Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs

These Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs combine the bite of a savory hot dog enveloped in a golden cheese crust with insane textures and pure comfort. Strap in, this wild fusion of hot dogs with grilled cheese is a simple recipe that anyone will enjoy.

Every summer I’d get out of the pool, hoping to be served either a gooey grilled cheese or a hot dog. Classic childhood in every bite, I had to combine the two for the ultimate indulgence.

Warning: These are seriously dangerous. Cutting them in half before serving confuses the brain into forgetting how many you’ve consumed.

The Grilled Cheese Hot Dog marries these two classics into one glorious handheld feast. By scoring the hot dogs, we create more surface area for crisping, which adds texture and holds onto the melty cheese better.

The cheese forms a perfect crust on the outside, giving you a crunchy bite followed by a juicy, flavorful hot dog.

Key Ingredients

This simple recipe gives you plenty of options to swap out the ingredients to customise the grilled cheese hot dogs to your preference:

• Hot Dogs – Skinless hot dogs are recommended, as scoring the meat before cooking will create additional textures. Use beef, pork, or whatever version you prefer.
• Shredded Cheese – Shred your own, and use combinations of flavors you enjoy. Something melty and something flavorful, such as Monterrey jack and sharp cheddar, is highly recommended.
• Seasoning – Add a pinch of seasonings such as Sedona Sand All-Purpose Seasoning for additional flavor.
• Pickles or pickled jalapenos – Something briny and acidic really helps cut through the rich flavors.
• Unsalted butter – The bread needs to toast in butter, and unsalted works very well for this.
• Hot dog buns – Don’t skimp out, make sure you have a nice quality bun. The last thing you want is for it all to break in half on the seam from a cheap, crumbly hot dog bun.

How to Cook Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs

Preheat that griddle and jump into the kitchen. There are only a few steps and you’re ready to go!

1. Prepping the hot dogs: Score the hot dogs with a sharp knife diagonally. This step is optional but highly recommended for extra texture.
2. Cheese Mix: Shred and combine the cheeses in a bowl. If you’re going to add seasonings, do it now. Mix up the cheese and taste.
3. Cook the Hot Dogs: Heat your griddle to medium heat. Cook the hot dogs for a few minutes on each side until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Prepare the Buns: Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture inside each hot dog bun. Add pickles or pickled jalapenos, then the cooked hot dog inside, and pack the remaining cheese tightly on top. So it’s layered with cheese, toppings, hot dogs, and more cheese. Let’s go!
5. Sear the Cheesy Side: Melt the butter on the griddle and spread it evenly. Carefully place the hot dogs, cheese-side down, on the griddle. Grill for a few minutes until the cheese forms a crispy crust. Flip the hot dogs and toast the back of the buns for a couple of minutes.
6. Serve: Remove the hot dogs from the griddle. Serve them with your favorite toppings or dipping sauces like honey mustard for an extra kick.

Variations for Flavor

Keep it simple or mix it up for an explosion of flavors. Forget the rules, this isn’t classic grilled cheese.

Cheese Choices

• Spicy Kick: Use Pepper Jack or a mix of cheddar and blue cheese for a tangy twist.
• Mild and Melty: Swiss or mozzarella can create a milder flavor while still giving you that perfect melt.
• Smoky: Go with a combo of smoked cheddar or Gouda with Gruyere for a deeper flavor.

Dips and Sauces

• BBQ Ranch Dressing: Creamy, tangy, smoky and sweet.
• Honey Mustard: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the cheese crust.
• Homemade Hot Honey: Combined with cheese and savory hot dog, it’s SO good!
• Spicy Aioli: Mix mayo with a touch of sriracha for a creamy, spicy dip.

Frequently Asked Questions

There you have it, the ultimate Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs! Easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Enjoy this cheesy, crusty creation at your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time. You better act fast!