The Best Cheeses To Top Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are a perennial favourite, especially among children. But what kind of cheese should you put on them? Well, it depends on your preference. Some people prefer cheese slices, while others opt for a cheese sauce. You can also get creative and make a grilled cheese hot dog, which combines the savoury bite of a hot dog with the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich. For this, you'll need shredded cheese, preferably something melty like Monterrey jack or sharp cheddar, and a good quality hot dog bun. You can also add seasonings, pickles, or pickled jalapenos for extra flavour and texture.

Grilled cheese hot dogs

Ingredients

• 6 hot dog buns (top-sliced buns are recommended)
• 3 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or a mix of both)
• 6 tablespoons soft butter (for brushing buns)
• 6 hot dogs

Optional Toppings/Condiments

• Pickles or pickled jalapenos
• Honey mustard
• Ketchup
• Mustard

Instructions

• Prepare the buns: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Open the hot dog buns and use your hands to flatten them slightly. Spread the outside of each bun with butter and place them on the skillet, butter side down.
• Add the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over each bun. You can use a variety of cheeses such as Colby Jack, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack.
• Cook the hot dogs: Slice each hot dog in half lengthwise, ensuring that the two halves remain connected. Place the hot dogs, cut side down, on the skillet alongside the buns. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until warmed through and slightly crispy.
• Assemble and serve: Transfer the hot dogs to one side of the buns and sprinkle with more shredded cheese. Close the buns and continue grilling until all the cheese is melted. Serve immediately with your choice of toppings or condiments.

Variations and Customizations

• Spicy Kick: Use Pepper Jack or a mix of Cheddar and Blue Cheese for an added tang.
• Mild and Melty: Opt for Swiss or Mozzarella for a milder flavour while still achieving that perfect melt.
• Smoky: Combine Smoked Cheddar or Gouda with Gruyere for a deeper, smokier flavour.
• Toppings: Pickles or pickled jalapenos can add a briny, acidic contrast to the rich flavours of the dish.

Tips

• For a crispier texture, score the hot dogs with a sharp knife diagonally before cooking. This will increase the surface area for crisping and help the cheese adhere better.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly due to the presence of anti-caking agents.
• If you don't have hot dog buns, you can use two slices of bread instead.
• For an extra buttery flavour, roll the buns flat and spread butter on the inside before placing them on the skillet.

Enjoy the ultimate fusion of grilled cheese and hot dogs with this indulgent and comforting dish!

Cheese sauces

Classic Cheese Sauce

For a classic, comforting cheese sauce, shredded cheese is the way to go. Opt for a combination of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese for the perfect melt and a crunchy crust. Shred your own cheese for the best results, as pre-shredded varieties may contain anti-caking agents that hinder smooth melting. Simply mix the shredded cheeses in a bowl and add seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne for an extra kick. This sauce is then layered inside the bun, creating a decadent, oozy treat.

Spicy Cheese Sauce

For those who enjoy a kick of heat, a spicy cheese sauce is the answer. Combine Pepper Jack with cheddar and blue cheese for a tangy, spicy twist. Alternatively, use a single variety of Pepper Jack for a simpler sauce with a nice melt and a spicy bite. This sauce will add a fiery punch to your hot dog, pleasing those who crave bold flavours.

Mild Cheese Sauce

If you prefer a milder flavour profile, opt for Swiss or mozzarella cheese. These cheeses offer a gentle taste while still providing that essential melt. A mild cheese sauce is perfect for those who want the creamy, cheesy experience without overwhelming the other flavours in their hot dog.

Smoky Cheese Sauce

For a deeper, more complex flavour, a smoky cheese sauce is the ideal choice. Blend smoked cheddar or smoked Gouda with Gruyere for a rich, savoury sensation. This type of sauce adds a sophisticated touch to your hot dog, making it feel like a gourmet creation.

Customizable Cheese Sauce

The beauty of cheese sauces is their versatility. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different cheese combinations to create your own signature sauce. Try mixing and matching cheeses with various seasonings, spices, and herbs to find your perfect flavour profile. You can even add extras like mac and cheese or crushed Fritos to take your hot dog to the next level.

Cheese slices

For the perfect cheese slice, thicker slices of cheese tend to work better than thin ones. Good options include Swiss, Havarti, or Pepper Jack. If you're looking for a spicy kick, Pepper Jack or a mix of cheddar and blue cheese can add a tangy twist. For a milder, meltier option, Swiss or mozzarella are great choices. And if you want a deeper, smokier flavour, a combination of smoked cheddar or gouda with Gruyere is a perfect pairing.

When assembling your hot dog, you can simply place a slice of cheese on the bun before adding the hot dog. This keeps things simple and ensures the cheese doesn't complicate the addition of other toppings like mustard or onions. Alternatively, you can place the cheese slice on top of the hot dog after it's in the bun and then grill or broil it to melt the cheese. This creates a gooey, crispy crust that takes your hot dog to the next level.

No matter which method you choose, cheese slices offer a delicious and versatile way to elevate your hot dog. Whether you prefer a classic slice of American cheese or want to experiment with different varieties, don't be afraid to get creative and find the perfect combination for your taste buds.

Cheese sticks or cubes

A fun and easy way to make hot dogs even more delicious is to add cheese sticks or cubes. This method is simple, and the result is a tasty, gooey, cheesy hot dog.

Firstly, you will need to cut your hot dogs. Carefully slice your hot dogs in half, lengthwise, ensuring the two halves remain attached. This will allow you to fill the hot dog with cheese and create a larger surface area for the cheese to melt and crisp up.

Now, cut your cheese of choice into sticks or cubes. You can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of both. Fill the sliced hot dogs with the cheese sticks or cubes.

At this point, you can add other ingredients to customise your hot dog. Some suggestions include sliced pickles, pickled jalapeños, or seasoning.

Once your hot dogs are filled and customised, it's time to cook them. Place them in the oven at a medium to high heat and cook until the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overcook them, as you don't want the hot dogs to brown or burn.

Serve your cheesy hot dogs with your favourite toppings or dipping sauces. Some popular options include ketchup, mustard, or honey mustard for an extra kick.

Shredded cheese

One option is to create a grilled cheese hot dog, a fusion of two classic comfort foods. This can be achieved by sprinkling shredded cheese inside a hot dog bun, adding the hot dog, and then topping with more cheese before grilling. The result is a crispy, crunchy crust of cheese on the outside of the bun, with a juicy hot dog and melted cheese inside. This method ensures every bite is packed with flavour. For the best results, it is recommended to use freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded varieties may contain anti-caking agents that can affect the melt. A combination of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar is a popular choice, but Swiss, mozzarella, smoked cheddar, gouda, and gruyere are also great options.

For an extra crispy texture, the hot dog can be scored with a sharp knife before grilling, creating more surface area and allowing the cheese to adhere better. This technique also adds texture to the hot dog itself. When preparing the bun, it is important to use a quality product that will hold up to the weight of the cheese and toppings. Butter should be spread on the outside of the bun to create a golden, toasted crust.

To assemble, the bun is placed butter-side down on a griddle or skillet, and shredded cheese is sprinkled on top. The hot dog is then placed alongside the bun and grilled for a few minutes until lightly browned. The hot dog is then transferred to the bun, topped with more cheese, and grilled until the cheese is melted. This indulgent treat can be served with a variety of toppings or dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, to take the flavour to the next level.

Frequently asked questions