Get ready to take your BBQ game to the next level with my Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs! These tasty treats are not just your average hot dogs – they’re packed with flavor, wrapped in crispy bacon, and smothered in creamy cheese sauce! Who can resist that? Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs and Cheese Sauce
To whip up some delicious Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs with a creamy cheese sauce, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Gather these goodies before we start, and let the fun begin!
For the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs:
- 6 American-style hot dogs – the star of the show!
- 6 strips of streaky bacon – because everything is better with bacon!
- 12 toothpicks, soaked in water for 30 minutes – to keep that bacon under wraps!
- 4 brown onions, peeled and sliced – for that sweet, caramelized topping.
- 1 tablespoon oil – to help cook everything to perfection.
- 6 soft hot dog buns – the cozy home for your hot dogs!
- 1/4 cup bacon, diced (optional) – because why not add more bacon?
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2½ cups grated cheddar cheese – or any good melting cheese you fancy!
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – to help thicken things up.
- 1 can (375g/12oz) evaporated milk – for that creamy goodness.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional) – a little flavor boost!
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional) – because garlic makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance those flavors!
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk – to reach your desired sauce consistency.
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to making an amazing dish that will impress your friends and family at your next gathering! Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Making Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs is super simple and ridiculously fun! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a plateful of deliciousness in no time. Ready to become a hot dog hero? Let’s get started!
- Prep Your Hot Dogs and Bacon
Start by trimming the edges of the bacon strips so they don’t overlap too much. You want a snug wrap, not a bacon blanket!
- Wrap Those Dogs
Lay a strip of bacon down on a flat surface. Place a hot dog on it at an angle. Just roll it up tightly and secure both ends with a soaked toothpick. Easy peasy!
- Cook the Onions
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced brown onions and cook them until they’re golden brown. This adds a sweet crunch to your hot dogs!
- Grill Time!
If you’re using a grill, brush it with oil and heat it to medium-high. Place your bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the grill, turning them frequently until the bacon is crispy and golden. If you’re using a stovetop, just fry them in the same pan as the onions.
- Assembly Line
Partially slice your hot dog buns and place a hot dog inside each. Top with the beautifully caramelized onions and, of course, a generous drizzle of that mouthwatering cheese sauce. Can you say “yum”?
Now, gather your friends, and enjoy these delicious hot dogs at your next gathering! Who’s ready to dig in?
How to Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that creamy cheese sauce that makes these Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs truly irresistible! This sauce is so good, it might just steal the show! Don’t worry, it’s super easy to make. Ready? Here we go!
- Gather Your Ingredients
You’ll need:
– 2½ cups grated cheddar cheese (or any good melting cheese)
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 can (375g/12oz) evaporated milk
– ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional, but it adds a nice flavor)
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, because garlic is life!)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 to 2 tablespoons milk (to adjust the consistency)
- Mix the Cheese and Cornstarch
In a small saucepan, toss together the grated cheese and cornstarch. This helps thicken your sauce and keeps it smooth!
- Combine and Cook
Add the evaporated milk, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally. You’ll want to keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy, which usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Adjust the Consistency
Once melted, take it off the heat and let it cool a bit. If it’s too thick, just whisk in a little milk until you get that perfect, dolloping consistency!
- Serve It Up
This cheese sauce is fantastic while still warm, but it stays creamy even at room temperature! So go ahead, drizzle it generously over your hot dogs and enjoy every cheesy bite!
What’s your favorite way to use cheese sauce? Let me know!
Tips for Grilling and Serving Your Hot Dogs
Grilling and serving your Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs like a pro is all about the little details! Let’s dive into some tips that will make your BBQ a hit and keep everyone coming back for more!
- Preheat the Grill
Always preheat your grill to medium-high. This helps ensure that the bacon gets all crispy and delicious! No one likes soggy bacon!
- Oil the Grill Grates
Before placing the hot dogs on the grill, make sure to oil the grates. This helps prevent sticking and keeps your hot dogs looking beautiful when you serve them!
- Rotate for Even Cooking
When grilling, turn your hot dogs frequently. This way, they’ll brown evenly on all sides. It’s like giving them a spa day on the grill!
- Watch the Bacon
Keep an eye on the bacon as it cooks. You want it crispy, not burnt! If it starts to char a little too quickly, move the hot dogs to a cooler part of the grill.
- Presentation is Key
Once your hot dogs are grilled to perfection, place them in soft buns. Top with your caramelized onions, and don’t forget that creamy cheese sauce! To make it extra special, sprinkle on some diced bacon or fresh herbs.
- Serve with Style
Serve your hot dogs with a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their meal! Think chopped jalapeños, pickles, or even a drizzle of BBQ sauce!
With these tips, your Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs will steal the show at any gathering! Get ready for compliments and happy tummies! What toppings will you choose?
Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve mastered the classic Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs, it’s time to get creative! There are so many fun variations and serving suggestions that can make your hot dog experience even better! Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love!
- Spicy Kick
Want some heat? Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce on top. It’ll spice things up and give your hot dogs a fiery twist!
- BBQ Style
Brush your bacon-wrapped hot dogs with BBQ sauce while they grill for a smoky flavor! You can also serve them with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Yum!
- Cheesy Extra
For the cheese lovers out there, try stuffing the hot dogs with cheese before wrapping them in bacon. Just make a small slit along the side and fill it with cheese. More cheese means more fun!
- Gourmet Toppings
Go fancy! Top your hot dogs with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even blue cheese crumbles. Who said hot dogs can’t be gourmet?
- Fun Side Dishes
Serve your hot dogs with sides like potato salad, corn on the cob, or fries. It makes for a perfect BBQ spread that everyone will love!
- Themed Parties
Why not host a hot dog bar? Set up different toppings and sauces, and let your friends build their perfect hot dog! It’s a great way to get everyone involved and tasting something new!
With all these ideas, your Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs will be the star of the show! What variation will you try first? Get ready for some mouthwatering fun!