Comfort Food, Rewired

Familiar comfort food, made with extra time, care, and layers of flavor. A photo for every step!

Erin, creator of The Flavored Mind

Hi, I’m Erin!

I’m a developer by profession and a home cook by passion. I create bold comfort food with layered flavors, detailed instructions, and a photo for every step.

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One-Pot Creamy Hot Dog Mac and Cheese

Yield: 4 servings

Total Time: 45m

A millennial upgrade to a childhood classic!

Creamy macaroni and cheese with hot dogs, served with broccoli salad and a lemon wedge on a white plate

Accompaniment: Chopped Broccoli Salad with Sweet Coleslaw Dressing

Ingredients

For the cooking liquid

  • 2 cups unsalted chicken stock
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp parmesan, grated
  • 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp white wine vinegar
  • ½ tsp dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp MSG (monosodium glutamate), optional for savory depth

For the hot dog mac & cheese

  • 1 (14 oz) pkg Kraft Deluxe Sharp Cheddar Mac & Cheese Dinner
  • 4 jumbo beef franks, cut into ¼–½ inch coins
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small white onion, diced
  • 1 large clove of garlic, finely chopped

For serving

  • parmesan, grated
  • fresh lemon, wedges

Instructions

An assortment of cooking ingredients and condiments on a black stove with colorful towels hanging from the oven.

Step 1: Gather all of the ingredients for the cooking liquid.

A stainless steel bowl contains a mixture of spices and seasonings on a creamy base.

Step 2: In a bowl combine the stock, heavy cream, grated parmesan, worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, white wine vinegar, dijon mustard, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and MSG (optional).

Bowl of creamy, frothy mixture with a metal whisk submerged in it on a wooden surface

Step 3: Whisk the mixture until thoroughly combined then set aside.

Jumbo beef franks, a block of cheese, and a box of mac and cheese on a stovetop surface.

Step 4: Gather all of the ingredients for the hot dog mac & cheese.

Steam rises from a black pot containing bubbling water on a stovetop.

Step 5: Heat the butter in a lidded stock pot over MEDIUM heat for 4 mins.

Chopped hot dogs are scattered in a black pot, ready for preparation in a creamy mac and cheese dish.

Step 6: Add the sliced hot dogs to the stock pot.

Sautéed sliced hot dogs are evenly distributed in the bottom of a dark pot.

Step 7: Cook the hot dogs, stirring every 2 mins, until lightly browned, about 5-7 mins.

Sliced hot dogs and chopped onions cooking together in a pot.

Step 8: Add the onions.

Chopped hot dogs and sautéed onions in a pot, creating a base for a creamy mac and cheese dish.

Step 9: Cook the onions, stirring every 2 mins, until softened and lightly browned, about 5-7 mins.

Sliced hot dogs and chopped onions sautéing in a pot, creating a delicious base for mac and cheese.

Step 10: Add the garlic.

Chopped onions and sliced hot dogs cooking together in a dark pot, with some onions caramelized to a golden brown.

Step 11: Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant. About 1-2 mins.

Creamy liquid being poured from a pot into a black pot containing sliced hot dogs and macaroni.

Step 12: Pour the cooking liquid into the stock pot.

Creamy mac and cheese with hot dog slices simmering in a pot, showcasing a rich, bubbly mixture.

Step 13: Bring to a simmer then reduce heat to MEDIUM-LOW.

Creamy macaroni noodles in a bubbling pot with pieces of hot dog and a rich sauce.

Step 14: Add the macaroni to the stock pot.

Creamy mixture with hot dog slices and small pasta in a dark pot, bubbling with a golden sauce.

Step 15: Press the macaroni gently with a spatula to ensure it’s fully submerged in the cooking liquid.

Large, covered pot sits on a stovetop, with condensation visible on the lid, suggesting something is cooking inside.

Step 16: Cover the stock pot.

Creamy macaroni mixed with sliced hot dogs in a pot, with steam rising and a golden sauce coating the pasta.

Step 17: Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 mins, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.

Elbow macaroni, sliced hot dogs, and orange cheese sauce are mixed together in a pot.

Step 18: Add the cheese sauce. 

Creamy macaroni and cheese with sliced hot dogs in a black cooking pot on a stovetop.

Step 19: Stir to combine.

A pot with a clear lid containing creamy macaroni and cheese with hot dogs, steaming on a stovetop.

Step 20: Cover and let rest for 10 mins.

Creamy macaroni and cheese with sliced hot dogs mixed in a pot, showing a rich, cheesy texture.

Step 21: Stir once more before serving.

Serve topped with grated parmesan alongside lemon wedges and chopped broccoli salad with sweet coleslaw dressing.

Bon Appétit!

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