What toppings go on loaded hot dogs?

Classic loaded hot dog toppings include Rotel cheese sauce, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, chopped green onions, and crushed tortilla chips. You can also add crumbled sausage, sour cream, or guacamole depending on the flavor direction you want.

Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Make the Rotel cheese sauce up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in a slow cooker on low, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

What is the best hot dog to use for this recipe?

Beef hot dogs give the best flavor and hold up well on the grill. All-beef franks from any brand work great. For a lighter option, chicken or turkey hot dogs are a solid choice. Veggie dogs work too, especially with the bold cheese sauce on top.

Can I make this recipe without Velveeta?

Yes. You can use any processed cheese block, or make a simple cheese sauce from cheddar and a roux if you prefer real cheese. The texture will be slightly less smooth but the flavor is still great. Add a little cream cheese to help it stay creamy longer.

The Best Loaded Hot Dogs You Can Make at Home

Description

These loaded hot dogs are juicy, cheesy, spicy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Toasted buns, grilled franks, and a rich Rotel cheese sauce make this easy comfort food perfect for cookouts, game day, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

8 hot dogs, beef, chicken, turkey, or veggie
8 hot dog buns
1 tablespoon butter, for toasting buns
16 ounces Velveeta or processed cheese block, cubed
1 can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
1 splash milk, optional, to thin the cheese sauce
Sliced jalapeños, optional topping
Diced onions, optional topping
Chopped green onions, optional topping
Crushed tortilla chips, optional topping
Sour cream or guacamole, optional topping

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Instructions

Grill the hot dogs over medium-high heat until warmed through with a good sear on all sides.
If you do not have a grill, cook the hot dogs in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until lightly browned.
Lightly butter each hot dog bun.
Place the buns cut side down in a skillet or on the grill.
Toast for 1-2 minutes until golden and lightly crisp.
Add the cubed Velveeta to a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
Pour in the entire can of Rotel, including the liquid.
Stir gently until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce, about 5 minutes.
Add a splash of milk if the cheese sauce feels too thick.
Keep the cheese sauce on the lowest heat setting until ready to serve.
Place each hot dog into a toasted bun.
Spoon the warm Rotel cheese sauce generously over the top.
Add your favorite toppings such as jalapeños, diced onions, green onions, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, or guacamole.
Serve immediately while the cheese sauce is hot and creamy.

Notes

Do not skip toasting the buns because it keeps them from getting soggy under the cheese sauce. For a crowd, keep the Rotel cheese sauce warm in a slow cooker and let everyone build their own loaded hot dogs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 loaded hot dog
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 1150mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 55mg