Grilled Cheese Dogs Recipe

Juicy Grilled Cheese Dogs Recipe: A Fun Twist on Classic Favorites

Melted cheese and juicy hot dogs create a mouthwatering fusion in this irresistible grilled cheese dogs recipe that combines comfort food classics.

Crispy golden bread hugs savory sausages nestled with gooey melted cheese.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch and rich flavor explosion.

The simple ingredients come together quickly for a satisfying meal anyone can master.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings just got an exciting upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Kids and adults alike will devour these cheesy hot dog sandwiches with pure joy.

Prepare to elevate your sandwich game with this easy and delicious recipe that screams pure culinary happiness.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients needed for Grilled Cheese Dogs?

The key ingredients are hot dog buns, hot dogs, cheddar cheese, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and scallions. You’ll want to have these ready before starting the recipe.

  • How do I get the best char on my hot dogs?

Sear the hot dogs in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally to ensure even charring on all sides. Aim for about 2 minutes per side to get a nice, crispy exterior.

  • Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese works great, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like American, Monterey Jack, or Swiss to suit your taste preferences.

Why Grilled Cheese Dogs Are Comfort on a Bun

  • Personalize each hot dog with your favorite cheese, toppings, and spice levels for a unique meal that suits every family member's taste.
  • Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunch solutions.
  • Achieve golden-brown, buttery buns with perfectly charred hot dogs that deliver a satisfying crunch and melt-in-your-mouth cheese experience.
  • Kids and adults will love this playful twist on classic hot dogs, transforming a simple meal into an exciting culinary adventure.

Ingredients for Satisfying Grilled Cheese Dogs

Main Ingredients:
  • Hot Dogs: Flavorful sausages that form the protein base of this classic comfort food.
  • Hot Dog Buns: Soft bread rolls designed to cradle and complement the hot dogs.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates a rich, gooey coating for the hot dogs.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that add depth and savory notes to the butter mixture.
  • Scallions: Fresh green onions that provide a mild, crisp bite and bright color to the dish.
Binding and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creamy spread that helps toast the buns and adds rich flavor to the exterior.

Equipment Needed for Cheese Dog Magic

  • Rolling Pin: Perfect for flattening hot dog buns to create a crispy, even surface.
  • Small Bowl: Essential for mixing butter and spices to spread on buns.
  • Large Skillet: Key for searing hot dogs and grilling cheese-filled buns.
  • Spatula: Helps flip hot dogs and fold buns around the dogs.
  • Cheese Grater: For shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
  • Measuring Spoons: Precise for portioning garlic and onion powder.

Steps for Making Grilled Cheese Dogs at Home

Step 1: Prepare Buttery Bun Base

Grab your rolling pin and gently flatten the hot dog buns to create a perfect canvas.

In a small mixing bowl, blend softened butter with garlic powder and onion powder.

Generously brush this flavor-packed mixture on the exterior of each bun, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Sear Hot Dogs to Perfection

Fire up a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place hot dogs in the pan, rotating them occasionally to achieve a beautiful char on all sides.

This should take about 2 minutes per side, creating a deliciously crispy exterior.

Step 3: Build Flavor-Packed Masterpieces

Position a bun butter-side down in the sizzling skillet.

Layer your ingredients:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Seared hot dog
  • Additional cheddar cheese
  • Sliced scallions

Step 4: Melt and Seal the Magic

Cover the skillet and let the heat work its charm.

Cook until the cheese transforms into a gooey, molten blanket.

Use a spatula to gently fold the bun around the hot dog, creating a sealed packet of deliciousness.

Step 5: Create a Full Batch of Goodness

Repeat the entire process until you’ve crafted 4 mouthwatering grilled cheese dogs.

Serve immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is wonderfully melted.

Tips for Melty, Cheesy Hot Dogs

  • Use room temperature butter for easier spreading and even coating on buns, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior.
  • Choose a high-quality cheddar that melts smoothly, creating a creamy texture and rich flavor in every bite.
  • Pat hot dogs dry before cooking to achieve a perfect char and prevent steaming instead of browning.
  • Chop scallions finely for a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the cheesy, meaty hot dogs.
  • Cook on medium heat to prevent burning and allow cheese to melt evenly without scorching the bun.

Fun Cheesy Dog Variations for Parties

  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Dogs: Replace hot dog buns with large lettuce leaves for a carb-free version, using the same butter and seasoning mix on lettuce exterior.
  • Vegetarian Cheese Dog Alternative: Swap hot dogs with plant-based sausages or grilled portobello mushrooms, maintaining the cheese and scallion toppings.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hot dog buns or create a bun using cauliflower bread, keeping the original butter and cheese preparation method.
  • Dairy-Free Cheese Dogs: Substitute dairy cheese with vegan cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based cheese, preserving the original cooking technique.

Serving Grilled Cheese Dogs with Flair

  • Flavor Burst Companion: Pair these grilled cheese dogs with tangy pickle spears or crispy coleslaw for a delightful crunch and zesty contrast.
  • Dipping Delight: Whip up quick homemade sauces like spicy sriracha mayo, zesty mustard blend, or smoky barbecue dip to elevate each cheesy bite.
  • Side Kick Combo: Serve alongside crispy seasoned potato wedges or light garden salad to balance the rich, cheesy hot dog experience and add refreshing elements to the meal.
  • Weekend Game Party Platter: Arrange grilled cheese dogs on a large wooden board with small bowls of various dipping sauces, creating an interactive and fun serving presentation perfect for gatherings.

Best Storage for Cheesy Hot Dog Leftovers

  • Wrap each grilled cheese dog individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
  • Place cooled grilled cheese dogs in freezer-safe bags or containers. Seal tightly, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve flavor and texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Unwrap frozen or refrigerated dogs and place on a baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until heated through and cheese melts.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Grilled Cheese Dogs Recipe

Grilled Cheese Dogs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mouthwatering grilled cheese dogs blend classic American comfort foods into one irresistible sandwich. Melted cheese, juicy hot dogs, and crispy bread create a satisfying meal that brings pure culinary joy.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 hot dogs, split lengthwise (be careful not to cut all the way through)
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (113 grams / 4 ounces)

Bread:

  • 4 hot dog buns

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 scallions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the buns by gently flattening them with a rolling pin to create a more compact surface for grilling. Create a flavor-packed butter blend by combining softened butter with garlic and onion powder.
  2. Generously coat the exterior of each bun with the seasoned butter mixture, ensuring complete coverage for optimal browning.
  3. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat for approximately 2-3 minutes. Carefully sear the hot dogs, rotating occasionally to achieve an even char on all sides, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes total.
  4. Position a buttered bun face-down in the hot skillet, creating a crispy golden base. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the bun.
  5. Nestle the perfectly charred hot dog onto the cheese-covered bun. Add an additional layer of cheese for maximum melting potential.
  6. Garnish with fresh, thinly sliced scallions to introduce a bright, sharp flavor contrast.
  7. Cover the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese becomes completely melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently fold the bun around the hot dog, creating a sealed, crispy sandwich.
  8. Repeat the process for remaining ingredients, yielding four deliciously crispy grilled cheese dogs.

Notes

  • Bread Flattening Tip Gently press down on buns with a rolling pin to create a thin, even surface that helps achieve maximum crispiness and ensures uniform butter coating.
  • Butter Enhancement Mix garlic and onion powder into softened butter for an extra flavor boost that elevates the classic grilled cheese dog experience.
  • Cheese Melting Hack Cover the skillet with a lid to trap heat and create a steamy environment that melts cheese quickly and evenly without burning the bun.
  • Customization Option Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Swiss to personalize your grilled cheese dogs and add unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star