A cheese dog hot dog is a hot dog that has been stuffed with cheese or topped with melted cheese. It is a delicious twist on the classic hot dog that adds a gooey, cheesy element to every bite. Cheese dog hot dogs are popular at baseball games, summer cookouts, and other events where hot dogs are served. They are easy to make at home too. Simply slit a hot dog bun, stuff with a cheese-filled hot dog, and toast until the cheese melts. Top with your favorite hot dog toppings and enjoy this cheesy delight!
What Type of Hot Dog is Used?
Any type of hot dog can be used to make a cheese dog, but some work better than others. Plump, high-quality hot dogs are best since they can hold more cheese. Beef franks, turkey franks, chicken franks, vegan hot dogs, and kosher hot dogs all make excellent cheese dogs. The hot dog should be long enough to poke out of the slit bun on both ends. This helps the buns toast while the hot dog and cheese heat. 6-inch long hot dogs are ideal for cheese dogs.
What Type of Cheese Works Best?
Melty cheeses work best for stuffing inside hot dogs. Some top choices include:
- Cheddar – A classic choice with rich, buttery flavor
- Monterey Jack – Melts smoothly with a mild taste
- Mozzarella – Oozes beautifully when melted
- Pepper jack – Adds a kick of heat
- Provolone – Full-flavored and easy to melt
- Smoked gouda – Deep smoky flavor
- Swiss – Nutty taste and smooth melting
- Muenster – Melts uniformly for even distribution
- American – Classic, melty cheese
- Velveeta – Ultra creamy texture when melted
Any shredded, sliced, cubed or cheese stick varieties work well for stuffing inside hot dogs. Block cheeses can also be cut into strips for inserting into hot dog buns. Avoid crumbly cheeses like feta, queso fresco or bleu cheese that don’t melt as smoothly.
How to Make a Cheese Dog
Making cheese dogs at home is easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Cook hot dogs according to package instructions. Boiling, grilling or pan frying all work well.
- Slice hot dog buns lengthwise without fully separating the halves.
- Stuff cheese into the hot dogs by making a 1-2 inch slit down the center. Use enough cheese to overstuff them.
- Nestle the cheese-filled hot dogs into the buns.
- Wrap in foil and place back on the grill, in a hot pan or oven until cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
- Remove foil and toast buns until crispy and golden brown.
- Top with desired hot dog toppings like ketchup, mustard, relish, onions and chili.
- Enjoy immediately!
Be careful when biting into the overloaded cheese dogs – melted cheese tends to ooze and drip. Provide plenty of napkins!
Different Ways to Add Cheese
While slit and stuffing is the most common way to make cheese dogs, there are other cheesy options too:
Cheese Slices
Simply wrap strips of cheese around the hot dogs before nestling into buns. American cheese slices or provolone slices work well.
Cheese Sauce
Drizzle hot cheese sauce over the hot dogs before serving. Nacho cheese sauce is a popular choice.
Cheese Crumbles
Sprinkle crumbled bleu cheese, feta or goat cheese over the hot dogs for flavorful crumbles in every bite.
Cheesy Toppings
Top with shredded cheese, cheese curds, queso fresco or other crumbly cheeses after cooking for cheesy coverage.
Cheese Powder
Coat the hot dogs in cheesy powdered cheese flavoring before cooking for an easy cheesy boost.
Best Buns for Cheese Dogs
The bun plays an important role in keeping these indulgent dogs together. Sturdy buns with soft insides work best. Some top options include:
| Bun Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Potato Buns | Soft, thick buns that hold fillings well |
| Brioche Buns | Sweet, tender buns that complement rich cheese |
| Pretzel Buns | Hearty texture and salty flavor balances cheese |
| Hawaiian Buns | Fluffy, lightly sweet buns add contrast |
| Mini Buns | Better cheese to bun ratio in each bite |
Split-top buns are ideal since they open easily for filling and laying the hot dogs inside. Toasted, buttered buns add even more richness.
Alternative Names
Cheese dogs go by many creative names including:
- Cheddar dogs
- Cheese-stuffed dogs
- Cheesy dogs
- Cheese-filled franks
- Melty dogs
- Queso dogs
- Cheese-in-a-blanket dogs
But the general concept remains the same – hot dogs overloaded with melted cheese!
