my hot diggity dog mac and cheese

Mesa, AZ
Updated on Apr 17, 2026

Made this today as a side dish with barbecued beef ribs, baked beans, and a fruit salad. But I also make it as a main dish, as it is delicious on its own. I have always liked hot dogs in my mac and cheese. The nutmeg does not overpower, but gives it a delicious added flavor. I use fresh nutmeg, but have used the store-ground spice as well. I love this recipe and hope you do too. This recipe can be cut in half.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Creamy homemade macaroni and cheese with hot dogs, my oh my. Kids big and small will love this comforting casserole. The creamy macaroni and cheese is wonderful. Slices of beef hot dogs mixed in add a savory, smoky, and slightly tangy flavor. On top, the bread crumb topping gets crunchy while baking. This is a simple, kid-friendly meal.

prep time 15 Min
cook time 50 Min
method Bake
yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 1 package macaroni or shell pasta (16 oz)
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups 2% milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
  • 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 all-beef hotdogs, sliced into coins
  • 1 cup plain bread crumbs

How To Make my hot diggity dog mac and cheese

  • Boil the pasta.
    Step 1
    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare the pasta as directed on the package, except drain it at least a minute before al dente. It will cook further in the oven.
  • Pour cooked pasta into a 9x13 baking dish.
    Step 2
    Put the cooked macaroni into a 9x13 baking dish and set aside.
  • Melt 6 Tbsp of butter.
    Step 3
    Melt 6 Tbsp of butter over medium-low heat in a saucepan.
  • Add flour and stir.
    Step 4
    Add the flour and stir continually to make the roux.
  • Continue to cook until light brown.
    Step 5
    Continue to cook the roux until it starts to turn a light brown.
  • Add the milk a little bit at a time.
    Step 6
    Add the milk a little at a time while stirring.
  • Add the nutmeg.
    Step 7
    After all the milk has been added, add the nutmeg.
  • Cook until the sauce thickens.
    Step 8
    Continue to cook for a couple of minutes more until well incorporated and the sauce looks thicker.
  • Add sauce to the cooked pasta.
    Step 9
    Once the sauce is thickened, take the pan off the burner. Add it to the pasta and stir.
  • Stir in the cheese.
    Step 10
    Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Add the sliced hot dogs.
    Step 11
    Add in the sliced hot dogs and mix.
  • Add 2 Tbsp of melted butter to the bread crumbs.
    Step 12
    For the topping, melt the remaining 2 Tbsp of butter. Add it to the 1 cup of plain bread crumbs.
  • Stir until the crumbs are covered.
    Step 13
    Mix until the crumbs are covered with the butter.
  • Pour crumbs over the macaroni.
    Step 14
    Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the top of the macaroni
  • Bake 30 - 35 minutes.
    Step 15
    Bake in the oven, uncovered, for 30 - 35 minutes.
  • It should be golden brown.
    Step 16
    It should be a little brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)
calories: 1042kcal, carbohydrates: 84g, cholesterol: 154mg, fat: 60g, fiber: 3g, protein: 41g, saturated fat: 32g, sodium: 1168mg, sugar: 12g, unsaturated fat: 27g
*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

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