hot dogs with a fork before boiling. This allows steam to escape.
• For extra flavour, consider boiling the hot dogs in broth instead of water. Choose a broth that complements the ingredients in your hot dogs, such as beef, chicken, or vegetable broth.

Frying cheese-stuffed hot dogs

Frying is a great way to cook cheese-stuffed hot dogs, resulting in a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavourful interior. Here is a step-by-step guide to frying cheese-stuffed hot dogs:

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Slice the hot dogs lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create a pocket for the cheese. Cut cheddar cheese into strips, about 1/2-inch thick, and stuff them into the hot dogs. You can also wrap the hot dogs with bacon for added flavour and texture.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place a large skillet on high heat. A cast-iron skillet works well for this purpose. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil to the pan. You can also add some grill seasoning to the pan or season the hot dogs directly.

Step 3: Fry the Hot Dogs

Once the butter has melted and is foaming, or the oil is hot, add the cheese-stuffed hot dogs to the pan. Cook the hot dogs, turning them frequently, until all sides are crispy and browned. This should take around 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Place the fried cheese-stuffed hot dogs in buns and serve with your choice of toppings and condiments. Some popular options include ketchup, mustard, sliced onions, jalapeños, or hot peppers. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and gooey cheese-stuffed hot dogs!

Alternative Cooking Methods

While frying is a great option, there are also several other ways to cook cheese-stuffed hot dogs:

• Boiling: You can boil cheese-stuffed hot dogs in water or broth for 4-5 minutes, or 8 minutes if frozen.
• Grilling: Grill the hot dogs over medium-high heat, turning frequently, for 3-4 minutes until browned.
• Slow Cooking: Place the hot dogs in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
• Microwaving: Microwave the hot dogs for 45 seconds to 1 minute until heated through.

Grilling cheese-stuffed hot dogs

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons McCormick grill seasoning
• 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch strips
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 small onions, sliced 1/4-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped chipotle chile in adobo, plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 8 hot dog buns

Method

• Preheat your grill to a high heat.
• Using a sharp knife, make a slit lengthwise down each hot dog, being careful not to cut all the way through.
• Place the grill seasoning and the hot dogs in a plastic bag, and shake to coat.
• Place the strips of cheddar cheese inside the hot dogs.
• Wrap each hot dog with bacon.
• Place the hot dogs on the grill, turning frequently to ensure all sides are cooked evenly.
• Grill the hot dogs for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
• While the hot dogs are grilling, prepare the toppings. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook until softened and golden, which should take around 12 to 15 minutes. Then, add the brown sugar, chipotle, adobo sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook for a further 2 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
• Butter the insides of the buns, and place them on the grill for the final few minutes of cooking, until the buns are toasted.
• Assemble the hot dogs by placing them in the buns, and topping with the caramelized onions.

Tips

• If you don't have a grill, you can use a skillet on high heat to cook the hot dogs.
• You can also boil cheese-stuffed hot dogs. Simply add 1 quart of water to a large saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add the hot dogs to the water and boil for 4 to 5 minutes, or 8 minutes if the hot dogs are frozen.
• If you're serving these hot dogs at a party, plan on having 1-2 hot dogs per child and 2-3 per adult.

Cooking cheese-stuffed hot dogs in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Cheese-stuffed hot dogs
• Hot dog buns
• Condiments of your choice

Method:

Air fryers are a great way to cook hot dogs, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping them juicy inside. They are also a quick and easy method, with most hot dogs taking only a few minutes to cook.

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your cheese-stuffed hot dogs inside the air fryer in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching, and cook for 3-4 minutes. If your hot dogs are thicker, you may need to increase the cooking time to 6-8 minutes.

Once the hot dogs are cooked, place them in a bun and air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the bun is slightly toasted.

Serve with your favourite toppings and condiments.

Tips:

• For a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese in your hot dogs, or opt for mozzarella for a milder flavour.
• You can wrap the hot dogs in bacon for an extra salty, savoury flavour.
• If you are cooking frozen hot dogs, increase the cooking time to 7-8 minutes.
• To reheat any leftovers, place them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes.

