Summer is in full swing, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a flavor-packed Beer-Glazed Bacon Cheddar Smash Dog. This irresistible creation combines the classic comfort of a juicy hot dog with the bold taste of beer-glazed bacon and melty cheddar cheese. Prepare to impress your guests and satisfy their taste buds with this epic culinary masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Beer-Glazed Bacon Cheddar Smash Dog
This Beer-Glazed Bacon Cheddar Smash Dog is the ultimate summertime indulgence. The combination of a perfectly cooked hot dog, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, all glazed in a rich, beer-infused sauce, creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The warm, satisfying flavors and comforting textures make this dish a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties, or casual gatherings with friends and family. The secret is in the simple yet ingenious method of “smashing” the hot dog, which not only enhances the overall texture but also allows the toppings to meld seamlessly together. Get ready to savor the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and just the right amount of indulgence in every delectable morsel.
Ingredients
At the heart of this Beer-Glazed Bacon Cheddar Smash Dog are a few key ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor experience. You’ll need juicy hot dogs, thick-cut bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a flavorful beer glaze made with your favorite brew, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. These simple yet high-quality components form the foundation for a truly epic summer dish that will have your guests raving.
- 8 (4-inch) hot dogs – high-quality pork or beef hot dogs
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (8 oz) of your favorite beer
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheddar Cheese: Pepper jack or a combination of cheddar and pepper jack (for a spicier twist)
- Beer: Apple cider or non-alcoholic beer (for a non-alcoholic version)
How to Make Beer-Glazed Bacon Cheddar Smash Dog
Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, slice the bacon into 1-inch pieces and set them aside. Grate the cheddar cheese and have it ready for assembly.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by grilling the hot dogs until they have a nice char on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once the hot dogs are cooked, remove them from the grill and set them aside. In the same pan or on the grill, cook the bacon pieces until they are crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the excess fat from the pan, leaving just a thin layer to coat the bottom.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to bring all the flavors together. Place the grilled hot dogs back in the pan with the bacon. Using a sturdy spatula or the back of a spoon, firmly press down on each hot dog to “smash” it, creating a flattened, wider surface area. This step is crucial for allowing the toppings to melt and adhere to the hot dog.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Next, pour the beer glaze over the smashed hot dogs, ensuring they are evenly coated. The glaze is made by combining the beer, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan and simmering until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Allow the hot dogs to simmer in the glaze for 2-3 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the sauce has reduced and the hot dogs are beautifully caramelized.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Finally, top the beer-glazed hot dogs with the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt over the hot dogs for about 1-2 minutes. Serve the Beer-Glazed Bacon Cheddar Smash Dogs immediately, garnished with any additional toppings of your choice, such as diced onions, pickled jalapeños, or fresh herbs.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Gourmet Sausages: Swap out the traditional hot dogs for gourmet sausages, such as bratwurst or Italian sausage, for a heartier and more indulgent twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based hot dogs or grilled portobello mushroom caps in place of the meat.
- Smoky Flavor: Brush the hot dogs with a bit of barbecue sauce or chipotle-infused glaze before smashing and topping them.
- Colorful Presentation: Use a combination of different-colored hot dogs, such as beef and turkey, for a vibrant and eye-catching display.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: toasted buns or slider-style rolls, creamy coleslaw, loaded baked potato salad, or crisp, fresh-cut fries.
Storage: Store the cooked, un-assembled hot dogs and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked, un-assembled hot dogs for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Thaw frozen hot dogs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling.
Make-Ahead: The beer glaze can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply reheat it before glazing the hot dogs for a quick and easy assembly.
Nutrition Information
This Beer-Glazed Bacon Cheddar Smash Dog is a delightful indulgence, but it’s important to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a generous amount of protein from the hot dogs and bacon, as well as calcium and vitamins from the cheddar cheese. The beer glaze contributes some carbohydrates and added sugars, so be mindful of portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 Beer-Glazed Bacon Cheddar Smash Dog
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbs: 34 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Sodium: 1,250 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the beer glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The beer glaze can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply reheat it before glazing the hot dogs for a quick and easy assembly.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other melty cheeses, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a creamy brie or gouda.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
For a more health-conscious version, consider using turkey or veggie dogs, reducing the amount of bacon, and opting for a lower-fat cheddar cheese. You can also try grilling the hot dogs instead of pan-frying them.
Can I make these in advance and reheat them?
Yes, you can assemble the Beer-Glazed Bacon Cheddar Smash Dogs in advance and reheat them when ready to serve. Simply store the assembled dogs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and then reheat them in the oven or on the grill until heated through and the cheese is melted.
What should I serve with these epic dogs?
These Beer-Glazed Bacon Cheddar Smash Dogs pair beautifully with classic summertime sides, such as creamy coleslaw, loaded baked potato salad, or crisp, fresh-cut fries. For a lighter option, consider pairing them with a refreshing summer salad or a side of grilled veggies.
Try These Next
- Gooey Cheddar Stuffed Bbq Bacon Burgers
- Cheddar Stuffed Bacon Burger Sliders With Caramelized Onions
- Apple Cider Bacon Cheddar Burger
Beer-Glazed Bacon Cheddar Smash Dog
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A savory hot dog topped with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a rich beer glaze that takes your grilling game to the next level! Perfect for summer barbecues or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
– 4 hot dog buns
– 4 beef hot dogs
– 8 slices of bacon
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup beer (lager or ale)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. 2. In the same skillet, combine beer, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. 3. Grill the hot dogs on medium-high heat until heated through and slightly charred, about 5-6 minutes.
5. 4. Place the hot dogs in the buns and top with crispy bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
6. 5. Drizzle the beer glaze over the top of each hot dog.
7. 6. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
– You can substitute turkey or chicken hot dogs for a lighter option.
– Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less brown sugar.
– For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce as a topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hot dog
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg