Seattle Cream Cheese Dogs Recipe

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

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

Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to the hot dog.

Onion: A large onion, thinly sliced, will be caramelized to add sweetness and depth of flavor.

Butter: Used to caramelize the onions, adding a rich, buttery flavor.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the caramelized onions.

Pepper: Adds a bit of spice and balances the sweetness of the onions.

To achieve perfectly caramelized onions, make sure to cook them slowly over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and allow the natural sugars in the onions to develop a deep, rich flavor. If the onions start to stick to the skillet, you can add a splash of water to deglaze the pan and continue cooking. This will ensure your onions are sweet and tender, adding a delicious contrast to the creamy cream cheese and savory hot dogs.

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

• hot dogs - Substitute with chicken sausages: Chicken sausages are a leaner option and can offer a different flavor profile.

• softened cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative with more protein and less fat.

• thinly sliced large onion - Substitute with caramelized shallots: Caramelized shallots offer a sweeter and more delicate flavor compared to regular onions.

• butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier fat option and adds a different flavor to the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a depth of flavor and umami that salt alone cannot provide.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and a different flavor profile compared to black pepper.

• Allow the hot dogs and caramelized 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 to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
• Place the wrapped hot dogs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This helps to keep them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the Seattle cream cheese dogs within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer.
• When freezing, label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored. Hot dogs can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• To reheat, remove the hot dogs from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating.
• Once thawed, reheat the hot dogs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high.
• If the cream cheese has hardened, you can soften it by letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
• For best results, reheat the caramelized onions separately in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. This helps to maintain their texture and flavor.
• Assemble the Seattle cream cheese dogs just before serving to ensure the buns remain fresh and the cream cheese is perfectly spreadable.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap each hot dog in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Place them on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method ensures the hot dog buns stay soft and the cream cheese doesn't dry out.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the Seattle Cream Cheese Dogs on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the buns from becoming hard. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a slightly crispy bun, use a toaster oven. Preheat to 350°F and place the hot dogs on a baking tray. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the hot dogs are warmed through and the buns are lightly toasted.

• For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the pan. Place the hot dogs in the skillet, cover with a lid, and heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even warming.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Place the Seattle Cream Cheese Dogs in the basket and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method will give you a slightly crispy bun while keeping the cream cheese and hot dogs warm and delicious.

• For a grill reheat, preheat your grill to medium heat. Wrap each hot dog in aluminum foil and place them on the grill. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even warming. This method will give you a nice, smoky flavor.

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

• Skillet: Essential for caramelizing the onions with butter, salt, and pepper.

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

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

• Knife: Necessary for thinly slicing the large onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the onion.

• Butter knife: Ideal for spreading the softened cream cheese on the hot dog buns.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the salt, pepper, and butter accurately.

• Serving platter: Perfect for arranging the finished Seattle cream cheese dogs before serving.

Pre-caramelize the onions: Caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This way, you can simply reheat them when needed.

Soften cream cheese quickly: To soften cream cheese faster, cut it into smaller pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Use pre-sliced onions: Save time by buying pre-sliced onions from the store, reducing your prep work.

Grill multiple hot dogs: Grill all hot dogs at once to ensure they are ready simultaneously, cutting down on overall cooking time.