Unique Cheese Dog Creations
While the classic cheese dog is delicious, vendors have gotten creative with unique twists. Some popular options include:
Mac and Cheese Dogs
Hot dogs are slit and stuffed with gooey macaroni and cheese for extra comfort food flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dogs
Shredded chicken, hot sauce and bleu cheese dressing fills the dogs for a spicy, Buffalo-style kick.
Philly Cheesesteak Dogs
Thinly sliced steak, peppers, onions and cheese gives a cheesesteak vibe.
Chili Cheese Dogs
Spicy beef chili and cheddar cheese paired together make these extra hearty.
Nacho Cheese Dogs
Oozing nacho cheese sauce and tortilla chips on top recreate nachos in hot dog form.
Pizza Dogs
Mozzarella, pepperoni and marinara sauce stuffed in the hot dogs tastes like a meaty pizza.
Breakfast Cheese Dogs
Eggs, bacon, sausage and cheddar cheese make for a filling breakfast-inspired dog.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to the best cheese and toppings to stuff these dogs with!
Where to Find Cheese Dogs
Cheese dogs have become popular menu items at many locations. Here are some of the top spots to try them:
- Baseball stadiums – Part of the core concession menu
- Theme parks – Served at snack carts around the park
- Fairgrounds – Often fried or inventive versions
- Food trucks – With fun, creative toppings
- Hot dog restaurants – Offer their own signature recipes
- Backyard BBQs – An easy DIY summertime option
Major hot dog brands like Nathan’s Famous also sell cheese dogs at some locations. Pre-made frozen cheese dogs can be found in grocery stores too for quick heating at home.
Cheese Dog Toppings
While the cheese provides plenty of flavor, you can also customize cheese dogs with lots of great toppings. Some tasty options include:
- Ketchup, mustard, mayo – The classics!
- Relish, pickles, sauerkraut – For tang
- Onions, peppers, tomatoes – Fresh veggies
- Pico de gallo, guacamole, salsa – Mexican flavors
- Bacon, chili – More meaty additions
- Jalapeños, banana peppers- Spicy picks
The cheese provides a rich flavor base you can pile many toppings on without overpowering. Get creative with your favorite hot dog add-ons!
Tips for Making Cheese Dogs
Here are some helpful tips for making the perfect cheese dogs at home:
- Use a sharp knife to carefully slit the hot dogs lengthwise.
- Let the hot dogs boil for a few minutes before making the slit to reduce splitting.
- Overstuff the cheese into the hot dogs for maximum ooey-gooey cheese per bite.
- Shred, slice or cube the cheese small for easier insertion.
- Consider using a cheese stick if stuffing cubed cheese.
- Chill the cheese for easier handling if it warms up.
- Wrap in foil before toasting for better melting.
- Cook low and slow to prevent cheese from leaking out.
- Add cheese topper after toasting for extra cheesy layer.
It may take some practice to get the process down, but the delicious, cheesy results are well worth it!
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about these decadent dogs:
Are cheese dogs healthy?
Not really. Like most hot dogs and cheese-covered dishes, they are high in fat, sodium, and calories. Enjoy them in moderation.
What cheese has the best melting properties?
American cheese and cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella melt very smoothly. Avoid crumbly cheeses.
Do you have to use real cheese or can you use cheese sauce?
Real cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella work best for flavor and meltability. Cheese sauces will make the buns soggy.
What is the easiest cheese to stuff in hot dogs?
Uniformly shaped cheeses like cheese sticks, sliced cheeses or small shredded cheese pieces are easiest to insert into hot dog slits cleanly.
How do you keep the cheese from oozing out of the hot dog?
Use a sharp knife to make a clean slit. Cook slowly over low heat. Chilling the cheese first also helps it stay sturdier when stuffing it in.
Why are cheese dogs so popular at baseball games?
They are easy to eat without utensils, pair well with cold beer, and the indulgent cheese satisfies cravings.
Conclusion
Cheese dogs put an inventive spin on the iconic hot dog by infusing it with ooey-gooey melted cheese. This craveable mashup highlights the best qualities of both hot dogs and cheese for a delicious handheld meal. While specialty versions abound, the basic cheese dog is simple to make at home with just hot dogs, buns and your favorite melty cheese. Stuff, toast, and top these cheesy dogs to your heart’s content! Just be warned – they may become your new favorite cookout food.