Seattle Cream Cheese Dogs Recipe

Hot dogs: The main protein of the dish, providing a savory and juicy base.

Hot dog buns: Soft and fluffy, these buns hold all the ingredients together.

Softened cream cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor to the hot dogs.

Grilled onions: Caramelized and sweet, they add depth and complexity to the dish.

Sliced jalapenos: Provide a spicy kick that balances the creaminess of the cheese.

To achieve perfectly grilled hot dogs, make sure to rotate them frequently on the grill. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Additionally, for a smoother spread, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before using. When grilling the onions, slice them thinly and cook them until they are caramelized for a sweeter, richer flavor. If you prefer a milder heat, consider removing the seeds from the jalapenos before slicing.

• hot dogs - Substitute with chicken sausages: Chicken sausages offer a similar texture and flavor profile but can be a healthier option with less fat.

• hot dog buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns provide more fiber and nutrients compared to traditional white buns.

• softened cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt offers a tangy flavor and creamy texture while being lower in fat and higher in protein.

• grilled onions - Substitute with caramelized shallots: Caramelized shallots provide a similar sweetness and depth of flavor but with a slightly more delicate taste.

• sliced jalapenos - Substitute with pickled banana peppers: Pickled banana peppers offer a similar tangy and spicy kick but are often milder, making them suitable for those who prefer less heat.

• Allow the hot dogs to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the buns soggy.
• Wrap each hot dog individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped hot dogs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps to keep out any unwanted odors from the refrigerator or freezer.
• Store the hot dogs in the refrigerator if you plan to consume them within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
• When freezing, label the container or bag with the date to keep track of how long they have been stored.
• To reheat refrigerated hot dogs, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the hot dogs on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• For frozen hot dogs, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave's defrost setting.
• Avoid reheating the hot dogs in the microwave directly from frozen, as this can result in uneven heating and a less desirable texture.
• If the cream cheese has become too firm after refrigeration, you can spread a fresh layer of softened cream cheese on the buns before reheating.
• For the best flavor and texture, consume the stored hot dogs within one month if frozen.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each Seattle Cream Cheese Dog in aluminum foil to keep the cream cheese from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the Seattle Cream Cheese Dog on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
• If you prefer a crispy bun, use a toaster oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and place the Seattle Cream Cheese Dog directly on the rack. Heat for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on the bun to prevent it from burning.
• For a stovetop method, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil. Place the Seattle Cream Cheese Dog in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even warming.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Seattle Cream Cheese Dog in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method will give you a crispy bun while keeping the cream cheese warm and melty.

• Grill: Used to cook the hot dogs until they are heated through and have grill marks.

• Tongs: Handy for turning the hot dogs on the grill to ensure even cooking.

• Spatula: Useful for handling the grilled onions and placing them on the hot dogs.

• Knife: Needed for slicing the jalapenos.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the jalapenos.

• Spreading knife: Ideal for spreading the softened cream cheese inside the hot dog buns.

• Serving platter: Perfect for arranging the assembled hot dogs before serving.

• Basting brush: Can be used to lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Preheat the grill: Start preheating your grill while you gather and prepare other ingredients to save time.

Use pre-grilled onions: Purchase pre-grilled onions from the store to cut down on preparation time.

Soften cream cheese quickly: Microwave the cream cheese for 10-15 seconds to soften it faster.

Slice jalapenos in advance: Slice the jalapenos the night before and store them in the fridge.

Assemble in batches: Line up all the buns and spread the cream cheese on them at once, then add the hot dogs and toppings.