Hot Dog Macaroni and Cheese

This cheesy, comforting Hot Dog Macaroni and Cheese is next-level delicious. It’s a one-pan meal loaded with all-beef hot dogs and big, hearty elbow macaroni, all tossed in a rich homemade bacon cheese sauce. It’s the kind of dish kids (and grown-ups) can’t get enough of!

Ingredients to Make Hot Dog Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Casseroles are one of my favorite go-to meals, especially for busy weeknights and potlucks. One-dish recipes like Supreme Pizza Tortellini Bake and Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole are family favorites around here. I love that most casseroles can be prepped ahead of time, chilled, and simply popped in the oven when it’s time to eat. Even better? When they’re packed with flavor, just like this cheesy, comforting mac and cheese casserole dish.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Hot Dog Mac and Cheese Casserole with hot dogs: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Hot Dogs – You can use your favorite brand of quality hot dogs.
• Pasta – Jumbo elbow macaroni or classic elbow macaroni is classic in mac and cheese. Either pasta works.
• Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese gives the casserole its signature flavor.
• Bacon – Bacon adds a smoky flavor.
• Butter – Salted or unsalted butter to make the roux.
• Onion – Diced onion expands the flavor profile and complements the taste of the hot dogs.
• Seasonings – Ground mustard, garlic salt, black pepper.
• Liquid – Whole milk to make the creamy homemade cheese sauce.
• Garnishes – Reserved crumbled bacon and green onions.

How to Make the BEST Hot Dog Cheesy Macaroni Casserole

• Heat Oven and Prepare Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• Cook Macaroni – Cook the macaroni in a large pot of water per the package directions until al dente. Drain well.
• Sauté the Onion – Cook onions over medium-high heat in butter with bacon drippings until softened.
• Add Seasonings and Flour for the Roux – Lower the heat to medium and add the flour, garlic salt, mustard and black pepper. Stir until the flour has absorbed the butter. Cook stirring constantly for 1 minute.
• Liquid – Gradually whisk in the milk, simmer until thickened.
• Cheddar Cheese – Add cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Stir until the cheese has melted.
• Combine with Pasta – Pour cheese sauce over cooked macaroni then mix in hot dog pieces.
• Transfer to Dish – Pour into the baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
• Oven – Bake per the recipe until golden and bubbly.
• Garnish with reserved bacon crumbles and sliced green onion. Serve immediately.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Hot Dog Mac and Cheese Casserole

• Pasta pot or large pot for boiling the macaroni.
• Large saucepan to make the cheese sauce.
• Cheese grater. I highly recommend grating your own cheese for this casserole. Bagged cheese has been coated to keep the shreds from sticking together and can cause the sauce to separate.
• Large mixing bowl. If you use a large pot to make the pasta, it could double as the mixing bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Sharp knife and chopping board.
• One 13×9-inch baking dish.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Hot Dogs – You can use beef hot dogs, turkey hot dogs, chicken hot dogs or pork hot dogs in this recipe. I highly recommend using a premium hot dog for the best flavor. Go with a brand that you enjoy and you’ll be good to go. You could also adapt this recipe using smoked sausages.
• Pasta – I use jumbo elbow macaroni in this recipe just because we love it. Please note that classic elbow macaroni will work as well. Jumbo macaroni has ridges which really holds onto the sauce. You could also use any similar size pasta.
• Bacon – The cheese sauce has a hint of smokiness from the bacon which adds another layer of flavor. You could use turkey bacon or omit the bacon, if desired.
• Cheese – You could use medium cheddar cheese, white cheddar, colby jack cheese or spicy pepper jack cheese.
• Spices – You could use plain salt and garlic powder in place of garlic salt. You could also add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for spice.
• Vegetables – You could add steamed broccoli florets or a handful of baby spinach leaves.
• How to Serve Hot Dog Macaroni and Cheese – Enjoy a side of Fried Green Beans, Lima Beans or a simple bag of your favorite steamed vegetables. A Seven Layer Salad would also be a stellar choice.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – You can store leftover Hot Dog Macaroni and Cheese Casserole covered with plastic wrap, aluminum foil or in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Casserole Recipes to Make

• The family will flip for this Sloppy Joe Casserole.
• Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is always a win and it won’t break the bank to make.
• Ravioli Casserole is easier to make than classic lasagna for a weekday feast.
• Stuffed Pepper Casserole is packed with flavor and colors, too.
• Lobster Macaroni and Cheese will turn any meal into something special.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Mac and Cheese is a one dish meal.
• Slow Cooker John Wayne Casserole from The Magical Slow Cooker.

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Helpful Kitchen Items: 

• 13×9-inch Dish
• Cheese Grater
• Spatula
• Chopping Board and Knives