Mac and Cheese Hot Dogs

This playful mashup of all-American favorites is your ticket to party-hit status Mac and Cheese Hot Dog Sliders pile creamy cheddar macaroni over seared hot dogs all stuffed into butter-brushed buns and toasted to golden perfection For game days birthdays or casual weekend cravings they always disappear fast

I first whipped these up for a backyard barbecue and honestly watched adults and kids both race to the tray Now every holiday or tailgate my family insists these make an appearance

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni: brings the classic mac and cheese texture smaller shapes work best for scooping
• Unsalted butter: ensures rich flavor for the sauce and helps brown the buns
• All-purpose flour: thickens the cheese sauce and gives it a silky finish look for unbleached if you can find it
• Whole milk: creates a creamy base use full fat for best flavor
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: delivers bold cheesy taste grate your own for the smoothest melt
• Salt: lifts all the flavors and balances the dish
• Black pepper: provides gentle heat and spice
• Smoked paprika: optional but adds a subtle smoky undertone choose high quality for the best aroma
• Beef or chicken hot dogs: good snap is key pick your favorite brand with clear ingredients
• Slider buns or small dinner rolls: super soft is ideal check for freshness with a gentle squeeze
• Melted butter: adds richness and golden color to the baked sliders
• Garlic powder: a savory sprinkle for the finishing touch
• Fresh parsley: optional but wakes up the flavors use bright green sprigs
• Crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs: for crunchy topping buy pre-made or toast some panko until golden
• Ketchup or mustard: for tangy pops of flavor classic or spicy both work

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat fully This ensures even baking and perfectly warmed sliders at the end

Cook the Macaroni:

Fill a medium pot with salted water and bring to a gentle boil Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente Drain thoroughly and set aside so it does not overcook in the sauce

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Place a medium saucepan over medium heat Add the butter and let it melt until just foaming Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it constantly for about one minute until it forms a thick paste and smells just a little nutty This step eliminates raw flour taste

Add Milk and Cream the Sauce:

Slowly drizzle in the milk while whisking briskly This prevents lumps Keep whisking and cook for two to three minutes until the mixture thickens enough to coat the spoon

Melt in the Cheese and Season:

Turn heat to low Stir in the cheddar cheese a bit at a time until smooth and fully melted Sprinkle in salt black pepper and smoked paprika if using Taste for seasoning and adjust as you like

Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

Tip the cooked macaroni into the sauce using a spatula to get every bit Mix thoroughly so all the pasta is coated in the cheese mixture Set aside while you prep the hot dogs

Brown the Hot Dogs:

Place a skillet over medium heat Once hot add the halved hot dogs with the cut side down Let them sizzle for three to four minutes rolling them so all sides get browned nicely This seals in the juices and boosts flavor

Assemble the Sliders:

Set the bottom halves of your slider buns onto a parchment lined baking sheet Tuck a hot dog half onto each bun Press gently to settle

Add the Mac and Cheese:

With a spoon or small scoop pile a generous mound of the macaroni and cheese over each hot dog Try to cover the length so every bite is cheesy

Top and Sprinkle:

If using crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs scatter them on now Drizzle with ketchup or mustard for zip

Cap and Finish the Buns:

Place the top buns on each slider Mix melted butter with garlic powder and brush it liberally over the tops Sprinkle chopped parsley over if you like

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the tray into your preheated oven Bake for eight to ten minutes The buns should crisp slightly and the interior gets nice and gooey

Serve While Warm:

Lift the sliders gently onto a platter and serve hot They are best enjoyed right away though they stay delicious for an hour if you tent with foil

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Storage Tips

Sliders hold up well in the fridge for up to two days Wrap tightly in foil or an airtight container Warm them in the oven uncovered to recapture the edge crispiness Microwaving works but softens the buns

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to lighten things try turkey dogs and low fat cheese For gluten free swap in rice pasta and soft gluten free dinner rolls Veggie dogs are fine too but look for brands that grill up firm not mushy

Serving Suggestions

Pile sliders on a party tray with pickle slices and crisp apple slaw For kids add a side of carrot sticks For adults a big green salad balances the richness Once I set these out at Halloween with toothpick flags every single one vanished

Cultural Context

This recipe takes inspiration from the classic American love of casseroles street food and retro comfort The flavors echo state fair favorites found at summer festivals and ballparks Where I grew up mac and cheese or chili dogs were always the highlight of little league games

Seasonal Adaptations

Add diced jalapeños for a fiery summer cookout version Fold in roasted sweet corn for a taste of summer Top with crumbled bacon in winter for a cozy twist

Success Stories

Friends text me photos every Super Bowl Sunday of their own simmering trays My niece demanded these as her birthday meal last year and even the pickiest eaters had seconds It is easy to make a double batch and watch them fly off the platter

Freezer Meal Conversion

Assemble fully but skip the final bake Layer tightly in a freezer safe container between sheets of parchment Freeze up to one month When ready bake straight from frozen at 325 degrees Fahrenheit tented with foil for fifteen minutes then uncover to crisp the top

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These sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion They offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds

Cooking Questions

→ How can I make these sliders spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the mac and cheese, or sprinkle with hot sauce before serving for a spicy boost.

→ What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar melts smoothly and gives bold flavor, but a mix of cheddar and mozzarella offers extra creaminess.

→ Can I use chicken hot dogs instead of beef?

Absolutely, chicken or even turkey hot dogs work well for a lighter variation with the same satisfying taste.

→ How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

Briefly bake the buns before assembling or use crispy fried toppings to help maintain the slider’s texture.

→ Are there gluten-free options?

Use gluten-free pasta and slider buns to accommodate gluten sensitivities while keeping everything delicious.