Here’s my go-to hot dog casserole recipe, with layers of sliced hot dogs, creamy cheese sauce, and tender potatoes all baked together until golden and bubbly. Perfect for busy weeknights!
This hot dog casserole is what my kids ask for whenever they have friends over for dinner. I usually prep an extra-large batch because everyone always goes back for seconds. Nothing beats a warm, cheesy casserole when you need an easy family meal, right?
Why You’ll Love This Hot Dog Casserole
- Budget-friendly meal – Using simple ingredients like hot dogs and potatoes, this casserole is perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
- Kid-approved dinner – Hot dogs are always a hit with kids, and when combined with creamy potatoes and cheese, this dish becomes an instant family favorite.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prep this casserole earlier in the day and pop it in the oven when you’re ready for dinner – perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort food classic – With its creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and melty cheese, this casserole delivers all the comfort food satisfaction you’re craving.
What Kind of Hot Dogs Should I Use?
When it comes to hot dogs, there are quite a few options at the grocery store that’ll work great in this casserole. All-beef hot dogs tend to have the best flavor and texture, but turkey or chicken dogs can work too if you’re looking for a lighter option. Since the hot dogs are a main protein in this dish, I’d recommend choosing ones with natural casings – they tend to hold up better during cooking and have a nice snap to them. Just steer clear of cheese-stuffed varieties, as they can make the casserole too greasy. Remember to check the length of your hot dogs too – standard-sized ones (about 6 inches) are perfect for this recipe, while foot-longs will need extra cutting to fit properly in your casserole dish.
Options for Substitutions
This cozy casserole is pretty adaptable and here’s how you can switch things up:
- Hot dogs: While hot dogs are the star here, you can use other pre-cooked sausages like kielbasa, frankfurters, or even sliced smoked sausage. Plant-based hot dogs work too if you’re going meat-free!
- Red potatoes: Any potato variety works well here – try Yukon Gold, russet, or white potatoes. Just make sure to slice them thin so they cook properly. Sweet potatoes could work too, though they’ll give a different flavor profile.
- Cheddar cheese: Feel free to swap the cheddar with any melting cheese you have on hand – Monterey Jack, Colby, or even American cheese would work great. For extra zip, try pepper jack!
- 2% milk: You can use whole milk for a richer sauce, or even half-and-half. For a lighter version, 1% milk works too. Just avoid fat-free milk as it might make the sauce too thin.
- Green onions: No green onions? Try fresh parsley, chives, or skip the garnish altogether – it won’t affect the overall taste of the casserole.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The trickiest part of making hot dog casserole is getting the white sauce just right – rushing through the roux (butter and flour mixture) can lead to lumpy sauce, so take your time and whisk constantly over medium heat until it’s smooth and golden. Another common mistake is cutting the potato slices too thick, which leads to uneven cooking – aim for consistent, thin slices (about 1/8 inch) so they’ll cook through completely while the top gets nicely browned. The layering order matters too – starting with a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the dish prevents the potatoes from sticking, and making sure the hot dogs are evenly distributed (not all clumped together) ensures every bite has the right balance of flavors. For the best texture, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking, which allows the sauce to thicken and makes it easier to serve neat portions.
What to Serve With Hot Dog Casserole?
This hearty hot dog casserole is basically a complete meal in itself, but a few simple sides can round out your dinner perfectly. A crisp green salad with ranch or vinaigrette dressing helps balance out the richness of the casserole. If you’re feeding a hungry crowd, some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side add nice color and nutrition to the plate. Since this dish already has potatoes, I like to keep the sides pretty light and veggie-focused – think coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: This hot dog casserole is perfect for leftovers! Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better as they meld together overnight, making it a great make-ahead dinner option.
Freeze: If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Just remember that potatoes can get a bit softer after freezing, but it’ll still taste great!
Warm Up: When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, heat them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For better results, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes – this helps keep the top nice and crispy. If it’s frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 70-75 minutes |
| Total Time | 85-95 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1500-1700
- Protein: 50-60 g
- Fat: 90-100 g
- Carbohydrates: 130-150 g
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons plain flour
- 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-1/2 cups milk (2% fat)
- 5 medium red potatoes, sliced thinly
- 1 pound package of hot dogs, cut lengthwise and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions, if desired
Step 1: Prepare the White Sauce
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth.
Gradually add the milk, continuing to stir.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cook and stir until it thickens and becomes bubbly, about two minutes.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Baking Dish
Grease a 2-1/2-quart baking dish.
Begin by layering one-third of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish, followed by half of the sliced hot dogs and half of the diced onion.
Repeat these layers once more, then finish off with the remaining one-third of the potatoes.
Step 3: Add the White Sauce
Carefully pour the prepared white sauce over all the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
Ensure that the sauce is distributed evenly across the entire dish.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the potatoes to begin cooking.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese
After one hour, remove the cover from the baking dish and sprinkle the casserole with cheese.
Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven.
If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for added flavor and color.
Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your hearty and comforting casserole!