Seattle Cream Cheese Dogs Recipe

Hot dog buns: Soft, split-top buns that hold all the delicious toppings and fillings.

Hot dogs: Juicy, savory sausages that are grilled to perfection.

Cream cheese: Softened to a spreadable consistency, adding a rich and creamy layer to the buns.

Diced onions: Freshly chopped onions that provide a sharp, pungent flavor and a bit of crunch.

Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage that brings a tangy and slightly sour taste to the dish.

Mustard: A classic condiment that adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick.

Ketchup: A sweet and tangy sauce that complements the other flavors in the hot dog.

To enhance the flavor of your hot dogs, consider using a smoking technique on the grill. Add a small handful of soaked wood chips, such as hickory or applewood, to the grill. This will infuse the hot dogs with a subtle smoky flavor, elevating the overall taste of your Seattle cream cheese dogs. Additionally, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before spreading it inside the buns for a smoother, more even application.

• hot dog buns - Substitute with sub rolls: Sub rolls are similar in texture and can hold the toppings well.

• hot dogs - Substitute with bratwurst: Bratwurst offers a similar savory flavor and can be grilled or boiled like hot dogs.

• cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta has a mild flavor and creamy texture, making it a suitable alternative.

• diced onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder onion flavor and can be used raw or cooked.

• sauerkraut - Substitute with pickled cabbage: Pickled cabbage offers a similar tangy flavor and crunchy texture.

• mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard has a similar tangy taste with a slightly more refined flavor.

• ketchup - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce provides a similar tomato base flavor, though it may be less sweet.

• Allow the hot dogs to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the buns soggy.

• Wrap each Seattle Cream Cheese Dog individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the flavors from mingling with other foods in the fridge.

• Place the wrapped hot dogs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and odors.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese may alter the texture slightly, but the flavors will remain delightful.

• For freezing, wrap each Seattle Cream Cheese Dog in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps prevent freezer burn.

• Label each package with the date of freezing. This ensures you know how long they've been stored.

• Place the wrapped hot dogs in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps keep them organized and easy to find.

• Freeze for up to 2 months. Beyond this, the cream cheese may start to lose its creamy texture.

• To reheat, thaw the hot dogs in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing helps maintain the integrity of the buns and cream cheese.

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps revive the buns to their original softness.

• Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating. This is a quick option but may result in slightly softer buns.

• Enjoy your Seattle Cream Cheese Dogs as if they were freshly made, with all the flavors intact and ready to delight your taste buds once more.

• 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 until warmed through. This method ensures the hot dog buns remain soft and the hot dogs are evenly heated.

• For a quick fix, use the microwave. Place the Seattle cream cheese dog on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Check if the hot dogs are heated through. Be cautious as the cream cheese can get quite hot.

• If you prefer a slightly crispy bun, use a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the Seattle cream cheese dog in the skillet, cover with a lid, and let it heat for about 5 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even heating. This method gives the hot dog buns a nice toasty edge while keeping the inside warm and gooey.

• For those who love the grill, you can reheat your Seattle cream cheese dogs on a grill set to low heat. Wrap them in foil to prevent the cream cheese from melting out. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through. This method adds a delightful smoky flavor to your leftovers.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the Seattle cream cheese dogs in the basket and heat for about 4-5 minutes. This method crisps up the hot dog buns while keeping the hot dogs juicy and the cream cheese perfectly melty.

• Grill: Used to cook the hot dogs, providing them with a slightly charred and smoky flavor.

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

• Spatula: Useful for transferring the grilled hot dogs from the grill to the buns.

• Knife: Essential for dicing the onions finely.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping the onions.

• Spreader or butter knife: Used to spread the softened cream cheese inside the hot dog buns.

• Measuring cups: Helps in accurately measuring the cream cheese, onions, sauerkraut, mustard, and ketchup.

• Serving platter: Ideal for arranging and serving the assembled Seattle cream cheese dogs.

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

Soften cream cheese quickly: Microwave the cream cheese for 10-15 seconds if it's not soft enough to spread easily.

Prep toppings in advance: Dice the onions and measure out the sauerkraut, mustard, and ketchup ahead of time.

Use a single tray: Arrange all your ingredients on a single tray for easy access and minimal cleanup.

Batch grill: Grill multiple hot dogs at once to reduce cooking time.