The Ultimate Cheese And Hot Dog Pairing Guide

Hot dogs are a popular food item, often served with a variety of toppings and condiments. One popular option is to add cheese, creating what is known as a cheese dog. Cheese can be served in different ways, including slices or grated cheese, cheese sauce, or even stuffed within the hot dog as a filling. The type of cheese used can vary, with cheddar, American cheese, cream cheese, and Swiss cheese being common choices. Some people also experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even macaroni and cheese. The versatility of the cheese dog allows for endless customizations and combinations of ingredients, making it a fun and tasty treat for all ages.

Cheese type: cheddar, American, Swiss, or cream cheese are popular choices

When it comes to choosing a cheese type for your hot dogs, you can't go wrong with cheddar, American, Swiss, or cream cheese. These varieties offer different tastes and textures that can elevate your hot dog experience.

Cheddar cheese, known for its sharp and tangy flavour, pairs perfectly with the savoury notes of a hot dog. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey and indulgent texture that is simply irresistible. You can use shredded or sliced cheddar, depending on your preference.

American cheese is another popular choice, especially for those who enjoy a creamy and mild flavour. It melts easily, making it ideal for grilled cheese hot dogs. American cheese can be placed inside the bun, under the hot dog, or shredded and sprinkled on top, providing a delicious gooey texture.

Swiss cheese, with its distinctive flavour and meltability, is also a favourite among hot dog enthusiasts. It adds a touch of sophistication to your meal and goes well with other toppings such as sauerkraut. Swiss cheese can be used in sliced or shredded form, depending on your desired presentation.

Cream cheese, though less conventional, has gained popularity in places like Seattle, where the "Seattle Dog" features a hot dog topped with cream cheese. Cream cheese provides a rich and creamy texture that complements the savoury flavours of the hot dog. It adds a unique twist to your meal, offering a different taste sensation.

When selecting the cheese for your hot dog, consider your personal preference for flavour and texture. Each of these cheese varieties can be customised to your liking, whether shredded, sliced, melted, or spread, ensuring a delightful cheesy experience with every bite.

Cheese placement: on the bun, on the wiener, inside the hot dog, or in the middle of a sliced hot dog

There are several ways to place cheese on a hot dog, each with its own unique advantages. Here is a detailed guide to the different placement methods:

Cheese on the Bun

This classic method involves spreading grated or sliced cheese on the inside of the bun. This technique ensures the cheese melts and blends with the other ingredients, creating a cohesive and tasty bite. It also helps to keep the hot dog in place and prevents it from sliding out.

Cheese on the Wiener

For this method, a slice of cheese is placed directly on top of the hot dog wiener. This placement allows the cheese to melt around the wiener, creating a gooey and indulgent texture. It also adds a layer of flavour to the wiener itself, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Cheese Inside the Hot Dog

This less conventional method involves stuffing grated or processed cheese inside the hot dog itself. By doing this, every bite of the hot dog is packed with cheesy flavour. This technique is ideal for those who want a more subtle cheese presence that surprises with each mouthful.

Cheese in the Middle of a Sliced Hot Dog

For this approach, the hot dog is sliced down the middle, creating a pocket for the cheese. This placement ensures that the cheese stays securely inside the hot dog, creating a neat package. As the hot dog is bitten into, the cheese is released, resulting in a burst of flavour.

No matter which cheese placement method is chosen, the type of cheese and its melting properties should be considered. Sliced or shredded cheese, such as cheddar or American cheese, is commonly used, often served melted on the hot dogs. Other types of cheese, such as cream cheese, Swiss cheese, or even macaroni and cheese, can also be used to create different flavour profiles and textures.

Cheese form: melted, shredded, sliced, or a sauce

When it comes to cheese on hot dogs, there are several ways to go about it in terms of form: melted, shredded, sliced, or a sauce.

Melted Cheese

Melted cheese is a popular choice for hot dogs, as it creates a gooey and indulgent texture. To achieve this, shredded cheese is typically sprinkled on top of the hot dog and then melted, forming a crunchy crust. This method is often used for grilled cheese hot dogs, where the cheese is first melted inside the bun before the hot dog is added, and then more cheese is added on top and grilled to create a crispy, golden crust. This results in a juicy, flavourful hot dog with a crunchy bite.

Shredded Cheese

Shredded cheese is recommended for hot dogs as it melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which can contain anti-caking agents that affect its smoothness. Shredded cheese can be used in combination with other cheeses to create different flavours and textures. For example, Monterrey Jack and sharp cheddar can be combined for a mix of meltiness and flavour.

Sliced Cheese

Sliced cheese is another option for hot dogs, although it is not as popular as melted or shredded cheese. Sliced cheese can be placed inside the bun before adding the hot dog, or it can be melted on top of the hot dog. Sliced cheese is often used for chili dogs, where it is grilled into the bun along with other toppings such as mustard and onions.

Cheese Sauce

Cheese sauce is a preferred choice for those who enjoy dipping their hot dogs. A warm cheese sauce can be drizzled over the hot dog or served on the side as a dip. Cheese sauce provides a creamy texture and flavour that complements the hot dog. It is often paired with chili for an extra kick.

