Bacon-Loaded Hot Dog with Fries

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Bacon-Loaded Hot Dog with Fries recipe. Perfect for casual dinners, weekend gatherings, or game day, these hot dogs are taken to the next level with crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and melted cheddar cheese. Served with crispy French fries on the side, this meal is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty, savory, and delicious.

The crispy bacon adds a salty crunch to each bite, while the caramelized onions bring a rich sweetness that complements the smoky flavor of the hot dogs. With every bite, the melty cheese and the golden, toasted bun provide a perfect balance of flavors. Easy to make and highly customizable, these bacon-loaded hot dogs will be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bacon-Loaded Hot Dog with Fries recipe is the ultimate comfort food combination. The savory hot dogs, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese create a deliciously indulgent flavor profile, while the caramelized onions add a rich sweetness. Paired with crispy French fries, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, these loaded hot dogs will steal the show.

Ingredients

• 4 hot dog buns
• 4 hot dogs
• 8 slices of bacon
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup French fries
• Ketchup and mustard, for serving

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the hot dogs with veggie dogs or plant-based sausage to create a vegetarian version of this recipe.
• Add Toppings: Try adding pickles, jalapeños, or sauerkraut for extra flavor and texture.
• Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for other cheeses such as Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack to change up the flavor.
• Spicy Version: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha to give these loaded hot dogs an extra kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the loaded hot dogs.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel to drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

Using the same skillet, cook the sliced onions over medium heat until they become soft and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure they caramelize evenly.

Step 4: Grill the Hot Dogs

Grill the hot dogs over medium heat until they are heated through and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. You can also use a skillet or grill pan to cook them.

Step 5: Assemble the Hot Dogs

Place the hot dog buns on a baking sheet. Fill each bun with one grilled hot dog, then top with a slice of crispy bacon, a generous helping of caramelized onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Bake the Hot Dogs

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Cook the Fries

While the hot dogs are baking, prepare the French fries according to the package instructions, either by baking or frying.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once the hot dogs are ready and the fries are cooked, serve the bacon-loaded hot dogs alongside the fries with ketchup and mustard for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Crispy Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, cook it over medium heat and be patient. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can prevent the bacon from crisping evenly.
• Grilling Hot Dogs: For extra flavor, grill the hot dogs on a charcoal grill for a smoky taste, or use a grill pan to achieve grill marks indoors.
• Melting Cheese: If the cheese isn’t melting quickly enough, cover the hot dogs with aluminum foil during baking to help the cheese melt more evenly.
• Customizing Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different condiments like BBQ sauce, relish, or even guacamole for added flair.

How to Serve

Serve these Bacon-Loaded Hot Dogs with a side of crispy French fries and your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, or even a spicy mayo. For a well-rounded meal, pair with a refreshing side salad or coleslaw to balance out the richness of the hot dogs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the hot dogs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through. Reheat the fries in a hot oven to restore their crispiness.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy these hot dogs fresh, you can freeze the cooked hot dogs and bacon for up to 2 months. Simply wrap each hot dog in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer bag. Reheat by placing in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the bacon-loaded hot dogs in the oven to ensure the cheese stays melted and the bacon remains crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works well if you’re looking for a lower-fat option. It may not be as crispy, but it will still add flavor.

2. How can I make these hot dogs spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy mustard to the hot dogs for an extra kick.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Swiss, or even pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

4. How do I caramelize onions properly?

To caramelize onions, cook them slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and sweet. This process typically takes about 7-10 minutes.

5. Can I make these hot dogs ahead of time?

While it’s best to serve them fresh, you can prepare the components in advance (cook the bacon, caramelize the onions, and grill the hot dogs) and assemble them later.

6. How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

To prevent the buns from becoming soggy, toast them lightly in the oven for a couple of minutes before filling them with the hot dogs and toppings.

7. Can I use frozen fries?

Yes, frozen fries work just as well for this recipe. Simply follow the package instructions for cooking.

8. Can I make these hot dogs without an oven?

Yes, if you don’t have an oven, you can melt the cheese by covering the hot dogs in a skillet with a lid or using a microwave-safe bowl to melt the cheese separately.

9. What type of hot dog should I use?

Any type of hot dog works, but beef or pork hot dogs tend to have the most flavor. You can also try chicken or turkey hot dogs for a leaner option.

10. Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add pickles, relish, coleslaw, or any of your favorite hot dog toppings to customize the dish to your liking.

Conclusion

The Bacon-Loaded Hot Dog with Fries is the ultimate indulgent meal that combines the richness of crispy bacon, savory hot dogs, and melted cheddar cheese with the sweetness of caramelized onions. Paired with crispy French fries and classic condiments, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table. Easy to make, highly customizable, and incredibly satisfying, these loaded hot dogs are perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to weekend BBQs.

Print