Hot Cheese Dog Recipe

Prepare and cook hot dogs

Bring a medium pot of water to a gentle simmer. Score each hot dog lightly with a knife (two shallow diagonal slashes) to prevent splitting. Add hot dogs and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, grill over medium heat for 4–6 minutes, turning until charred spots appear.

Toast buns

While hot dogs cook, spread 1/2 tablespoon of butter inside each split bun. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and toast buns butter-side down 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Keep warm.

Make a roux

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly, 1–1.5 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant and slightly bubbly but not browned.

Add milk and thicken

Slowly pour in 1 cup whole milk while whisking to eliminate lumps. Increase heat to medium-high and continue whisking until the sauce comes to a gentle simmer and thickens to a smooth, coat-the-back-of-a-spoon consistency, about 3–4 minutes.

Finish the cheese sauce

Reduce heat to low. Add 1.5 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar and 2 tablespoons cream cheese in small handfuls, stirring between additions until fully melted and smooth. Whisk in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep sauce warm on the lowest heat, stirring occasionally to prevent skinning.

Place a toasted bun on a plate and set a cooked hot dog inside.

Ladle 2–3 tablespoons of warm cheese sauce over each hot dog, covering the top evenly. For a saucier dog, use more sauce to taste.

Finish with optional toppings as desired: sprinkle 1 tablespoon diced onion, 1/2 tablespoon sweet relish, a few pickled jalapeño slices, and a pinch of chopped parsley per dog.

Serve immediately while hot. If preparing for a crowd, keep cheese sauce in a small slow cooker or double boiler on low to maintain pourable consistency; stir occasionally and add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.