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!
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.