Are you looking for a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines smoky flavors, cheesy goodness, and crispy bacon? Look no further than these BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Hot Dog Delights! Ideal for grilling season, game day, or backyard BBQs, these savory hot dogs are sure to become a fan favorite. This recipe adds a delicious twist to your traditional hot dog by wrapping it in crispy bacon and stuffing it with melty cheddar cheese before grilling it to perfection. Let’s dive into how to make these BBQ bacon-wrapped cheddar hot dog delights!
Ingredients:
- 4 large hot dog sausages
- 4 strips of bacon
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon of BBQ sauce (or more for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers (optional, for grilling)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Hot Dogs: Begin by gently making a slit down the center of each hot dog, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create a little pocket for the cheese.
- Stuff the Hot Dogs with Cheddar Cheese: Stuff each hot dog with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese. You can use your favorite brand or even a combination of cheddar and other cheeses for a melty surprise!
- Wrap with Bacon: Take a strip of bacon and wrap it tightly around each hot dog, covering the entire surface. Secure the ends of the bacon with toothpicks to ensure they stay in place while grilling.
- Season and Sauce: Brush each bacon-wrapped hot dog with BBQ sauce for an extra layer of flavor. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill the Hot Dogs: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the bacon-wrapped cheddar hot dogs on the grill, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the cheese inside the hot dog is perfectly melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your hot dogs are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them on buns with additional BBQ sauce, mustard, or any of your favorite toppings.
Why You’ll Love BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Hot Dogs:
- Cheese Lovers Delight: The combination of hot dogs and cheddar cheese is a classic, but stuffing the cheese inside the hot dog takes it to the next level of gooey goodness.
- Crispy Bacon Perfection: Bacon wrapped around the hot dog crisps up beautifully, adding a smoky and savory crunch with every bite.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, and grilling ensures that you don’t have to spend too much time in the kitchen.
- Versatile: You can customize these BBQ bacon-wrapped cheddar hot dogs with your favorite sauces, toppings, or even switch up the cheese for a different flavor profile.
Tips for the Best BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Hot Dog Delights:
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: For extra crispiness and a more substantial bacon texture, opt for thick-cut bacon.
- Grill Carefully: Make sure to turn the hot dogs every few minutes to prevent the bacon from burning and ensure even cooking.
- Add Veggies: For an extra burst of freshness, top your hot dog with grilled onions, jalapeños, or lettuce.
- Customize with Sauces: BBQ sauce is the classic choice, but you can try spicy mustard, ranch dressing, or even a creamy aioli for extra flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, a tailgate party, or just want a delicious treat to enjoy with friends and family, BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Hot Dog Delights are a guaranteed hit. They’re easy to prepare, full of flavor, and best of all, they pair perfectly with cold drinks, chips, or a simple salad.
Conclusion:
BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Hot Dog Delights combine the best of savory, cheesy, and smoky flavors in one irresistible dish. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just treating yourself to something delicious, these hot dogs are sure to be a new favorite. Try them out today and elevate your grilling game to new heights!
Serving and Storage Tips for BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Hot Dog Delights
Serving Tips:
- Perfect Pairings:
- Serve these delicious hot dogs with a variety of side dishes such as coleslaw, potato salad, or crispy fries for a classic BBQ spread.
- For a lighter option, pair them with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.
- Complement with a cold drink like iced tea, soda, or a chilled beer for a refreshing contrast to the smoky flavors.
- Toppings and Garnishes:
- Customize your BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Hot Dog Delights with a variety of toppings. Popular options include grilled onions, pickles, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or mustard.
- For extra flavor, top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, or a few slices of avocado for added creaminess.
- Serving Style:
- Serve your hot dogs on fresh buns, but feel free to get creative by using pretzel buns, hoagie rolls, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
- If you’re serving a crowd, cut the hot dogs in half for easier portioning and to make them more accessible.
- For Kids and Adults:
- These bacon-wrapped hot dogs are loved by both kids and adults alike! For a kid-friendly option, consider adding milder toppings like ketchup and cheese, while adults may prefer spicier options like hot sauce or caramelized onions.
Storage Tips:
- Storing Leftovers:
- In the Fridge: If you have any leftover BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Hot Dogs, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Wrapped Individually: Wrap each hot dog in foil or plastic wrap before storing to help preserve freshness and prevent the bacon from becoming soggy.
- Reheating:
- Grill or Oven: For the best results, reheat the hot dogs by placing them on the grill for a few minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help re-crisp the bacon and melt the cheese again.
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can microwave them for 30-45 seconds, but note that the bacon might lose its crispiness.
- Freezing (Optional):
- If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, you can freeze the cooked bacon-wrapped hot dogs. After cooking, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 1-2 months.
- To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy again.
By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure your BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Hot Dog Delights stay delicious and fresh, whether you’re enjoying them immediately or saving some for later!
1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?
- Absolutely! While cheddar cheese adds a classic flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well and complements the smoky bacon.
2. How can I make these hot dogs spicier?
- If you love heat, try adding sliced jalapeños inside the hot dog along with the cheese, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the bacon before grilling. You can also drizzle hot sauce or spicy BBQ sauce on top before serving.
3. Can I make BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Hot Dogs in the oven instead of on the grill?
- Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and bake the bacon-wrapped hot dogs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted. For extra crispiness, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes.
4. Can I prepare the hot dogs in advance?
- You can prepare the hot dogs by stuffing them with cheese and wrapping them in bacon ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. This can save you time when you’re ready to cook and serve them. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Cheddar Hot Dog Delights
BBQ bacon-wrapped cheddar hot dog delights are the ultimate indulgent treat! Juicy hot dogs are stuffed with melty cheddar cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon, and brushed with tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for summer cookouts, game day snacks, or a fun family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Snack
- Method: Baked or Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 large hot dogs
- 6 slices of cheddar cheese (or about 1 cup shredded cheddar)
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) BBQ sauce
- Toothpicks (optional, to secure the bacon)
- Hot dog buns (to serve)
- Optional toppings: chopped onions, pickles, or extra BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven or grill:
- For the oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
- For the grill: Preheat to medium heat.
- Prepare the hot dogs:
- Cut a slit lengthwise down each hot dog, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each hot dog with a slice or a small handful of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Wrap with bacon:
- Wrap each hot dog tightly with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if needed.
- Cook the hot dogs:
- For the oven: Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the wire rack. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
- For the grill: Place the hot dogs on the grill and cook for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and fully cooked.
- Add BBQ sauce:
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the hot dogs with BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky glaze.
- Serve:
- Place the cooked hot dogs in buns and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for a heartier wrap or thin bacon for quicker cooking.
- For an extra kick, add a slice of jalapeño or pickled jalapeños inside the hot dog with the cheese.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.