How to Make Great Meals With Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are for more than baseball games and picnics.

Hot dogs are affordable and mild in flavor, but you can find organic, vegetarian and all-beef versions. Most kids and adults enjoy them. But there's no reason you're limited to serving them on buns with a side of baked beans or chips. Expand the repertoire of the average hot dog to include entrees.

Things You'll Need

• Mashed potatoes
• Cheddar cheese
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Bacon

Instructions

1. Make mashed potato dogs. Slice hot dogs down the middle, and lay them on a cookie sheet. Spread a large spoonful of mashed potatoes in the middle of each hot dog. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted. Serve with a salad.

2. Cook a pot cabbage and hot dogs. Boil a large pot of water. Cut up a head of cabbage, and add it to the water. Add some carrots and sliced onion. After about five minutes, add hot dogs cut in bite size pieces. Cook until the carrots are tender. Drain then toss with some butter, salt and pepper.

3. Create bacon dogs. Cook several strips of bacon halfway. Then wrap hot dogs with the bacon. Then put them on a baking sheet, and put in the oven on broil until bacon is crisp. Serve with a toasted bun and a side of roasted vegetables.

4. Add sliced hot dogs to standard cold-weather recipes such as chili, ham and bean soup, or an enchilada casserole.

Tips & Warnings

• Use all beef hot dogs

• Polish sausage is also good

References

• AllRecipes.com: Hot Dogs
• The Daily Meal: Hot Dog Recipes