Bushra Griffith
Cheese dogs are a classic American dish that can be made in a variety of ways. The most common method involves baking the hot dogs in an oven, resulting in a crispy, gooey delight. The key to a successful cheese dog is to ensure that the cheese is melted and the bun is toasted. While cheddar cheese and diced onions are the most popular toppings, you can also experiment with different types of cheese and add extras such as relish, ketchup, mustard, or even chili. Cheese dogs are best served warm and can be paired with French fries, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Characteristics of Cheese Dogs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | American |
| Oven Temperature | 350°F |
| Ingredients | Hot Dogs, Hot Dog Buns, Butter, Cheese (Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, American), Diced White Onion, Ketchup, Relish, Mustard, Chili, Ground Beef, Tomatoes, Spices, Salt, Black Pepper |
| Cooking Method | Baking |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Utensils | Baking Sheet, Medium Pot or Dutch Oven, Medium Skillet |
| Serving Suggestions | French Fries, Potato Chips, Salad, Bread, Steamed Vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Oven temperature and timings
The oven temperature and timings will depend on the type of cheese dog you are making.
For a simple cheese and hot dog combination, cook the hot dogs in a medium skillet over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they start to blister on all sides. Place the hot dogs in their buns in a baking dish, top with grated cheese and diced onion, and bake for about 6 minutes at 350°F (176°C) or until the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted.
For a more indulgent option, ladle chili onto the hot dogs, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onion, and cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F (176°C). Let the dish stand for 5 minutes before removing the foil and serving.
If you're using a toaster oven, you can cook the hot dogs with cheese at 400°F (204°C) for about 7 minutes.
For a crispier bun, you can split open the buns, brush them with butter, and toast them in the oven while it's heating up.
If you prefer your hot dogs with a crispy skin, you can grill, bake, or air fry them before placing them in the buns and adding the cheese.
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Choosing the right cheese
Cheddar is a popular choice for cheese dogs, as its sharp, tangy flavour pairs well with the savoury flavours of the hot dog and bun. Cheddar also has a relatively high melting point, which means it will retain its creamy texture without becoming greasy or separating. This makes it ideal for baking in the oven, as it will melt evenly without becoming runny.
Monterey Jack is another good option, as it has a mild, slightly sweet flavour that can complement the other ingredients without overwhelming them. It also melts very well, making it a good choice for grilled cheese dogs.
American cheese is a processed cheese product that is often used in grilled cheese sandwiches and can also work well in cheese dogs. Its mild flavour and creamy texture can enhance the overall taste and mouthfeel of the dish.
When choosing cheese for your cheese dogs, consider the flavour profile you want to create, as well as the melting point and texture of the cheese. Harder cheeses like cheddar or Swiss cheese will add a tangy flavour and creamy texture, while softer cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella will melt more easily and create a stretchier, gooier texture.
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Preparing the hot dogs
Next, take top-cut hot dog buns and place the seared hot dogs inside them in a large baking dish. It is recommended to use top-cut buns as they are easier to position in the baking dish. At this point, you can add your desired toppings. A classic combination is grated cheddar cheese and diced white onions, but you can also add relish, ketchup, mustard, or giardiniera. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make a thick and chunky chili to load on top of your hot dogs, ensuring it doesn't make the bread soggy.
Once your hot dogs are topped, they're ready to go into the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the hot dogs for about 6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted. Keep an eye on them, as you want the cheese to be gooey and the buns slightly crispy, but not browned.
Finally, remove your cheese dogs from the oven and serve them while they're still hot. They go well with a variety of sides, such as French fries, fresh salads, or steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!
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Preparing the buns
If you are making chili cheese dogs, the next step is to add the chili. A thick and chunky chili is ideal for topping chili cheese dogs, as it won't make the buns soggy. Spread a generous amount of chili on top of each hot dog, followed by a sprinkling of shredded cheese. You can also add diced onions at this stage for extra flavour and texture.
For a simple cheese dog, top the hot dogs with grated or sliced cheese. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use other varieties such as American cheese or Monterey Jack. Again, you can add diced onions or other toppings of your choice.
Once the hot dogs are assembled, they are ready to be baked. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cheese dogs for about 6 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted. If you are making chili cheese dogs, bake them for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are warmed. Keep an eye on the cheese dogs to ensure they don't overcook.
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Toppings and sides
When it comes to toppings and sides, there are several options to consider for your cheese dogs.
For toppings, the classic choice is cheddar cheese with diced white onions. You can also add relish, ketchup, mustard, and giardiniera. If you want to spice things up, try making a chili cheese dog. To make the chili, cook ground beef, diced onions, tomatoes, spices, salt, and pepper in a pot until the sauce thickens. Then, place the hot dog in the bun and top it with chili and shredded cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and the bun is slightly crispy. You can also garnish with parsley for extra freshness.
As for sides, steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas are a great option to balance out the meal. If you're looking for something more indulgent, French fries or potato chips are always a popular choice. A fresh salad can also pair nicely with the cheese dogs.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Sear your hot dogs in a skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Place the hot dogs in their buns in a baking dish, top with grated cheese, and bake for around 6 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Cheese dogs pair well with diced white onion, relish, ketchup, mustard, and steamed vegetables such as broccoli or peas. If you're making chilli cheese dogs, you'll want a thick, chunky chilli with ground beef, diced onions, tomatoes, spices, salt, and black pepper.
If you're cooking your cheese dogs in the oven, you should bake them for around 6 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. If you're using a toaster oven, heat your cheese dogs for around 7 minutes.
