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Open-Face Hot Dogs: A Cheesy, Relished Delight

The memory is etched in my mind: summer evenings at the drive-in, the smell of popcorn battling with exhaust fumes, and the absolute delight of sinking my teeth into an open-face hot dog, practically overflowing with cheese and relish. It was sloppy, messy, and utterly perfect. This wasn’t just food; it was a taste of freedom and childhood, a fleeting moment of pure joy under the flickering glow of the screen. Recreating this iconic treat is more than just cooking – it’s a delicious trip down memory lane.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Dietary Type: Varies (Can be gluten-free with gluten-free buns)

Ingredients

8-10 hot dogs
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
⅓ cup drained pickle relish
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
8-10 hot dog rolls, split

Ingredient Notes:

For a spicier kick, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Feel free to experiment with different types of relish, such as sweet relish or dill relish.
Use your favorite brand of hot dogs. All-beef hot dogs provide a richer flavor.
For a lighter option, you can use light mayonnaise.

Equipment Needed

Baking sheet or oven-safe pan
Knife
Mixing bowl

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the hot dogs: Using a sharp knife, cut two slits lengthwise into each hot dog, being careful not to cut completely through. The goal is to create pockets for the cheese mixture to nestle in.
Make the cheese mixture: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, drained pickle relish, and mayonnaise. Mix until everything is well incorporated, creating a creamy, tangy mixture.
Fill the hot dogs: Pack the cheese mixture generously into the slits you made in the hot dogs. Make sure the mixture is evenly distributed for optimal cheesy goodness.
Prepare the buns: Spread the prepared mustard on the bottom half of each split hot dog roll. This adds a classic hot dog flavor and helps the hot dog adhere to the bun.
Assemble the hot dogs: Place the cheese-filled hot dogs on top of the mustard-covered bottom buns.
Bake: Place the assembled hot dogs, along with the top halves of the hot dog rolls, on a baking sheet or oven-safe pan.
Bake in the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Don’t overcook the hot dogs. The goal is to melt the cheese and warm the hot dogs through, not to dry them out.
For even melting, use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can hinder melting.
If you want a crispier bun, lightly toast the hot dog rolls before adding the mustard and hot dogs.
To prevent the cheese mixture from oozing out too much during baking, ensure the slits in the hot dogs aren’t too deep.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider grilling the hot dogs briefly before filling them with the cheese mixture. This adds a smoky char that complements the other flavors.
Make-ahead tip: You can assemble the hot dogs with the cheese mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This is a great option for parties or busy weeknights. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
If you don’t have an oven, you can broil the assembled hot dogs for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch them very carefully, as they can burn quickly under the broiler.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these open-face hot dogs immediately while the cheese is melted and bubbly. They are best enjoyed hot and fresh. You can serve them as a main course for a casual lunch or dinner, or as a fun appetizer for a party.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave them in short intervals until warmed. Be aware that microwaving may make the buns slightly soggy.

These hot dogs are best consumed within a few days and not suitable for long-term freezer storage.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	862 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	435	51%
Total Fat	48.4 g	74%
Saturated Fat	20.5 g	102%
Cholesterol	94.1 mg	31%
Sodium	2212 mg	92%
Total Carbohydrate	73.6 g	24%
Dietary Fiber	3.1 g	12%
Sugars	11.8 g	47%
Protein	32.4 g	64%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Cheese Dogs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick. Use pepper jack or habanero jack cheese for extra heat.
Deluxe Dogs: Add diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos to the top of the cheese after baking for a more loaded version.
Chili Cheese Dogs: Substitute half of the cheese mixture with your favorite canned or homemade chili.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the hot dogs with vegetarian or plant-based sausages. Ensure that they’re cooked according to the package instructions before assembling.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free hot dog buns to make this recipe gluten-free.
Different Cheeses: Try using different cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss for a unique flavor profile. A blend of cheeses can also be delicious.
Relish Variations: Experiment with different types of relish, such as corn relish, olive relish, or even a homemade relish.
Mustard Swap: If you’re not a fan of yellow mustard, try using Dijon mustard, honey mustard, or even a spicy brown mustard.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?
A: While you can use pre-shredded cheese, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly due to the absence of cellulose, which is often added to prevent clumping.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the hot dogs while they’re baking and reduce the baking time if necessary. You can also tent the baking sheet with foil if the cheese is browning too quickly.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the hot dogs with the cheese mixture ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Q: What if I don’t have an oven?
A: You can broil the assembled hot dogs for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, or cook them in a toaster oven. Watch them carefully to prevent burning.

Q: Can I add other toppings besides relish?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add any toppings you like, such as diced onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, or even a drizzle of your favorite sauce.

Final Thoughts

These open-face hot dogs are a delightful throwback to simpler times, a nostalgic treat that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. Whether you’re recreating a childhood favorite or discovering this cheesy, relished delight for the first time, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Feel free to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own signature version. Share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear what you think! Pair these hot dogs with a crisp side salad or some crunchy potato chips for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Open-Face Hot Dogs Recipe