Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs – So Cheesy and Gooey!

Summer is already here, which means 4th of July cookouts, backyard BBQs, and smoky grills! Combining the creamy homemade mac and cheese with the perfectly grilled, juicy hot dogs and soft toasted buns, these mouthwatering Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs are guaranteed to be a showstopper!

I grew up in a family where great comfort food was everything. My mom was the queen of get-togethers, parties, and gatherings, and whenever food was involved, we were never short of guests – whether family, friends, or neighbors. Everybody knew it, we were that family. Everybody loved our parties, and everybody loved mom’s food. Needless to say, cookouts were no exception. These decadent Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs used to be on the menu every. single. time. and they would be gone in five minutes flat on any occasion… and so will yours!

Creamy Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs – The Ultimate Comfort Food

Hot dogs are a great choice and a go-to whenever you need something quick that delivers delicious results. No need to go through the guessing game anymore since hot dogs are a big favorite among both kids and adults.

But these are not just any hot dogs! Loaded with gooey mac and cheese and cooked to smoky perfection, these Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs are insanely delicious and your party is sure to become the talk of the town!

Why You Should Try These Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs

These mouthwatering loaded hot dogs are perfect for BBQs, 4th of July parties, casual cookouts or simply whenever you fancy a good-old hot dog.

They are the perfect combination of two comfort food staples, in one decadent bite, which makes them the ultimate comfort food: creamy, cheesy, buttery, hearty, and satisfying. Simply irresistible!

Not to say that they are great as a make-ahead: just prepare all the separate components and let your guests pile on their own toppings while you enjoy the party.

Both kids and adults love them – absolutely no joke, just watch them vanish!

Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs Key Ingredients

(for the exact measurements, please see the recipe card below)

For the Mac and Cheese:

– conchiglie pasta (elbow pasta, or any small pasta of your choice)

– butter

– all-purpose flour

– milk

– sharp Cheddar cheese

– Mozzarella cheese

– Parmesan cheese

– garlic powder

– smoked paprika

– salt

– pepper

– hot sauce (optional)

For the hot dogs:

– 4 – 6 hot dogs

– 4 – 6 hot dog buns

Optional toppings:

– crispy bacon bits

– chopped spring onions

– Jalapeno slices (for a bit of spice)

– crushed potato chips (for a bit of crunch)

Equipment:

For the Mac and Cheese:

– Medium saucepan or pot

– Medium saucepan

– Colander

– Whisk

– Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

– Measuring cups and spoons

– Grater

For the Hot Dogs:

– Grill pan, cast iron skillet or outside grill

– Tongs

For Assembly:

– Serving tray or large platter – to serve the assembled mac and cheese hot dogs

– Spoon or ladle – to heap on that mac and cheese

– Small bowls – for the additional toppings: bacon, green onions, chives, etc.

– Napkins (plenty of them!) – these bad boys can get really messy

Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs at a Glance

How To Make These Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs

Step 1

Cook the pasta as directed.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, grill the hot dogs and toast the buns.

Step 3

Melt the butter and add the flour to make a roux.

Step 4

Pour the milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens.

Step 5

Add the cheeses, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and hot sauce (optional). Stir until the sauce is smooth. Adjust the seasoning.

Step 6

Add in the pasta and mix well. Cover to keep warm.

Step 7

Assemble the hot dogs: place the hot dogs into the toasted buns, and pile up the mac and cheese on top.

Step 8 (optional)

Cover each hot dog with Mozzarella cheese and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Step 9

Finish with your desired toppings – crispy bacon bits, spring onions, chives, extra shredded cheese, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the mac and cheese ahead of time?

The mac and cheese is best made fresh. But if you need to, you can prepare it up to two days in advance and just add a splash of milk when reheating it, so that the sauce becomes smooth and creamy again.

Can I reheat leftovers?

Yes. Just make sure you store all the components separately. Keep in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to enjoy your hot dog, assemble and reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Can I use boxed mac and cheese instead of homemade?

Yes. If you are in a rush, this would be a perfect option. Just make sure that your mac and cheese is rich enough that it doesn’t fall of your hot dog.

What types of hot dogs work best?

Beef hot dogs are the most commonly used and have the best flavor. But you can use any hot dog you prefer: chicken, pork, turkey, veggie, vegan. Or you could replace the hot dog with other types of sausages like frankfurter, bratwurst, kielbasa, or smoked sausages.

