🧀 CHEESY ONION HOT DOGS RECIPE 🌭

Equipment

• Heavy-bottom skillet or cast-iron pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Tongs
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions

• 2 large yellow or sweet onions: Thinly sliced into half-moons
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For rich caramelization
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning at medium-high heat
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar: Optional, helps speed up and deepen caramelization
• ½ teaspoon salt: Draws out moisture from onions
• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds subtle heat

For the Hot Dogs & Assembly

• 4 high-quality beef or pork hot dogs: Premium casing hot dogs yield the best snappy bite
• 4 hot dog buns: Split-top brioche or traditional bakery-style buns
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese: Shredded (medium or sharp works best)
• 1 cup Mozzarella or Gruyère cheese: Shredded (for excellent stretch and melt)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter: For brushing the buns
• 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard or Dijon mustard: Optional, for zesty depth

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat ( $300^\circ\text{F}$ – $350^\circ\text{F}$ / $150^\circ\text{C}$ – $175^\circ\text{C}$ ). Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil . Allow the butter to melt completely until foaming subsides.
2. Add the Onions: Drop the sliced onions into the hot skillet. Stir well to coat them evenly with the oil and butter mixture.
3. Sauté at Medium Heat: Cook the onions for about 5 minutes at medium heat , stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and turn translucent.
4. Lower Heat & Season: Lower the heat to medium-low ( $250^\circ\text{F}$ / $120^\circ\text{C}$ ). Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon salt , ¼ teaspoon black pepper , and ½ teaspoon sugar .
5. Slow Caramelize: Continue cooking for another 10 to 12 minutes , stirring every few minutes. The onions should shrink down and transform into a deep golden-brown color with a sweet, rich aroma. Once fully caramelized, remove them from the skillet and set aside in a warm bowl.

Step 2: Cook the Hot Dogs

1. Prepare the Pan: Return the same skillet to the stove over medium-high heat ( $375^\circ\text{F}$ / $190^\circ\text{C}$ ). You can leave a tiny bit of onion oil in the pan for extra flavor.
2. Score the Hot Dogs: Using a sharp knife, make light diagonal slits across the top of each hot dog (about ¼-inch deep). This helps the heat penetrate evenly and creates crisp, flavorful edges.
3. Sear the Hot Dogs: Place the 4 hot dogs into the skillet using tongs. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes , turning frequently, so all sides develop a deep, glossy sear and light char marks. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least $160^\circ\text{F}$ ( $71^\circ\text{C}$ ).
4. Remove & Keep Warm: Transfer the cooked hot dogs onto a clean plate.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

1. Butter the Buns: Brush the inside and outer sides of the 4 hot dog buns with 1 tablespoon of melted butter .
2. Toast at Medium Heat: Place the open buns face-down in the skillet over medium heat ( $325^\circ\text{F}$ / $160^\circ\text{C}$ ) for 1 to 2 minutes until golden-brown and slightly crispy on the edges.

Step 4: Assemble & Melt the Cheese

1. Base Layers: Open each toasted bun. Spread a thin layer of spicy brown mustard on the inside if desired.
2. Add Cheese Base: Sprinkle a quarter of the shredded Cheddar cheese directly inside the base of each bun.
3. Insert Hot Dog: Place one seared hot dog into each bun on top of the cheese layer.
4. Top with Onions & Cheese: Generously scoop the caramelized onions over each hot dog. Top with the remaining shredded Mozzarella or Gruyère cheese .
5. Melt the Cheese (2 Easy Options): Option A (Broiler Method): Place assembled hot dogs on a baking sheet under a preheated oven broiler at high heat ( $500^\circ\text{F}$ / $260^\circ\text{C}$ ) for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
6. Option B (Skillet Steam Method): Place assembled hot dogs back in the skillet over low heat , add 1 teaspoon of water to the edge of the pan, cover immediately with a lid, and steam for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts completely.

Nutrition

Calories: 560 kcal — · Protein: 22 g 44% · Fat: 38 g 49% · Carbohydrates: 32 g 12% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 18 g 90% · Fiber: 2.5 g 9% · Sugar: 7 g — · Sodium: 1180 mg 51%