Seattle Cream Cheese Dogs Recipe

Hot dog buns: Soft and fluffy, these buns are the perfect vessel for our delicious hot dogs.

Hot dogs: Juicy and flavorful, these are the star of the dish.

Cream cheese: Softened to a spreadable consistency, adding a rich and creamy texture.

Onion: Sliced and sautéed to bring out their natural sweetness.

Butter: Used to sauté the onions to golden perfection.

To achieve perfectly caramelized onions, make sure to cook them slowly over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and develop a rich, golden color. This process can take about 15-20 minutes, but the result is worth the wait. The natural sugars in the onions will break down, giving them a sweet and savory flavor that complements the cream cheese and hot dogs beautifully.

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

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

• softened cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is lower in fat and adds a tangy flavor.

• sliced onion - Substitute with caramelized shallots: Caramelized shallots offer a sweeter, more delicate flavor.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat with beneficial monounsaturated fats.

• Allow the hot dogs and sautéed onions 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. This helps to maintain their shape and keeps the cream cheese from sticking to other items.
• Place the wrapped hot dogs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against freezer burn and keeps the flavors intact.
• Label the container or bag with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the hot dogs have been stored, ensuring you consume them while they are still at their best.
• Store in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer, where they can last up to 2 months.
• To reheat, remove the hot dogs from the wrapping and place them in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the hot dogs in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps to keep the buns from becoming too soggy.
• If the cream cheese has hardened, you can spread a little fresh cream cheese on the buns after reheating to restore the creamy texture.
• For an added touch, you can quickly sauté some fresh onions to top the reheated hot dogs, enhancing the flavor and texture.

• Oven Method:

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

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the Seattle Cream Cheese Dog on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the hot dog bun from becoming too tough.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Place the Seattle Cream Cheese Dog in the skillet and cover with a lid.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the hot dogs are warmed through and the cream cheese is soft.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Seattle Cream Cheese Dogs in the air fryer basket.
  3. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they are heating evenly.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap each Seattle Cream Cheese Dog in aluminum foil.
  3. Place them in the toaster oven and heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the hot dogs are warmed through and the cream cheese is soft and melty.

• Grill: Used to cook the hot dogs until they are heated through and slightly charred.

• Skillet: Used to sauté the onions until they are golden brown.

• Spatula: Helps in stirring and flipping the onions while they sauté.

• Tongs: Useful for handling and turning the hot dogs on the grill.

• Butter knife: Used to spread the softened cream cheese inside each hot dog bun.

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

• Chef's knife: Used to slice the onion.

• Measuring cup: Ensures you use the correct amount of cream cheese.

• Serving plate: Holds the assembled hot dogs before serving.

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

Soften the cream cheese: Leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting, or microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften quickly.

Slice onions in advance: Slice the onions ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

Use pre-sliced buns: Buy pre-sliced hot dog buns to save the step of slicing them yourself.

Cook multiple hot dogs: Grill all hot dogs at once to ensure they are ready simultaneously.