Grilled Bacon Wrapped Cheese Dogs with BBQ'd Onions Recipe

"So basic, and so easy; however, I put a little spin on them with some BBQ caramelized onions and smoky cheddar cheese. But, they are always good and enjoyed by both kids and adults. I find that using a good quality thin sliced bacon from your local butcher and some fresh smokey cheddar cheese is really what makes this recipe really good. Also, rather than those store bought pre-packaged buns, buy some fresh ones from the bakery. It really makes a big difference."

Original is 8 servings

Metric US

I've Tried It

Ingredients

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8 hot dogs (use your favorite brand)
8 bread buns (hot dog buns, a good bakery bun)
8 bacon slices (thin slices)
8 ounces smoky cheddar cheese (or colby cheese, small diced)
ONIONS AND BBQ SAUCE

2 onions, large (cut in quarters and thin sliced)
2 to 3 tablespoons barbecue sauce (smoky or mesquite BBQ sauce your favorite brand)
Salt and pepper
Condiments (optional): ketchup, mustard, relish, sauerkraut, or coleslaw

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (131.1 g)
Calories 394.8
Total Fat - 23.6 g
Saturated Fat - 8.3 g
Cholesterol - 31 mg
Sodium - 634.3 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 30.4 g
Dietary Fiber - 1.2 g
Sugars - 1.5 g
Protein - 15.8 g
Calcium - 291 mg
Iron - 0.6 mg
Vitamin C - 2.2 mg
Thiamin - 0.6 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Onions ... Add the onions, a pinch of saltand pepper to a non-stick (preferred) saute pan on medium heat, and slowly render the onions until they are golden brown (about 8-12 minutes). If you render them slowly, you will not need to add any oil. You want the onions to be lightly caramelized and golden brown.

Step 2

Sauce ... Add the BBQ sauce to the onions (start with 2 tablespoons, you can always add more. It is really up to you as the consistency. You may like more sauce vs more onions - there is no right or wrong.

Step 3

Hot Dogs ... As the onions cook, prepare the hot dogs. Slice the hot dog lengthwise, but not all the way through, stuff with the cheese, and wrap with a slice of the bacon using toothpics to secure both ends. I find that the store bought bacon, although good, is often too thin and tears; I get mine from a local butcher, thin sliced; it holds together really well. I just get 8 slices, and it ends up being cheaper than the grocery store bacon - but either works. Wrap the hot dog, and set to the side. Also, cutting the cheese in small cubes works better than shredded cheese; it doesn't melt as quick which prevents all the cheese from 'oozing' out.

Step 4

Grill ... These are really best on an outside grill or inside grill pan. A saute pan will work, but you don't get the same results. Grill until the dog/bacon is golden brown and crisp on all sides, this is why you want a thin sliced bacon; a thick sliced bacon will NOT crisp up. On an outside grill, I grill over indirect heat at first so the bacon doesn't burn, and then move to direct heat, and grill until the bacon is crisp.

Step 5

Serve ... Toast the buns (if you want); add some of the BBQ'd onions, and top with the dog. You can also add ketchup, mustard, relish, sauerkraut, coleslaw; or any other favorites if you want.

Step 6

ENJOY! Fries, onion rings, potato salad, corn on the cob, etc ... Your favorites! Even though this is a more like a summer BBQ, these are great during the winter months too, and great for a game day get together, tailgating; and a card or movie night.