Bacon & Cheese Smothered Hot Dogs Recipe

Description

Bacon & Cheese Smothered Hot Dogs Recipe

Ingredients

4 hot dog buns

4 hot dogs

Cheddar cheese

Crispy bacon

For the Cheese Sauce

Butter

Flour

Milk

Instructions
Cook Hot Dogs: Grill or fry them.
Prepare Cheese Sauce: Whisk butter, flour, milk, and cheese together.
Assemble: Add cheese sauce over the hot dogs.
Top with Bacon: Sprinkle crispy bacon.
Serve: Garnish with parsley.

A cheesy, crispy twist on your classic hot dog.
#CheeseAndBaconDelight

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for the perfect Bacon & Cheese Smothered Hot Dogs.

1. Cook the Hot Dogs: Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the hot dogs for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are evenly browned and heated through.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until thickened. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Crisp the Bacon: While the hot dogs cook, fry 4-6 strips of bacon in a separate pan until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
4. Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the insides of your hot dog buns and toast them on the grill or in a toaster oven until golden brown.
5. Assemble: Place a cooked hot dog in each toasted bun. Generously ladle the warm cheese sauce over the top, ensuring full coverage.
6. Final Touch: Sprinkle the crumbled crispy bacon liberally over the cheese sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Serving Suggestions

These decadent hot dogs are a meal on their own, but pairing them correctly elevates the experience. Serve with classic sides like crispy french fries, onion rings, or a simple tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness. For a cookout, offer a variety of extra toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, or pickled relish so guests can customize. They pair perfectly with an ice-cold beer or a fizzy soda.

How-to Summary

In short: Grill your hot dogs, create a simple cheese sauce from a butter-flour roux and milk, toast the buns, smother the dogs in sauce, and top with crumbled crispy bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but it will thicken as it cools. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk while whisking to restore its creamy consistency.

2. What’s the best cheese for the sauce?
Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor and melt. For a smoother sauce, you can use American cheese or a mix of cheddar and a slice of American for extra creaminess.

3. Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
You can, but freshly cooked bacon provides superior crispiness and flavor. If using pre-cooked, warm it briefly in a pan to crisp it up.

4. How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Ensure your heat is low when adding the cheese and stir constantly until just melted. Avoid boiling the sauce after the cheese is added.

5. Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Absolutely. You can assemble the hot dogs with sauce and bacon on a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until everything is bubbly and hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing the Roux: Don’t skip cooking the flour and butter for a full minute. This removes the raw flour taste.
• Adding Cheese to High Heat: Adding cheese to a boiling sauce will cause it to separate and become oily. Always reduce the heat first.
• Soggy Buns: Toasting the buns is non-negotiable. It creates a crucial barrier against the cheese sauce.
• Chewy Bacon: Ensure your bacon is cooked until very crispy, as it will soften slightly once placed on the hot cheese sauce.

Conclusion

This Bacon & Cheese Smothered Hot Dogs recipe transforms a simple classic into an indulgent, crowd-pleasing feast. The combination of smoky hot dogs, creamy homemade cheese sauce, and crunchy bacon is unbeatable. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can easily avoid common pitfalls and create a perfectly delicious result every time. It’s the ultimate upgrade for your next barbecue or game day gathering.