Cheesy Hot Dogs with Pickle Mustard Sauce & Crispy Onions

Cheesy hot dogs with pickle mustard sauce and crispy onions are a creative, flavorful twist on the classic hot dog. The combination of gooey melted cheddar cheese, tangy pickle mustard sauce, and crispy fried onions on a juicy hot dog makes this dish an unforgettable indulgence. Whether served at a backyard barbecue or as a fun weeknight dinner, this unique take on the traditional hot dog brings together bold flavors and satisfying textures that are sure to please everyone at the table. The creamy pickle mustard sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the cheesy hot dogs, while the crispy onions provide a crunchy finish. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for any casual meal or special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Loaded with Flavor

This recipe is packed with a perfect blend of flavors, from the cheesy richness to the tangy pickle mustard sauce and the crispy onions that add a delightful crunch.

2. Quick and Easy

In just 25 minutes, you can have these cheesy hot dogs on the table, making them perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a last-minute get-together.

3. Versatile and Customizable

You can easily modify this recipe by choosing different types of cheese, or adjusting the mustard and pickle ratio to suit your taste preferences.

4. Perfect for a Crowd

This dish is ideal for serving a group. It’s easy to make a large batch of cheesy hot dogs and serve them with sides like fries or a salad.

5. Fun and Creative Twist on a Classic

This recipe takes the familiar comfort food of a hot dog and elevates it with delicious, unexpected toppings that will delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

• Hot dogs
• Hot dog buns
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced pickles
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Onion, thinly sliced
• Flour
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Variations

• Different Cheese: Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a mix of different cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a bit of hot sauce to the pickle mustard sauce or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the crispy onions for an extra punch of heat.
• Grilled Hot Dogs: For an even smokier flavor, grill the hot dogs before adding the cheese and toppings.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based hot dogs and vegan cheese to make this a dairy-free, vegan-friendly version of the recipe.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Assemble the Hot Dogs

Place the hot dogs in the buns and top them with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 3: Make the Pickle Mustard Sauce

In a small bowl, combine diced pickles, mustard, and mayonnaise. Spread this mixture generously on top of the cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Hot Dogs

Place the assembled hot dogs on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.

Step 5: Fry the Onions

While the hot dogs are baking, heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the onion slices in the flour mixture and fry in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy. Remove the onions from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Once the hot dogs are done, remove them from the oven and top with the crispy fried onions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Fresh Onions: Slice the onions thinly to ensure they fry up crispy and evenly. You can also soak the slices in cold water for 30 minutes to reduce the sharpness.
• Watch the Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady temperature while frying the onions. If the oil is too hot, they can burn; too cool, and they’ll become greasy.
• Customize the Sauce: Adjust the mustard and pickle amounts in the sauce based on your preferred tanginess and flavor intensity.
• Crispier Onions: For extra crispy onions, dip the coated slices in a second layer of flour before frying.

How to Serve

These cheesy hot dogs are perfect on their own or paired with your favorite sides. Serve them with crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or even coleslaw for a complete meal. For a fun touch, offer additional toppings like jalapeños, ketchup, or extra mustard on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover hot dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The hot dogs and toppings can be reheated in the oven or microwave, though the onions will lose some of their crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze the hot dogs and buns separately, but it’s best to freeze the toppings (like the cheese and sauce) separately. The fried onions can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat the hot dogs in the oven and fry fresh onions when serving.

Reheating

To reheat, place the hot dogs and buns in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the hot dog is heated through. For the crispy onions, reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore their crunch.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor.

2. Can I use store-bought crispy onions instead of frying my own?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought crispy fried onions. Just add them as a topping right before serving.

3. Can I make this recipe with vegetarian hot dogs?

Yes, vegetarian or plant-based hot dogs work perfectly in this recipe, making it suitable for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

4. How can I make the pickle mustard sauce spicier?

Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes to the pickle mustard sauce to give it an extra kick.

5. Can I use a different sauce instead of mustard and mayo?

Yes, you can try using ketchup, barbecue sauce, or even a creamy ranch dressing as a substitute for the mustard mayo sauce.

6. Can I grill the hot dogs instead of baking them?

Yes, grilling the hot dogs will add a delicious smoky flavor. Grill them, then add the cheese and sauce just before serving.

7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the toppings (pickle mustard sauce and fried onions) ahead of time and assemble the hot dogs just before baking them for the freshest results.

8. What if I don’t have flour for the crispy onions?

If you don’t have flour, you can use cornstarch or breadcrumbs as an alternative for dredging the onions.

9. How do I prevent the onions from getting soggy?

To keep the onions crispy, add them as a topping just before serving. Avoid storing them on top of the hot dogs for long periods, as they may lose their crispiness.

10. Can I make this recipe with hot dog sausages?

Yes, you can use any type of hot dog sausage, including chicken or turkey dogs, for a lighter version of this recipe.

Conclusion

Cheesy hot dogs with pickle mustard sauce and crispy onions are a fun and flavorful take on a classic favorite. With gooey cheese, tangy sauce, and crispy onions, each bite is an explosion of delicious textures and flavors. Quick to make and easy to customize, these cheesy hot dogs are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight meals to party snacks. Enjoy these delicious hot dogs with your favorite sides, and treat yourself to a fun and indulgent dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

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