Boiling Cheese-Stuffed Hot Dogs:

If you don't have access to an air fryer, you can also boil your cheese-stuffed hot dogs. Simply add 1 quart of water to a large saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add your hot dogs and heat for 4-5 minutes. Frozen hot dogs will need a longer cooking time of about 8 minutes.

Enjoy your delicious, cheesy hot dogs!

Cooking cheese-stuffed hot dogs in the microwave

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to cook cheese-stuffed hot dogs, using the microwave is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you prepare delicious cheese-stuffed hot dogs in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Dogs

Start by placing the cheese-stuffed hot dogs on a paper towel-lined plate. This will make cleanup easier by absorbing any grease or moisture that may leak out during cooking. If you're cooking multiple hot dogs, space them out evenly on the plate to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Pierce the Hot Dogs (Optional)

Whether or not to pierce the hot dogs is a matter of preference. Some people recommend pricking or slicing the hot dogs a few times with a sharp knife to allow steam to escape and prevent them from exploding. However, others, like Oscar Mayer, claim that there is no risk of explosion and that piercing the hot dogs will only cause them to dry out.

If you decide to pierce the hot dogs, use a fork or a sharp knife to make a few small holes or slices in each hot dog.

Step 3: Cover with a Paper Towel

Cover the hot dogs with another paper towel or roll the first towel over them. This will help trap moisture and ensure that your hot dogs stay plump and juicy during cooking. If you're using a separate paper towel, tuck the ends underneath to prevent it from unrolling during cooking.

Step 4: Heat in the Microwave

Now it's time to cook the hot dogs in the microwave! The cooking time will depend on the number of hot dogs you're preparing and the wattage of your microwave. Here's a general guide for cooking times:

• 1 hot dog: About 40 seconds
• 2 hot dogs: About 1 minute to 1 minute and 15 seconds
• 3-4 hot dogs: About 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes and 30 seconds
• 5-6 hot dogs: About 3 minutes to 3 minutes and 30 seconds
• 7-8 hot dogs: About 4 to 5 minutes
• 9-10 hot dogs: About 6 minutes

Keep in mind that these times are based on a microwave with a wattage of around 800-1,000 watts. If your microwave has a higher wattage, reduce the cooking time slightly, and if it has a lower wattage, increase the time accordingly.

It's a good idea to check on your hot dogs halfway through the cooking process. This way, you can adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they're heated through without overcooking.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Once your cheese-stuffed hot dogs are heated to your liking, they're ready to serve! Carefully remove the plate from the microwave, discard the paper towel, and enjoy your delicious, gooey hot dogs. You can serve them on their own or in a bun with your favourite toppings.

Tips for Enhancing Your Cheese-Stuffed Hot Dogs:

• Warm the buns: If you prefer warm, soft buns, you can easily warm them in the microwave. Simply place the open bun face-down on a paper towel, wrap it in the towel, and microwave for 10-15 seconds. Check if it's warm enough, and if not, give it a few more seconds.
• Toast the buns: For a crisp texture, you can toast the buns in a toaster or under a broiler. Alternatively, rub the inside of the bun with a little oil and place it face-down in a hot pan or griddle, turning occasionally.
• Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! You can add traditional condiments like ketchup and mustard, or spice things up with hot pepper sauce, onions, jalapeños, or sliced tomatoes.
• Cheese dogs: For an extra cheesy treat, slit each hot dog lengthwise and place a strip of your favourite cheese inside before microwaving.
• Chili dogs: Place the hot dogs in a microwave-safe tray, cover them with chili, and microwave until heated through. Serve the chili separately, so guests can add it to their hot dogs as they please.
• Sauerkraut dogs: Wrap an uncooked hot dog and sauerkraut in a paper towel and microwave until heated through. The bun will be slightly soggy, but it pairs well with the sauerkraut.

Frequently asked questions