Can I use veggie dogs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Any plant-based or turkey hot dogs work just as well—just make sure they’re firm and hold their shape, so you get that great bite. Adjust seasonings to taste, since some alt-proteins soak up more flavors.

Should I slice the hot dogs or keep them whole?

Slicing is totally optional, but it helps the seasoning, butter, and mustard penetrate every bite. Plus, it creates more nooks for the crispy cheese to cling to. If you’re in a rush, leaving them whole works, too.

Which cheese is best for melting?

Sharp cheddar is classic for its bold flavor and great melt. You can mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness or use another favorite melting cheese like Monterey Jack or gruyere—never American slices though; they’re too soft for that crispy base.

Can I prep these ahead for a party?

You can assemble the buns in advance and store them in the fridge. Toast and add the cheese crust right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh. They’re a showstopper right off the skillet!

Hot Dog Grilled Cheese Recipe

Name: Hot Dog Grilled Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 hot dogs (see notes for brand/type suggestions); Classic yellow mustard, as needed; BBQ or all-purpose seasoning, as needed; 4 hot dog buns, halved but kept intact; 2 tbsp butter; 240g / 2 1/2 cups / 8.5oz grated cheddar cheese (see notes); Pickled jalapeños, to preference; Grilled or pan-fried onions, optional

Description

Hot Dog Grilled Cheese is a creative twist on the classic grilled cheese and hot dog combo. Juicy hot dogs are sliced and seasoned, pan-fried, and then nestled inside butter-toasted hot dog buns with melty cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and optional grilled onions. Pan-frying additional cheese onto the outside turns the buns crispy and extra cheesy, giving you the ultimate gooey, flavor-packed comfort food that’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Hot Dogs

4 hot dogs (see notes for brand/type suggestions)
Classic yellow mustard, as needed
BBQ or all-purpose seasoning, as needed

For the Buns

4 hot dog buns, halved but kept intact
2 tbsp butter

For the Cheese Filling & Topping

240g / 2 1/2 cups / 8.5oz grated cheddar cheese (see notes)
Pickled jalapeños, to preference
Grilled or pan-fried onions, optional

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Instructions

Slice and Season the Hot Dogs: Slice the hot dogs on one side in a crisscross pattern, ensuring you don’t cut all the way through. Brush with mustard and sprinkle your chosen seasoning all over.
Fry the Hot Dogs: Melt the butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the hot dogs and fry for a couple of minutes to heat through and lock in the flavors. The cut side cooks a bit more, so avoid charring them too much. Once done, remove from the pan.
Toast the Buns: In the leftover butter, toast your hot dog buns (do this in two batches if necessary) until golden and slightly crisp.
Assemble the Buns: Layer about 1/3 of the grated cheddar cheese into each bun, then top with pickled jalapeños and grilled or pan-fried onions if desired. Place a cooked hot dog in each bun, so it sits just below the top edge of the bun.
Pan-Fry with Extra Cheese: In the same pan, make two piles of the remaining cheese in the shape of the buns and turn the heat to medium. Place the hot dogs (open side down) onto the cheese piles. As the cheese melts, it will start to attach to the buns and hot dogs. Use a spatula to nudge the cheese inwards as it melts away from the edges.
Flip and Crisp: Once the cheese has attached and crisped on the underside, carefully flip the buns and crisp up the bottom for another couple of minutes. Work in batches as needed. When finished, remove and let the cheese set and crisp for a few moments.
Serve: Serve immediately—cheese will get crispier as it cools. Serve with extra sauce if desired.

Notes

Slicing the hot dogs is optional but increases flavor absorption. Use a hot dog slicer for ease.
A firmer hot dog, such as ‘Bunlimited classic hot dogs’, works best for grilling and handling.
All-purpose seasoning is saltier than BBQ—adjust the quantity to your taste, or experiment with your favorite seasoning blends.
Dedicate about 60g/2oz of cheese per hot dog (1/3 inside the bun, 2/3 for the pan).
Nutrition facts are for one hot dog grilled cheese.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 hot dog grilled cheese
Calories: 665 kcal
Sugar: 4.04 g
Sodium: 1948 mg
Fat: 47.11 g
Saturated Fat: 22.441 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20.345 g
Trans Fat: 0.941 g
Carbohydrates: 26.95 g
Fiber: 1.8 g
Protein: 32.45 g
Cholesterol: 116 mg