Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole

Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole Recipe - American Comfort Food

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines two classic favorites - macaroni and cheese and hot dogs. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, as it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

History

The origins of Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole are not well-documented, but it is believed to have been created as a way to combine two popular comfort foods into one hearty and satisfying dish. This recipe has become a favorite in many households due to its simplicity and delicious flavors.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) elbow macaroni
salt
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 package beef or pork hot dogs, chopped into 1 inch pieces
1 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
0.5 cup beer, 0.33 of a bottle - whatever you have on hand, (chicken broth can be substituted)
2 cup milk
pepper
1 rounded tablespoon spicy mustard
2 rounded tablespoons ketchup
3 cup yellow sharp cheddar, shredded, divided (Buy preshredded cheese. You will need 1.5 sacks of 10 oz (283 g) packages.)

How to prepare

Boil a large pot of water for macaroni. Add salt to the water and cook the macaroni for about 7 minutes, until it is slightly undercooked.
Preheat the broiler and set the rack 12 inches from the heat.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan, and then add the hot dogs. Brown the hot dogs on both sides for a total of 4 minutes. Remove the hot dogs with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels.
Add another tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan, and the butter to the skillet. Once the butter has melted, cook the onions for 4 to 5 minutes. Then, add the flour and cook for another minute.
Add the beer and cook until it has completely cooked off, about 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and bring the sauce to a bubble. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, and stir in the mustard and ketchup.
Lower the heat and add 2 cups of cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted, about 1 minute. Adjust the amount of mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper according to your taste.
Drain the pasta well. Combine the pasta and hot dogs with the sauce, making sure to coat everything evenly. Pour the mixture into a large casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese.
Place the casserole dish under the broiler and melt and brown the cheese for 2 minutes. Serve.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the casserole for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Substitute the hot dogs with cooked sausage or bacon for a different protein option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slightly undercook the macaroni before adding it to the casserole, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Browning the hot dogs before adding them to the casserole adds a delicious flavor and texture to the dish.

- Adjust the seasonings, such as mustard, ketchup, salt, and pepper, to suit your taste preferences.

- Make sure to coat the pasta and hot dogs evenly with the cheese sauce for a creamy and cheesy casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a comforting and filling dish.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include boiling the macaroni, browning the hot dogs, making a cheese sauce, and broiling the casserole to melt and brown the cheese topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have hot dogs, you can use cooked sausage or bacon instead.

- You can use any type of pasta in place of elbow macaroni, such as penne or rotini.

- Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of the casserole.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover the casserole dish with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole in individual ramekins for a cute and portion-controlled presentation. Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For a beverage pairing, try a cold beer or a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of the Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole contains around 400 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

Carbohydrates

The Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole is a carb-heavy dish due to the macaroni and cheese sauce. Each serving contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This casserole is also high in fats, with each serving containing around 20 grams of fat. The cheese and butter in the recipe contribute to the overall fat content.

Proteins

The hot dogs in the Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole provide a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

While this dish is not particularly rich in vitamins and minerals, it does provide some calcium from the cheese and milk in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and milk) and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals. It also contains hot dogs, which may contain allergens such as soy or gluten.

Summary

Overall, Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole is a delicious and indulgent dish that is best enjoyed in moderation due to its high calorie and fat content.

Summary

Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines the flavors of macaroni and cheese with hot dogs for a satisfying meal. With a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy cheese topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy this delicious dish for a cozy dinner or a potluck gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little cottage by the lake. Martha was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and that day was no exception.

As we sat down for lunch, Martha brought out a steaming hot dish that smelled absolutely divine. She called it her Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole, a unique twist on the classic comfort food. I was intrigued by the combination of macaroni and cheese with hot dogs, and couldn't wait to dig in.

The first bite was pure heaven. The creamy mac and cheese paired perfectly with the savory hot dogs, creating a flavor explosion in my mouth. I couldn't get enough of it, and begged Martha to share her recipe with me.

She chuckled and said, "Oh, dear, this recipe is a family secret passed down through generations. But I'll make an exception for you, my dear friend. Come into the kitchen and I'll show you how it's done."

I eagerly followed Martha into her cozy kitchen, where she began to walk me through the steps of making the Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole. She explained that the key to this dish was using quality ingredients and cooking it with love.

First, we boiled the macaroni until it was al dente, then drained it and set it aside. Next, we sliced the hot dogs into bite-sized pieces and sautéed them in a pan until they were perfectly browned.

While the hot dogs were cooking, Martha whipped up a creamy cheese sauce using butter, flour, milk, and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The sauce was rich and velvety, coating the macaroni in a blanket of cheesy goodness.

Once the cheese sauce was ready, Martha mixed it with the cooked macaroni and hot dogs, then transferred the mixture into a baking dish. She topped it off with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and popped it into the oven to bake until golden and bubbly.

As the casserole baked, the tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation. When Martha finally pulled it out of the oven, the Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole looked absolutely irresistible.

We let it cool for a few minutes before digging in, savoring each cheesy, savory bite. The combination of creamy mac and cheese with the smoky hot dogs was a match made in culinary heaven. I couldn't believe how delicious it was, and I knew I had to recreate this dish at home.

Over the years, I continued to make Martha's Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole for my family and friends, each time adding my own little twist to the recipe. Sometimes I would add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick, or throw in some crispy bacon for an extra layer of flavor.

No matter how I prepared it, the Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole always brought smiles to the faces of those who enjoyed it. It became a staple at family gatherings and potluck dinners, a dish that everyone looked forward to.

As I passed the recipe down to my children and grandchildren, I made sure to emphasize the importance of cooking with love and using quality ingredients. I shared the story of how I learned to make the Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole from my dear friend Martha, and how it had become a beloved tradition in our family.

To this day, whenever I make this dish, I can't help but think of Martha and the wonderful memories we shared in her cozy kitchen by the lake. Her Mac and Cheese Dog Casserole will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of good food and good friends.