The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Cheese For Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are a popular food item, but the type of cheese that goes on them is often debated. In the United States, sliced or grated cheese such as cheddar or American cheese is commonly used, and is often served melted on top of the hot dog. Other types of cheese that can be used include cream cheese, Swiss cheese, feta, blue cheese, brie, and provolone. The cheese can be placed on the bun, on the wiener, or even stuffed inside the hot dog.

Hot dogs with sliced or grated cheese

A hot dog topped with sliced or grated cheese is commonly known as a "cheese dog". Cheese dogs are a popular dish in the United States, where cheddar or American cheese is often melted on top of the hot dog. However, there are many variations of cheese dogs that use different types of cheese, such as:

Sliced Cheese

A popular option for cheese dogs is to use sliced cheese, such as cheddar or American cheese. These cheeses melt easily and can be placed on top of the hot dog or inside the bun. Some people also like to get creative with their sliced cheese choices, using options like Swiss cheese, pepper jack, or even feta.

Grated Cheese

Grated or shredded cheese is also a common choice for cheese dogs. Grated cheese can be sprinkled on top of the hot dog or used as a filling. Popular options for grated cheese include cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack.

Customization

When preparing a hot dog with sliced or grated cheese, there are several ways to customize it to your taste preferences:

• Cheese placement: You can place the cheese directly on top of the hot dog, or get creative by stuffing it inside the hot dog or placing it inside a sliced hot dog.
• Bun options: Traditional hot dog buns are commonly used, but some people also use slices of toast or plain bread.
• Additional toppings: Cheese dogs can be served with a variety of toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, relish, sautéed peppers, and onions.
• Cooking method: Cheese dogs can be cooked in the oven, on a grill, or in a skillet. Cooking the hot dog and cheese together can help the cheese melt and create a crispy, toasted bun.

Recipes

• Grilled Cheese Hot Dog: This recipe combines grilled cheese and hot dogs. It involves flattening a hot dog bun, spreading butter on the outside, and sprinkling it with shredded cheese. The hot dog is sliced lengthwise and grilled alongside the bun. More cheese is added to the hot dog, and the bun is closed until the cheese melts.
• Hot Dog Grilled Cheese: This recipe is similar to the previous one but with a few variations. It uses shredded cheese, such as Colby Jack, and slices the hot dog in half lengthwise without cutting all the way through. The hot dog and bun are grilled separately before being assembled.
• Easy Cheesy Hot Dogs: This recipe involves halving the hot dogs and stuffing them with sticks or cubes of cheese. The hot dogs are then baked in the oven until the cheese melts.

Hot dogs with cheese inside

A hot dog with cheese inside is also known as a cheese dog. There are many ways to make this delicious meal, and it's an easy dish to adapt to your tastes.

The Basic Cheese Dog

To make a cheese dog, you'll need to start with a hot dog and your choice of cheese. The most common cheeses used are cheddar or American cheese, but you can also use Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even cream cheese. The cheese can be sliced or grated and placed inside the hot dog, which is then often served on a traditional hot dog bun.

Getting Creative with Cheese

If you want to get a little more creative, you can try different types of cheese like feta, blue cheese, brie, or provolone. You can also experiment with different types of buns, such as toast or hollowed-out baguettes. For an extra cheesy experience, try a macaroni and cheese dog, or top your hot dog with chilli and cheese.

Adding Bacon

For an extra indulgent treat, try wrapping your cheese dog with bacon. This can be done in a few different ways. You can secure the bacon with toothpicks and bake it in the oven, or you can deep-fry the bacon-wrapped hot dog. This variation is often served on a toasted bun and is known as a Texas Tommy or a Francheezie.

A Healthy Side

While cheese dogs are undoubtedly tasty, they might not be the healthiest option. To balance out your meal, consider serving your cheese dog with a fresh salad or some carrot sticks.

So, there you have it! A delicious and versatile way to enjoy hot dogs with cheese inside. Whether you stick to the basics or get creative, cheese dogs are a fun and easy meal to make and enjoy.

Hot dogs with macaroni and cheese

A fun and tasty combination, macaroni and cheese hot dogs are a great comfort food. This dish can be made in a variety of ways, from a simple combination of prepared macaroni and cheese with sliced hot dogs, to a more complex, made-from-scratch recipe.

Simple Recipe

For a quick and easy meal, prepare a box of macaroni and cheese as per the package instructions. While the macaroni is boiling, cook the hot dogs in the microwave for around one minute or until done. Cut the hot dogs into slices and stir them into the prepared macaroni and cheese. You can top the dish with ketchup and mustard to taste.

