Seattle Cream Cheese Dogs Recipe

Hot dog buns: Soft and fluffy buns that will hold the hot dogs and toppings together.

Hot dogs: Choose your favorite type of hot dog, whether it's beef, pork, or a plant-based option.

Cream cheese: Softened to make it easy to spread inside the buns, adding a creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Onion: Sliced and caramelized to bring out its natural sweetness and add a savory depth to the dish.

Olive oil: Used to cook the onions until they are perfectly caramelized.

When caramelizing onions, be patient and cook them slowly over medium heat. This allows the natural sugars in the onions to break down and develop a rich, sweet flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

• hot dog buns - Substitute with whole wheat buns: Whole wheat buns offer a healthier alternative with more fiber and nutrients.

• hot dogs - Substitute with chicken sausages: Chicken sausages are a leaner option with less fat and calories.

• softened cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture with added protein and fewer calories.

• sliced onion - Substitute with caramelized shallots: Caramelized shallots offer a sweeter, more delicate flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and a milder flavor, making it a versatile and healthy alternative.

• Allow the hot dogs and hot dog buns to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent 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 will help keep them fresh and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the Seattle cream cheese dogs within 2-3 days.
• For longer storage, place the wrapped hot dogs in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw the hot dogs in the refrigerator overnight if they were frozen.
• Reheat the hot dogs by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes.
• If the cream cheese has hardened, you can soften it by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading it inside the hot dog buns.
• Reassemble the Seattle cream cheese dogs by placing the reheated hot dogs in the buns and topping with the caramelized onions.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors of your Seattle cream cheese dogs once again!

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each Seattle Cream Cheese Dog in aluminum foil to keep the hot dog buns from drying out. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the hot dogs are warmed through and the cream cheese is melty.

• For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the Seattle Cream Cheese Dogs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a crispier bun, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the Seattle Cream Cheese Dogs in aluminum foil and place them inside. Heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the hot dogs are thoroughly warmed and the cream cheese is soft.

• For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet. Place the Seattle Cream Cheese Dogs 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 Dogs in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are warming evenly.

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

• Skillet: Used to heat olive oil and cook the sliced onions until they are caramelized.

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

• Spatula: Useful for stirring and flipping the onions in the skillet.

• Knife: Needed to slice the onion before cooking.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to slice the onion.

• Bowl: Can be used to hold the softened cream cheese for easy spreading.

• Spoon: Useful for spreading the softened cream cheese inside each hot dog bun.

• Serving plate: Used to arrange the finished Seattle cream cheese dogs for serving.

Pre-caramelize the onions: Cook and store caramelized onions in advance. Reheat when needed.

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

Use pre-sliced onions: Buy pre-sliced onions to save chopping time.

Preheat the grill: Start preheating your grill while prepping other ingredients.

Use a hot dog roller: A hot dog roller can cook multiple hot dogs evenly and quickly.

Assemble in batches: Spread cream cheese on all buns at once, then add hot dogs and onions.