Cheese combinations: pairing cheese with bacon, chilli, or macaroni

Cheese and Bacon

A classic combination, cheese and bacon can be used to make a simple yet indulgent grilled cheese sandwich. The key to a good bacon grilled cheese sandwich is the addition of a few extra ingredients to deliver a flavour punch. The following ingredients are recommended:

• Mayonnaise: To make the melted cheese creamier and add a touch of tangy flavour.
• Mustard: Either Dijon or honey mustard, depending on whether you prefer sweetness or a sharper flavour.
• Bread: Sourdough is recommended, but any bread will work.
• Cheese: Swiss cheese is suggested, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or another favourite cheese can be substituted. Cheddar cheese is also a must for sharpness.
• Tomato: Thick slices of fresh tomato complement the grilled cheese and bacon.
• Onion: Sweet onion slices add a touch of extra flavour.
• Bacon: Applewood smoked bacon will add delicious flavour.

Cheese and Chilli

The combination of cheese and chilli may seem unlikely, but it can create some truly mouthwatering dishes. The creaminess and richness of cheese provide the perfect balance to the heat and complexity of chilli. When pairing cheese and chilli, consider the following:

• Cheese Type: Choose a cheese with a texture and flavour that complements the chilli. For example, a creamy, mild cheese like mozzarella or brie can help balance the heat of a spicy chilli, while a tangy, bold cheese like blue or feta can stand up to a smoky chilli.
• Chilli Heat Level: Select a chilli with a heat level that suits your taste preferences and complements your chosen cheese. Milder chillies, like Ancho or Chipotle, pair well with a variety of cheeses, while hotter chillies, like Cayenne or Thai Bird's Eye, may require a more robust cheese to balance the heat.
• Flavour Profile: Consider the flavour profile of both the chilli and cheese when creating your pairings. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect match that enhances the unique flavours of each ingredient.

Cheese and Macaroni

Macaroni and cheese, or "mac and cheese", is a classic comfort dish that can be elevated by combining different cheeses to create the perfect balance of flavour and texture. Here are some of the best cheeses to use when making mac and cheese:

• Cheddar: The undisputed king of mac and cheese. Its versatility and diverse ageing profiles make it an essential component in any cheese sauce. While extra-sharp cheddar offers a robust flavour, it doesn't melt well due to its low moisture content. Sharp, mild, and medium-aged cheddar varieties are recommended.
• Parmesan: Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, brings a salty depth to mac and cheese. Incorporating it into the cheese sauce adds complexity and nutty notes.
• Gruyère: This Swiss cheese is famous for fondue, but its exceptional melting properties and sophisticated flavour profile make it a game-changing addition to mac and cheese. When heated, it becomes remarkably creamy without becoming greasy.
• Brie: This cheese brings an unmatched creaminess to mac and cheese, transforming it into an indulgent dish. The subtle mushroom and butter notes add complexity.
• Smoked Gouda: Aged smoked Gouda offers an intense flavour with hints of butterscotch and bacon-like saltiness. It should be blended with creamier cheeses for optimal texture.
• Monterey Jack: While its mild flavour might seem simple, Monterey Jack's exceptional melting properties and subtle buttery sweetness make it an essential part of mac and cheese.
• Fontina: This cheese brings complex notes of nuts, herbs, and butter that develop into earthy mushroom flavours as it ages. Traditional fontina provides an intense flavour, while modern varieties offer milder profiles that work well in cheese blends.
• Cream Cheese: While not traditionally associated with mac and cheese, cream cheese can help achieve ultimate creaminess by adding body, silkiness, and protein to the sauce.

Cheese and bread: the type of bun or bread used to serve the hot dog

When it comes to serving a hot dog, the type of bun or bread used is just as important as the toppings. A hot dog bun is typically a soft, elongated bun shaped specifically to contain a hot dog or sausage. While there are various ways to prepare a hot dog bun, the goal is usually to achieve a soft, moist, and slightly toasted texture that complements the crispness of the hot dog.

One popular method is to steam the bun, which results in a softer and moister texture. This can be done by placing the bun over the hot dog during the last minute of cooking, adding water to the pan and covering it with a lid, using a steaming basket over boiling water, or wrapping the bun in a damp paper towel and microwaving it for a few seconds. Another option is to grill or toast the bun, adding butter, mayo, or oil for extra flavour. Toasting the bun can be done on a grill, in an oven, or in a frying pan or griddle.

The type of bun used can also vary depending on the region. In most of the United States, the side-loading bun is common, while the top-loading New England-style hot dog bun is popular in the northeastern region of the country. Chicago-style hot dogs are often served in poppy-seed buns made with high-gluten flour to withstand steaming, while Central European "hot dogs" are served in hollowed-out baguettes, also known as "French Hot Dogs."

The quality of the bun is also essential to the overall hot dog experience. Cheap buns can be dry, bland, or unable to hold up under the weight of toppings, leading to a messy and unsatisfying eating experience. A good-quality bun should be soft yet resilient, with a delicate sweetness that complements the savoury flavours of the hot dog and toppings. It should also be able to absorb condiments without becoming soggy, ensuring every bite is delightful.

When preparing a grilled cheese hot dog, the type of bread or bun used is crucial to the dish's success. A sturdy, high-quality bun is necessary to support the weight of the melted cheese and other toppings without falling apart. Brioche buns, for example, are a popular choice for grilled cheese hot dogs due to their soft and fluffy texture and rich, buttery flavour.

Frequently asked questions