More Complex Recipe

For a homemade version, you can make the macaroni and cheese from scratch and fry the hot dogs before combining the two.

Ingredients:

• Elbow macaroni
• Butter
• Hot dogs
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Mild shredded cheddar cheese
• Sharp shredded cheddar cheese
• Cream cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground mustard

Method:

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and lightly fry the hot dogs for one to two minutes on each side until slightly crisp. Remove the hot dogs and set aside.

In the same pan, add the flour to the melted butter and stir until smooth. Gradually add the milk and bring to a simmer, cooking for three to four minutes while whisking steadily. Add the shredded mild and sharp cheddar cheeses, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and mustard, stirring until well combined. Finally, stir in the cooked macaroni and sliced hot dogs.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

Variations:

You can add extra vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, broccoli, or peas, to make it healthier. For a spicy kick, add chili powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. Chopped onions and sweet peppers also work well with this combination. For a crunchy topping, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and butter, and sprinkle on top before baking.

Other Ideas

Some people like to stuff their hot dogs with cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or cream cheese, and bake them in the oven until the cheese melts. You can also wrap the stuffed hot dog in bacon for a decadent treat.

Whatever recipe you choose, macaroni and cheese hot dogs are a fun and filling meal that can be customised to your taste preferences.

Hot dogs with chilli and cheese

A hot dog topped with chilli and cheese is a delicious and indulgent treat. This combination of the classic hot dog with the comfort of melted cheese and spicy chilli is a match made in heaven. There are many ways to make this dish your own, with different types of cheese, chilli and hot dog combinations. Here is a guide to creating the ultimate chilli cheese dog.

The Hot Dog

The type of sausage you use is important. A good quality sausage will elevate your chilli cheese dog. You can use any type of sausage, from beef to pork or even turkey, but a classic hot dog sausage is the traditional choice. If you want to go the extra mile, you can even make your own sausages from scratch.

The Chilli

A meaty, spicy chilli con carne is the perfect topping for a hot dog. You can make your own chilli or use a good-quality shop-bought version. If making your own, you can adjust the spice level to your taste and add extra ingredients like beans or extra vegetables. The chilli should be thick and hearty, so it sits nicely on top of the hot dog without sliding off.

The Cheese

There are so many cheeses that work well with chilli and hot dogs. The classic choice is cheddar, which has a sharp, tangy flavour and melts beautifully. Other popular options include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Swiss cheese, and even cream cheese. For something a little different, you could try blue cheese, feta, or mozzarella. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and complements the spice of the chilli.

Putting It All Together

To assemble your chilli cheese dog, start by grilling or toasting your hot dog bun. You can spread the outside of the bun with butter for a crispy, golden finish. Slice your grilled hot dog sausage lengthwise, so it lays flat on the grill, and warm it through. Place the hot dog in the bun and top with a generous amount of chilli. Finally, add your cheese. You can sprinkle grated cheese on top and let it melt, or for an extra indulgent treat, try stuffing the hot dog with cheese before adding the chilli. Serve immediately, with a side of fries or a fresh salad.

Grilled cheese hot dogs

A fun and delicious combination of two classics: grilled cheese and hot dogs! A buttery crisp hot dog bun filled with lots of melted cheese and a juicy grilled hot dog.

Ingredients:

• Hot dog buns (top-sliced buns are recommended)
• Butter
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mixture of the two are popular choices)
• Hot dogs
• Ketchup and/or mustard for dipping (optional)

Method:

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
• Open the hot dog buns and use your palms to flatten them slightly.
• Spread butter on the outside of each bun, making sure to completely coat the surface.
• Place the buns on the skillet, butter side down, and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
• Slice each hot dog lengthwise, ensuring that the two halves remain attached.
• Place the hot dogs, flat side down, on the skillet next to the buns.
• Grill for 2 minutes on the flat side or until the hot dogs start to brown, then flip and grill for another minute on the other side.
• Transfer the hot dog to one side of the bun and sprinkle with more shredded cheese.
• Close the bun and continue grilling until all the cheese is melted.
• Serve immediately with ketchup and mustard on the side for dipping, if desired.

Variations:

While the classic grilled cheese hot dog is a delicious combination, there are several variations you can try:

• The Seattle Dog: Top your hot dog with cream cheese, a popular choice in Seattle, Washington.
• The Texas Tommy: Prepare your hot dog with bacon and cheese for a heartier meal.
• The Chicago-style Danger Dog: The Francheezie, found in "greasy spoon" restaurants in Chicago, is 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: A regional variation consisting of a bratwurst served with Swiss cheese and sauerkraut.

Frequently asked questions