Hot Dog Mac and Cheese with Chili

Hot Dog Mac and Cheese is one of those comforting casseroles that brings together two all-time favorites from your childhood.

I think everyone my age made some kind of hot dog mac and cheese back in the day. This one will remind you of that!

Whip it up for the whole family or just use it as a simple side dish. It’s a mac and cheese dinner that has something for everyone!

It’s all about combining that creamy cheese sauce mix with tender pasta and savory hot dog slices.

The result is a cheesy, comforting meal that’s hard to resist. Plus, the crispy topping made from panko breadcrumbs and fried onions adds the perfect crunch to every bite!

It’s a super easy recipe that doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy simple ingredients.

You can customize it in so many ways to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand. Want to add some spice? Sprinkle in a bit of chili powder!

This hot dog mac and cheese is all about making it your own, while still keeping that classic comfort food flavor that everyone loves. 

1. Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 30 minutes and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something on the table fast.
2. Kid-Friendly: Combining hot dogs with mac and cheese is a surefire way to make the whole family happy, especially the kids.
3. Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy cheese sauce, paired with hot dog pieces and a crispy topping, makes this a dish full of gooey goodness that’s hard to resist.

• Hot dogs
• Elbow macaroni noodles
• Unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Milk
• Yellow mustard
• Egg
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Chili
• Crispy fried onions
• Panko breadcrumbs

1. Grill the hot dogs, getting a good char on them. Cut into 1/4th inch pieces and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
3. In a large stock pot on the stove top, cook macaroni per the directions on the back of the box. Drain pasta and set aside until ready to use.
4. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of butter and the flour. Whisk to combine.
5. Add the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper and stir to combine.
6. Slowly stream in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the mustard and whisk to combine.
7. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat and let cook for 4-5 minutes, until thickened.
8. Temper in the egg and take off the heat.
9. Stir and melt 2 cups of the cheese into the sauce.
10. Add the cooked pasta, hot dogs, and chili and stir to combine.

1. Once the cheese melts, add the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
2. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with the fried onions and bread crumbs.
3. Add the topping to the dish.
4. Cover with nonstick foil, or spray a piece of foil with cooking spray and cover the dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

DO I HAVE TO GRILL THE HOT DOGS?

No, you don’t have to grill the hot dogs if you don’t want to.

Grilling certainly adds a nice char and enhances the flavor of your mac & cheese.

However, you can also cook the hot dogs in a large skillet over medium-high heat or simply boil them according to the package directions.

Either way, they’ll taste great in this dish.

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TOPPING?

Absolutely! This hot dog mac can be changed up in all kinds of ways.

You can switch up the topping to suit your taste.

Try using crushed potato chips, parmesan cheese, or even a sprinkle of chili powder for a different twist on the traditional breadcrumb topping.

ANY OTHER ADDITIONS?

Homemade mac and cheese is always the best.

Add in some of these ingredients to level things up even more!

• Chopped green onions mixed into the cheese sauce for a fresh, tangy flavor.
• A dash of chili powder in the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Sautéed green beans added to the dish for some extra veggies.
• A handful of diced fresh tomatoes stirred into the mac and cheese for added freshness.
• A dollop of sour cream on top when serving for a creamy finish.
• Crumbled bacon mixed into the cheese sauce for extra savory goodness.
• A sprinkle of Italian seasoning in the sauce for added flavor.
• A layer of shredded Monterey Jack cheese in the sauce for a cheesy kick.
• Fresh tomatoes or salsa as a garnish to add a pop of color and acidity.
• A drizzle of olive oil over the topping before baking to make it extra crispy.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

Bring it on! I’ve got a great list of potential subs lined up.

Check out the following.

• Hot dogs: Use chicken sausage or smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Elbow macaroni: Substitute with penne, rotini, or another short pasta for a different texture.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Mix in some Monterey Jack, American cheese, or even a bit of Mexican blend for added creaminess.
• Milk: Use heavy cream or chicken broth if you prefer a richer or lighter sauce.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Swap with crushed crackers, potato chips, or even some fried shallots for a different kind of crunch.
• Crispy fried onions: You can use fried shallots or leave them out if you prefer a simpler topping.

Refrigerator: Store any leftover Hot Dog Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully!

Let the mac and cheese cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat, bake it in the oven at 350°F until fully reheated.

Hot Dog Mac and Cheese is a fun, comforting dish that’s perfect for the whole family.

It’s just about the tastiest way to enjoy cooked macaroni!