Hot Dog Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Updated on September 9th, 2025

Sometimes the best comfort food comes from combining two childhood favorites, and that’s exactly what you get with this hot dog mac and cheese casserole. Instead of relying on boxed macaroni and cheese, this recipe uses a creamy homemade cheese sauce that takes the dish to a whole new level. The sliced hot dogs are baked right into the macaroni and cheese, giving each bite a fun mix of flavors and textures. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal, this casserole is the kind of dish that feels cozy and familiar while still being a little special.

Why this recipe works

• Homemade cheese sauce: Using a simple roux with milk and cheddar makes the macaroni rich, smooth, and flavorful compared to the boxed version.
• Classic pairing: The hot dogs blend seamlessly with the mac and cheese, creating a nostalgic combination that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Balanced texture: Baking the casserole in the oven gives it a golden top while keeping the inside creamy and cheesy.
• Customizable ingredients: You can swap cheddar for another melting cheese or try different types of hot dogs depending on your preference.
• Easy to prepare: With a stovetop cheese sauce and a quick bake in the oven, the dish comes together with little effort yet tastes homemade.

Serving suggestions

• Simple dinner: Serve this casserole with a green salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
• Kid-friendly meal: Pair it with apple slices or carrot sticks for a fun and easy dinner kids will enjoy.
• Crowd-pleaser: Double the recipe and serve it in a larger pan for potlucks, game nights, or casual gatherings.
• Extra toppings: Add breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even a sprinkle of parmesan before baking for more crunch.
• Creative twist: Try serving smaller portions in ramekins for individual servings that feel a little more special.

Hot Dog Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe

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Make weeknight meals easier with hot dog mac and cheese casserole, a cozy dish loaded with cheesy flavor perfect for quick family dinners.

• Author: Bobby
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 hot dogs (sliced)
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1.  Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni until cooked but still a little chewy (about 8 minutes). The macaroni will finish cooking when it is being baked. Drain and set aside.
2. While the macaroni is cooking. In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour, salt, and pepper, and whisk until smooth. Cook for 2 minutes while whisking constantly. Add the milk, slowly, a little at a time while whisking. Whisk until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the cheddar cheese and whisk until smooth. Remove from heat.
3. Add the macaroni and sliced hot dogs to the cheese sauce. Mix well. Lightly spray a 9×13” casserole dish. Pour the macaroni mixture into the casserole dish, place into the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and the top begins to brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size:
• Calories: 619
• Sugar: 6.6 g
• Sodium: 1294.2 mg
• Fat: 36.6 g
• Carbohydrates: 46.6 g
• Protein: 25.4 g
• Cholesterol: 106 mg