What sides pair well with Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs?

Since this is a very rich, creamy and hearty dish, something light like a green salad, coleslaw, pickles, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes are perfect for balancing that richness.

These Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs have quickly earned a spot in my comfort food rotation because they are insanely good, fun, and so satisfying. Once you try them, they might just become your new favorite snack or game-day treat!

If these Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs brightened your day (or your party spread!), be sure to save them for your next cozy night in and share your twist in the comments — I always love seeing how my recipes come to life in your kitchen. And if you have a moment, I’d be so grateful if you left a review below — your support makes a bigger difference than you know. Thank you for being here!

Other recipes you may like:

1. Healthy Chicken Quesadilla Recipe (Quick and Easy!)
2. Mind-blowing Korean Cheese Corn Dog (So Crunchy!)
3. Corndog Recipe Without Cornmeal: Easy and Delicious
4. Roast Potatoes with Rosemary and Garlic
5. Mom’s Creamy Potato Salad Recipe – Rich and Savory
6. Authentic 3 Ingredient Fettuccine Alfredo (no cream)

MAC AND CHEESE HOT DOGS - SO CHEESY AND GOOEY!

Summer is already here, which means 4th of July cookouts, backyard BBQs, smoky grills, and plenty of get-togethers! These mouthwatering Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs, combining the creamy, homemade mac and cheese with the perfectly grilled, juicy hot dogs and soft toasted buns, are guaranteed to be the hit of your party!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  

For the Mac and Cheese

• 1.5 cup dry conchiglie pasta (elbow pasta, or any small-type pasta)
• 2 TBSP butter
• 2 TBSP flour
• 1.5 cups whole milk (or heavy cream, for a very rich sauce)
• 1 ½ cups sharp Cheddar cheese (shredded or grated)
• ½ cups Mozarella cheese (shredded or grated)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp pepper
• ¼ tsp salt (or to taste, depending on the variety of cheeses used)
• a dash of hot sauce (optional)

For the Hot Dogs

• 4-6 hot dogs
• 4-6 hot dog buns

Optional toppings

• crispy bacon bits
• chopped spring onions
• Jalapeno slices
• crushed potato chips, etc. (see notes)

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta in hot, salty water, according to package directions. Run it under cold water quickly to wash off the starch and prevent the pasta from sticking together. Set aside in a covered bowl to avoid drying.
• While the pasta is cooking, start preparing the hot dogs. Grill the hot dogs until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside (5-7 minutes)
• Then grill the buns and slice on top, but don't cut all the way through.
• Make the mac and cheese sauce: in a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it forms a smooth paste (the roux).
• Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
• Reduce heat to low, stir in shredded Cheddar cheese, Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, hot sauce (optional), salt, and pepper. Stir until fully melted, and sauce is smooth.
• Add the cooked pasta and stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Assemble the Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs

• Put the toasted buns on a tray, then place each hot dog into the buns. Spoon a generous amount of the mac and cheese on top of each hot dog, covering completely. (Optional: top with 2-3 slices of Mozzarella and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese starts to ooze. Keep a close eye on them.)
• Finish with your favorite toppings: crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, chives, etc.
• Serve immediately while still hot.

Notes

- Instead of grilling the hot dogs, you can also boil them - it's up to your preference.

- Other additional toppings that would take these Hot dogs over the top: sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, fried onion rings, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, BBQ sauce, extra shredded cheese, crumbled blue cheese, toasted panko breadcrumbs (with butter, garlic and parsley), fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro), diced bell peppers, pickles etc.

- These Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs should be served immediately, while the pasta is still hot. If serving at a party, prepare a buffet where guests can prepare their own hot dog. You can keep the mac and cheese hot in a chafing dish.

Keyword BBQ, hot dogs, mac and cheese, mac and cheese hot dogs, summer cookout

So here we are — me, you, and a hot dog smothered in creamy mac and cheese, just like the backyard parties I grew up with. So, fire up the grill, let the cheese flow, and call up your favorite people. Better make extras… the smell alone might bring the whole neighborhood to your backyard! And who knows… this just might become your new family tradition!

And if you give this recipe a try (or add your own twist to it), drop a comment below. I’d love to hear what magic YOU cooked up in your own kitchen!