If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a classic hot dog to the next level, this Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs with Cheesy Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy American-style hot dogs snugly wrapped in sizzling streaky bacon, all smothered in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce that oozes with every bite. This dish has the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors that will leave you smiling with every mouthful. Whether it’s for a fun family dinner, a game day treat, or just because you deserve something delicious, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs with Cheesy Sauce Recipe plays an essential role, creating a harmony of taste, texture, and color that’s both comforting and exciting. From the sharp cheddar cheese to the crispy bacon, these simple components come together to make magic happen.
- 2½ cups grated cheddar or tasty cheese: Choose a good melting cheese for that irresistibly creamy sauce.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps thicken the cheesy sauce to just the right consistency without clumps.
- 1 can evaporated milk (375g / 12oz): Gives the sauce a rich and velvety texture.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Optional, but adds a subtle, savory depth to the sauce.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: A little hint of garlic enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances and brightens all the flavors.
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk: Adjusts the sauce thickness to your preference.
- 6 hot dogs (American style): The star protein, juicy and ready to be wrapped in bacon.
- 6 strips of streaky bacon: Long and thin to wrap perfectly around each hot dog for that smoky crunch.
- 12 toothpicks, soaked in water for 30 minutes: Keeps the bacon tightly wrapped while cooking without burning.
- 4 brown onions, peeled and sliced: Adds sweetness and texture when caramelized.
- 1 tbsp oil: For sautéing the onions to golden perfection.
- 6 soft hot dog buns: The perfect soft base to hold all the goodness.
- ¼ cup bacon, diced: Extra bacon crunch and flavor to scatter on top.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs with Cheesy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Onions
Start by heating the oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the sliced brown onions. Stir occasionally and cook them slowly until they become soft and golden brown, releasing incredible sweetness that will complement the smoky bacon and cheesy sauce perfectly.
Step 2: Wrap the Hot Dogs in Bacon
Next, take each hot dog and carefully wrap it with a strip of streaky bacon. Secure the bacon in place by inserting two soaked toothpicks through the bacon and hot dog to keep everything snug and together during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs
Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs in a hot skillet or grill pan. Turn them regularly to ensure the bacon crisps up evenly on all sides while the hot dog inside gets warm and juicy. This typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce
While the hot dogs cook, combine the grated cheese, cornstarch, evaporated milk, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk if you need to thin the sauce out for a smoother pour.
Step 5: Prepare the Buns and Assemble
Once the bacon wrapped hot dogs are ready, warm the soft buns slightly. Place one bacon-wrapped hot dog in each bun, top with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions, then drizzle with the creamy cheesy sauce. Sprinkle with diced bacon for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs with Cheesy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To make your presentation pop, consider fresh chopped chives or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. These little touches add a fresh herbal aroma or a smoky hint that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve these bacon wrapped hot dogs alongside some crispy french fries, coleslaw, or even a fresh green salad. The crisp and refreshing sides balance the richness of the cheesy sauce and bacon wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the hot dogs open-faced on a large platter. Arrange the hot dogs with bottles of different mustards and hot sauces alongside for a fun DIY topping bar. It’s perfect for parties or casual get-togethers where everyone loves customizing their own bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover bacon wrapped hot dogs and cheese sauce in airtight containers and refrigerate. They’re best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days to keep the bacon crispy and the sauce fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the bacon wrapped hot dogs before adding the cheese sauce. Wrap each hot dog tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month and thaw quickly in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in an oven or air fryer to help the bacon regain some of its crispiness, and warm the cheese sauce separately on the stove or in the microwave until smooth and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar or tasty cheese melt beautifully, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda for a unique twist on the cheesy sauce.
How do I prevent the bacon from unwrapping during cooking?
Soaking the toothpicks in water before skewering the bacon and hot dogs helps prevent the toothpicks from burning, and securing the bacon tightly before cooking keeps it wrapped perfectly.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling outdoors?
Yes, these bacon wrapped hot dogs cook wonderfully on a grill. Just keep an eye on the bacon to prevent flare-ups, and turn frequently for even cooking.
Can I make the cheesy sauce dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk combined with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly.
What can I serve if I want a lower-carb option?
Skip the bun and serve your bacon wrapped hot dogs over a bed of sautéed greens or cauliflower rice for a satisfying low-carb meal without losing any of the flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and downright fun about this Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs with Cheesy Sauce Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to the table and happily licked fingers all around. Easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and totally crave-worthy, I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it a favorite in your home too.
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Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs with Cheesy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious bacon wrapped hot dogs served with a rich and creamy homemade cheese sauce. This easy recipe features crispy streaky bacon wrapped around classic American-style hot dogs, complemented by a flavorful cheddar cheese sauce made with evaporated milk and spices. Perfect for a quick meal or a tasty snack, these hot dogs are finished with sautéed brown onions for added sweetness and served in soft buns.
Ingredients
Cheese Sauce
- 2½ cups grated cheddar or tasty cheese (or any other good melting cheese)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (corn flour)
- 1 can evaporated milk (375g / 12oz)
- ½ tsp onion powder (optional – adds extra flavour)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional – adds extra flavour)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 to 2 tbsp milk
Hot Dogs
- 6 hot dogs (American style)
- 6 strips of streaky bacon (long enough to wrap each hot dog)
- 12 toothpicks (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Additional Toppings
- 4 brown onions (peeled and sliced)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 6 soft hot dog buns
- ¼ cup bacon (diced)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, mix grated cheese with cornstarch. Slowly add evaporated milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add onion powder, garlic powder, and salt for flavor. Cook over medium-low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If the sauce is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to achieve desired consistency. Keep warm.
- Wrap hot dogs in bacon: Take each hot dog and wrap one strip of streaky bacon around it completely. Secure the bacon with two soaked toothpicks to hold it in place during cooking.
- Cook bacon-wrapped hot dogs: In a skillet or frying pan over medium heat, cook the bacon-wrapped hot dogs, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are heated through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Sauté onions and bacon bits: In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil and cook the sliced brown onions until caramelized and soft. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy for extra flavor.
- Assemble the hot dogs: Place each cooked bacon-wrapped hot dog into a soft hot dog bun. Spoon the warm cheese sauce generously over the hot dogs, then top with the sautéed onions and bacon bits.
Notes
- Soaking toothpicks in water prevents them from burning during cooking.
- Use a good melting cheese such as cheddar or tasty cheese for the best sauce consistency.
- Adjust cheese sauce thickness by adding milk as needed.
- Make sure bacon is fully cooked and crispy before serving.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
