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.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Hot Dog Mac and Cheese

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 50

Servings servings

Calories 404kcal

Author Dana DeVolk

Ingredients

15 ounces hot dogs
½ pound elbow macaroni noodles
5 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups milk
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 large egg
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
1 cup chili
1 cup crispy fried onions
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Grill the hot dogs, getting a good char on them. Cut into 1/4th inch pieces and set aside.
15 ounces hot dogs
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large stock pot, cook the macaroni per the directions on the back of the box. Strain until ready to use.
½ pound elbow macaroni noodles
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of butter and the flour. Whisk to combine.
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Add the salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper and stir to combine.
½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt , 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Slowly stream in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the mustard and whisk to combine.
3 cups milk, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let cook for 5 minutes, until thickened.
Temper in the egg and take off the heat.
1 large egg
Stir and melt 2 cups of the cheese into the sauce.
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese
Add the cooked pasta, hot dogs, and chili and stir to combine.
1 cup chili
Add the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with the fried onions and bread crumbs.
1 cup crispy fried onions, 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Add the topping to the dish.
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.

Notes

Grill the hot dogs for extra flavor: While not required, grilling the hot dogs adds a nice char and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.
Temper the egg properly: When adding the egg to the cheese sauce, temper it by slowly mixing in a small amount of the hot sauce first to prevent scrambling.
Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature milk and cheese blend more smoothly into the sauce, making it creamier.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven, ensuring the perfect tender pasta.
Customize your cheese: Feel free to mix in different cheeses to suit your taste. Monterey Jack and American cheese are great options to consider.
Make it ahead of time: You can assemble this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve your easy mac n cheese, just bake it for an easy, delicious meal.

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