Imagine the perfect marriage of two all-time favorite comfort foods – creamy mac and cheese meets classic hot dogs in a mouthwatering explosion of flavor that will make your taste buds dance! This isn't just another recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into an irresistible feast that both kids and adults will absolutely devour. Prepare to become the kitchen hero who elevates the humble hot dog to gourmet status with this incredibly easy and deliciously indulgent Mac and Cheese Dogs recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 hot dogs
- 1 cup macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hot dog buns
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 hot dogs, 1 cup of macaroni, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, salt, pepper, and 4 hot dog buns.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni and a pinch of salt. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the macaroni is cooking, in a separate pan, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the hot dogs and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are heated through and have a nice char.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and set aside. In the same pot, reduce the heat to low and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely.
- Next, pour in the milk and stir to combine with the melted butter. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure all the macaroni is coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To assemble the Mac and Cheese Dogs, place a hot dog in each bun. Generously spoon the mac and cheese mixture over the hot dogs.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with extra cheese or breadcrumbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Mac and Cheese Dogs!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and select good-quality hot dogs for the best taste.
- Cook Macaroni Al Dente: Be careful not to overcook the pasta – it should have a slight bite to prevent mushiness when mixed with the cheese sauce.
- Cheese Sauce Technique: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
- Temperature Control: Keep the heat low when making the cheese sauce to prevent separation and achieve a silky texture.
- Serving Suggestion: For extra crunch, consider topping with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the mac and cheese sauce in advance and reheat gently before assembling the dogs.
- Customize Your Dogs: Experiment with different cheese blends or add jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg
