Cheesy Crispy Hotdog Casserole
This is the ultimate nostalgic comfort food, transformed into a family-friendly casserole. Crispy hot dogs and tender pasta are baked in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crunch. It’s fun, filling, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
· 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or rotini pasta
· 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
· 1 package (14 oz / 400g) beef hot dogs, sliced into ½-inch coins
· 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
· 1 bell pepper (any color), finely diced (optional)
· 2 tbsp unsalted butter
· 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
· 2 cups whole milk
· 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
· 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
· 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
· 1 tsp yellow mustard
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· ½ tsp smoked paprika
· Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Crispy Topping:
· 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
· ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
· 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
· ½ tsp garlic powder
For Serving (Optional):
· Ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, diced raw onion
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta & Brown the Hot Dogs:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions for al dente (it will cook more in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced hot dogs and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until browned and slightly crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate.
- In the same skillet (with the hot dog drippings), add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Remove and add to the plate with the hot dogs.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 3-5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned hot dogs, sautéed onions/peppers, and the cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add the Crispy Topping & Bake:
- In a small bowl, mix the panko, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, parsley, and garlic powder until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving (it will be very hot!).
- Serve with classic hot dog condiments on the side: ketchup, mustard, relish, and diced onion.
Tips & Variations:
· Hot Dog Choice: Use all-beef hot dogs for the best flavor. For a twist, try smoked sausages or kielbasa, sliced.
· Extra Veggies: Add a cup of frozen corn or peas to the cheese sauce, or mix in a handful of spinach.
· Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce, use pepper jack cheese, or mix a pinch of cayenne into the breadcrumb topping.
· Crispier Hot Dogs: For extra crispy bites, broil the hot dog slices on a baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the casserole.
· Make it Creamier: Stir a 4 oz block of softened cream cheese into the cheese sauce along with the shredded cheeses.
· Shortcut Sauce: In a pinch, use two cans of condensed cheddar cheese soup mixed with 1 cup of milk instead of making a sauce from scratch.
· Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy this playful, cheesy, and satisfying bake—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for game day, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner!