Tasty Hot Dog Mac and Cheese

There’s something so comforting about combining two childhood favorites into one dish. Mac and cheese has always been my go-to comfort food, and hot dogs? Well, they bring back memories of summer cookouts and quick weeknight dinners. One day, while staring at some leftover hot dogs in my fridge, I thought, “Why not throw these into my mac and cheese?” Sometimes the simplest ideas turn out to be the best ones.

I know some people might raise an eyebrow at this combination, but trust me – it works. My kids actually cheer when they see this dish coming to the table, and even my husband, who usually prefers “grown-up” food, helps himself to seconds. It’s the kind of meal that takes basic ingredients you probably already have and turns them into something that just makes everyone happy.

Want an easy weeknight dinner that’ll please both kids and adults? This recipe checks all the boxes. It’s quick, filling, and brings together two classics in the most satisfying way.

What Kind of Hot Dogs Should I Use?

When it comes to hot dogs, you’ve got quite a few options for this mac and cheese recipe. All-beef hot dogs tend to have the best flavor and texture, but regular pork or pork-beef blend hot dogs work great too. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even use Hebrew National or Nathan’s Famous – they’re known for their beefy taste and nice snap when you bite into them. For the best results, pick hot dogs that aren’t too heavily seasoned or flavored (like cheese-filled or jalapeño varieties) since you want them to complement rather than compete with the cheesy sauce. Just make sure to slice them into bite-sized pieces so they distribute evenly throughout your mac and cheese.

Options for Substitutions

This comfort food classic is pretty adaptable – here are some easy swaps you can make:

• Elbow macaroni: Any short pasta works great here – try shells, rotini, or penne. Just cook according to the package directions for al dente.
• Hot dogs: Not a hot dog fan? Switch them out for sliced smoked sausage, diced ham, or even crispy bacon. For a veggie version, try plant-based hot dogs or skip the meat altogether.
• Cheese blend: Feel free to mix up the cheese combo – monterey jack, colby, or even pepper jack work well. Just keep the total amount of cheese the same. The cream cheese adds creaminess but can be replaced with mascarpone or extra milk.
• Full-fat milk: While whole milk gives the best texture, you can use 2% milk. For extra richness, swap in some half-and-half for part of the milk.
• Mustard powder: No mustard powder? Use 1 teaspoon of prepared yellow mustard instead, or skip it if you don’t have it – it adds flavor but isn’t crucial.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making hot dog mac and cheese is overcooking the pasta – always cook it 1-2 minutes less than the package directions since it will continue cooking in the cheese sauce, preventing mushy macaroni. The second common error is adding all the cheese at once to the hot milk mixture, which can make your sauce grainy or clumpy – instead, remove the pan from heat and stir in cheese gradually, letting each addition melt completely before adding more. When making the roux (butter and flour mixture), be patient and cook it for at least 1-2 minutes to avoid a raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown or it will affect the sauce’s color and flavor. For the creamiest results, bring your cream cheese to room temperature before adding it to the sauce, and always grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce less smooth.

What to Serve With Hot Dog Mac and Cheese?

Since hot dog mac and cheese is such a rich and filling dish, it pairs really well with simple, fresh sides that can help balance out all that creamy goodness. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is my go-to choice – the fresh crunch provides a nice contrast to the creamy pasta. You could also serve some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side, which kids usually don’t mind eating when they’re served alongside mac and cheese. For a casual backyard party vibe, add some pickle spears, potato chips, or a side of coleslaw to complete the meal – these sides remind me of all the best cookout flavors in one plate!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This hot dog mac and cheese is perfect for leftovers! Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The sauce might thicken up a bit in the fridge, but don’t worry – that’s totally normal.

Freeze: Want to save some for later? Let the mac and cheese cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just remember that the texture might be a little different after freezing, but it’ll still taste good!

Reheat: To warm up your leftovers, add a splash of milk and heat it in the microwave, stirring every minute until hot. For better results, reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often and adding a bit of milk to bring back that creamy consistency. The cheese sauce will come back together nicely with a good stir!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	20-30 minutes
Total Time	30-45 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2500-2700
• Protein: 90-100 g
• Fat: 150-170 g
• Carbohydrates: 240-260 g

Ingredients

• 16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1/4 cup butter
• 16 ounces hot dogs, cut into pieces
• 1/4 cup plain flour
• 2 cups full-fat milk
• 1 1/2 cups grated mild cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Macaroni

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

While the oven is heating, cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente.

Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Fry the Hot Dogs

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the hot dogs to the pan and fry lightly for one to two minutes on each side until the surface is slightly crisp.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the hot dogs from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Using the same pan with the remaining melted butter, add the flour and stir until smooth, forming a roux.

Gradually add the milk, constantly whisking as you go.

Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for three to four minutes until thickened while continuing to whisk steadily.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded mild and sharp cheddar cheeses, cream cheese, salt, pepper, and mustard until all ingredients are fully combined.

The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Stir in the cooked macaroni and the sliced hot dogs.

It’s okay if the sauce seems thin at first; it will thicken, so keep stirring to prevent the bottom from burning.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

Once baked, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve hot.