Cheesy Hot Dog Delight Casserole
This Cheesy Hot Dog Delight Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that brings the joy of childhood favourites to the dining table. Adapted from a beloved classic, this casserole combines tender elbow macaroni with creamy, melted cheese and savory slices of hot dogs, creating a satisfying meal that kids and adults alike will love. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or cozy weeknight dinners, it's easy to prepare and budget-friendly. You can even prepare it ahead of time—just allow the assembled ingredients to come to room temperature before baking. While you can modify this recipe with lower-fat ingredients, the richness of the dish is best enjoyed with traditional choices. For a touch of variety, mix and match different cheese blends to suit your taste buds. Avoid freezing for the best texture and taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
1 (8 ounce box, freshly cooked and drained)
hot dog
1/2 (lb, sliced into rounds)
American cheese or Velveeta cheese
2 1/4 (cups, shredded)
unsalted butter
5 (tablespoons)
onion
1 (small, very finely chopped (about 1/2 cup))
all-purpose flour
1/4 (cup)
milk
2 (cups)
ground black pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
3
In the prepared dish, combine the freshly cooked elbow macaroni, sliced hot dogs, and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
4
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
5
Whisk the flour into the butter and onion mixture until well combined and no dry flour remains. Remove the saucepan from heat.
6
Gradually add in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Make sure to whisk thoroughly to ensure a smooth mixture.
7
Return the saucepan to medium heat. Continue whisking while adding salt and black pepper until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Keep it on heat just long enough to thicken slightly, being careful not to let it burn.
8
Once thickened, pour the cheese sauce evenly over the macaroni and hot dog mixture in the casserole dish. Gently stir everything together to combine.
9
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese evenly on top.
10
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top. If you've prepared it in advance, remember to add the extra cheese just before baking.
11
Let it cool slightly before serving to help set the cheesy goodness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Hot Dog Delight Casserole?
It is a comforting, family-friendly dish that combines elbow macaroni, creamy melted cheese, and savory hot dog slices.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A 2-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 18-20 minutes until bubbling and the cheese is golden.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance; just allow it to come to room temperature before baking and add the topping cheese right before putting it in the oven.
Should I freeze this casserole?
No, it is recommended to avoid freezing this dish to maintain the best texture and taste.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for American cheese or Velveeta cheese for its creamy melting properties.
How much pasta is needed?
You will need one 8-ounce box of elbow macaroni.
Does the pasta need to be cooked before baking?
Yes, the elbow macaroni should be freshly cooked and drained before being added to the casserole dish.
How many hot dogs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 pound of hot dogs sliced into rounds.
How do I prevent lumps in the cheese sauce?
Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth mixture.
What kind of onion should I use?
Use one small onion that is very finely chopped, which should equal about 1/2 cup.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions in butter for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
Is it okay to use salted butter?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter, but if you use salted, you may want to adjust the additional salt added later.
What is the purpose of the flour in the recipe?
The flour is whisked into the butter and onion mixture to create a base that thickens the milk into a sauce.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can mix and match different cheese blends to suit your personal preference.
How much milk is required for the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 cups of milk.
Do I need to cover the dish while it bakes?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered.
Why should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Letting it cool slightly helps the cheesy sauce set properly.
Can I make this recipe lower in fat?
You can use lower-fat ingredients, though the richness of the dish is best enjoyed with traditional choices.
What seasoning is used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How much cheese goes on top of the casserole?
Reserve 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese to sprinkle on top before baking.
Should the casserole be bubbling when finished?
Yes, the casserole is ready when it is bubbling and the cheese on top has melted.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it uses simple, affordable ingredients making it great for budget-conscious cooking.
What is the best way to slice the hot dogs?
The hot dogs should be sliced into rounds for even distribution throughout the macaroni.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Add the salt and pepper while the sauce is returning to a gentle boil on the heat.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you could use other small pasta shapes like shells or penne if needed.
How do I grease the casserole dish?
You can lightly grease the dish with butter or a non-stick cooking spray.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its comforting nature and ease of preparation make it an excellent choice for potlucks and gatherings.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
Ensure the mixture comes to a gentle boil while whisking, as the heat activates the flour's thickening properties.