Cheese Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs

Forget boring old hot dogs – these cheese-filled, bacon-wrapped hot dog bombs are about to blow your mind (and tastebuds)! Oozing with melty cheese and enveloped in smoky, salty bacon, it's hard to imagine a more crave-worthy appetizer. Keep reading to learn how to make these game day worthy stuffed hot dogs step-by-step.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make a platter of about 24 bacon wrapped hot dogs:

• 1 pack hot dog wieners (12 count)
• 12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 24 sticks
• 24 slices bacon, thin cut
• BBQ seasoning (optional)
• Ranch dressing, for serving (optional)

Tips for Ingredients

Use hot dogs about the same thickness as the cheese so they're easy to stuff. Pre-cut cheese sticks make filling faster and neater.

Prep the Hot Dogs

First up, we need to prep the hot dogs for filling:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Use a paring knife to cut a pocket lengthwise into each hotdog, stopping about 1/2 inch from the ends.
3. Gently widen the pocket opening by inserting the knife and carefully maneuvering it around.

Prep Tips

Be gentle when cutting and opening the hot dog pockets to avoid tearing the casing.

Fill the Hot Dogs

Now for the fun part - filling the dogs!

1. Take a prepared hot dog and open the pocket using your fingers.
2. Insert one cheese stick deep into the pocket.
3. Pinch the pocket gently closed to seal the cheese inside.
4. Repeat with the remaining hot dogs and cheese.

Filling Tips

Push the cheese stick in as far as possible and make sure the ends are sealed so cheese doesn't leak.

Wrap in Bacon

Now to wrap these cheesy dogs in smoky bacon goodness:

1. Take a bacon-wrapped hot dog and starting at one end, wrap the bacon tightly around the hotdog spiraling to the other end.
2. Gently press and pinch the bacon seam together to secure it.
3. Place on prepared baking sheet, seam side down.
4. Repeat with remaining hot dogs and bacon.

Bacon Tips

Use thin bacon slices so they cook up nice and crispy. Regular sliced bacon works too but may take longer to crisp.

Bake the Hot Dogs

Last step - bake these babies until hot and crispy!

1. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crisp and cheese is melty.
2. If desired, sprinkle with BBQ seasoning before serving.
3. Serve immediately with desired condiments like ranch dressing, ketchup, mustard, etc.

Baking Tips

Keep an eye on them as they bake so the bacon doesn't burn. Adjust time as needed based on your bacon thickness.

How to Serve

These stuffed bacon wrapped hot dogs make awesome appetizers for parties and game day. Here are some serving ideas:

• Slice into rounds and skewer for picks
• Slice on the bias into mini bites
• Serve whole with ranch or other dipping sauces
• Pile onto a platter and let guests grab with napkins

Get creative with your presentation and condiments!

Leftovers

Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. The bacon won't be quite as crispy but still tasty!

Substitutions & Variations

Tailor these stuffed dogs to your preferences by trying these tweaks:

• Use different cheeses like pepperjack, swiss, provolone or jalapeno cream cheese
• Sub the hot dogs for sausages or bratwurst
• Use turkey bacon or pancetta instead of regular bacon
• Add minced garlic or herbs to the cheese filling
• Brush with bbq or hot sauce before baking

Get creative and make them your own!

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the stuffed bacon wrapped dogs, then cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze them?

The raw stuffed hot dogs freeze well up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Bake leftover hot dogs in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes until hot. You can also microwave on a paper towel lined plate.

What's a quick trick for cutting the hot dogs easily?

Use kitchen shears! Much easier than a knife for quickly splitting the hot dogs lengthwise.

What other dips go well with these?

Try mustards, sriracha mayo, buffalo sauce, sweet bbq sauce, honey mustard or quick "special sauce" with mayo, ketchup & relish.

More Cheese Filled Recipes

Love stuffed cheese recipes? Here are some other cheesy appetizers to try:

• Jalapeno poppers
• Cheese stuffed mushrooms
• Cheese filled meatballs
• Queso stuffed potatoes skins
• Cheese stuffed breadsticks or biscuits

Cheese makes everything better!

Conclusion

These next-level cheese stuffed bacon wrapped hot dogs are guaranteed to be a major crowd pleaser! Oozing with melty cheese and crispy smoky bacon, they're a fun twist on classic game day fare. Whip up a platter for your next gathering and watch them disappear. Customize with different cheeses, seasonings and dipping sauces to please any palate. Turn hot dogs from boring to gourmet with this easy stuffed and wrapped technique. Serve these cheesy, bacony dogs and wait for the rave reviews!

FAQs

What's the best way to prevent the bacon from burning?

Use thin sliced bacon and keep a close eye on it as it bakes. Tent with foil if it browns too quickly.

How do I prevent cheese leakage while baking?

Make sure to firmly press the ends of the hot dog closed and insert cheese sticks as far in as possible. Use cheese sticks that fit snugly.

Can I make smaller appetizer sizes?

Yes, simply cut the hot dogs and cheese sticks in half before assembling for shorter appetizer versions.

Can I use turkey dogs instead?

Absolutely! Turkey hot dogs work just as well. Follow the same method.

Can these be grilled instead?

You can certainly grill the assembled bacon wrapped hot dogs until the bacon is crisp and cheese melted, about 10-12 minutes.