Crispy Cheesy Baked Hot Dogs Step-by-step instructions

Before you start

Preheat the broiler and position an oven rack about 6 inches below the heat source. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Gather all ingredients and have them ready.

If using fresh garlic, mince it finely. Shred the cheeses if you are not using pre-shredded. Make sure the hot dogs and buns are at room temperature so they cook evenly.

Instructions

Prep and Assemble

1. 1Prepare the Garlic Butter
   In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Stir well to blend. Brush the inside of each hot dog bun generously with the garlic butter, making sure to coat the cut surfaces completely.
   Look for The buns should be evenly coated but not soggy.
   Tip Use a pastry brush for even coverage.
2. 2Assemble the Hot Dogs
   Place one hot dog into each buttered bun. Press the hot dog down slightly so it sits snugly in the bun. Arrange the filled buns on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, leaving space between them.
   Look for The hot dogs should be centered in the buns.
   Tip Line the sheet with foil for easy cleanup.

The buns are brushed with garlic butter and filled with hot dogs. The cheese is sprinkled evenly over the top. The baking sheet is ready to go under the broiler. The kitchen smells of garlic and butter, and the cheese is still in its shredded state, ready to melt.

Cheese Topping

3. 3Add the Cheese
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the hot dogs and the exposed bun edges. Press the cheese lightly so it adheres to the hot dogs and buns.
   Look for The cheese should cover the hot dogs completely.
   Tip Mix the cheeses together before sprinkling for even distribution.

The cheddar and mozzarella are mixed and scattered over the hot dogs. The cheese covers the meat and the tops of the buns, creating a thick, even layer.

The colors of the two cheeses create a marbled effect, and the buns are visibly buttered and ready for the heat.

Broil to Golden

4. 4Broil Until Bubbly
   Preheat the oven broiler. Place the baking sheet under the broiler, about 6 inches from the heat. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots. Watch closely to avoid burning.
   Look for The cheese will bubble and brown at the edges.
   Safe temperature 160°F (71°C) internal temperature (ground meat)
   Tip Rotate the sheet halfway through for even browning.

The cheese is bubbling and turning golden brown in spots. The buns are crispy and toasted, and the hot dogs are hot throughout. The cheese pulls away from the edges in a stretchy, gooey way, and the aroma of toasted bread and melted cheese fills the kitchen.

Common mistakes

One common mistake is over-broiling, which can burn the cheese and buns before the hot dogs are heated through. Keep a close eye on the oven and rotate the baking sheet if needed.

Another mistake is using too much cheese, which can make the hot dogs difficult to handle and cause the cheese to spill over. Use the recommended amounts and spread the cheese evenly. Also, avoid using cold buns, as they may not toast as evenly.

How to tell it’s done

The hot dogs are done when the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden brown in spots. The buns should be crispy and toasted around the edges, and the hot dogs should be heated through.

For food safety, the internal temperature of the hot dogs should reach 160°F (71°C). Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a hot dog to check.

• Ground meat: 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part