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