In this recipe, we’re elevating the classic backyard BBQ staple with a double-smoked bacon-wrapped hot dog nestled in a soft bun and smothered in a creamy, beer-infused cheese sauce. This indulgent creation is a delightful fusion of smoky, savory, and comforting flavors that’s sure to be the star of your next grilling gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Double-Smoked Bacon Beer Cheese Dog
This double-smoked bacon beer cheese dog is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with epic, craveable flavors. The smoky, crispy bacon perfectly complements the juicy, melty hot dog, while the creamy, zesty beer cheese sauce adds an indulgent, velvety finish. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s sure to satisfy comfort food cravings. Plus, it’s a fun, interactive dish that’s perfect for bringing people together around the grill or table.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create an absolutely mouthwatering dog. You’ll need plump, juicy hot dogs, thick-cut double-smoked bacon, a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Gouda, a splash of your favorite beer, and a few other pantry staples.
- 8 all-beef hot dogs – plump and juicy
- 8 slices thick-cut double-smoked bacon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup your favorite beer
- 2 cups shredded cheddar and Gouda cheese blend
- 8 soft hot dog buns
Ingredient Substitutions
- Double-Smoked Bacon: Regular smoked bacon (the double-smoked flavor just adds an extra layer of richness)
- Beer: Chicken or vegetable broth (for a non-alcoholic option)
How to Make Double-Smoked Bacon Beer Cheese Dog
Start by preheating your grill or smoker to medium-high heat. Gather all your ingredients and prepare the toppings. Slice the hot dogs in half lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. Wrap each hot dog half in a slice of double-smoked bacon, securing it with toothpicks.
Step 1: Prep Work
Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs directly on the grill grates and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the hot dogs are charred and cooked through. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, then gradually pour in the beer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Toast the hot dog buns on the grill until lightly golden. Place the grilled, bacon-wrapped hot dogs on the buns and generously top with the creamy beer cheese sauce. Finish with any additional toppings like diced onions, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky Flavor: For an extra smoky flavor, you can grill the bacon-wrapped hot dogs over indirect heat with some wood chips for added smokiness.
- Cheese Blend: You can experiment with different cheese blends, such as pepper jack or Gouda, to customize the beer cheese sauce.
- Crunchy Toppings: Try adding crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon on top for some delicious crunch.
- Baked Option: You can bake the bacon-wrapped hot dogs in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Your favorite toppings like diced onions, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Storage: Any leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated gently before serving.
Reheat: Gently reheat the leftover beer cheese sauce on the stovetop before assembling the dogs.
Make-Ahead: The beer cheese sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently before assembling the dogs.
Nutrition Information
These indulgent dogs are a hearty, comforting meal, but they do contain some higher-calorie ingredients like bacon and cheese. A single serving (one hot dog with bun and toppings) contains approximately 450 calories, 26g of fat, 30g of carbs, and 22g of protein.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the beer cheese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the beer cheese sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently before assembling the dogs.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While traditional hot dogs work great, you can also use bratwurst, Italian sausage, or even plant-based sausages for a vegetarian option.
How do I ensure the bacon gets crispy?
To get the bacon nice and crispy, be sure to cook the bacon-wrapped hot dogs over direct, medium-high heat, flipping them occasionally. You can also pre-cook the bacon slightly before wrapping it around the hot dogs.
Can I bake the dogs instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the bacon-wrapped hot dogs in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy.
What are some tasty topping ideas?
In addition to the creamy beer cheese sauce, try topping your dogs with diced onions, pickled jalapeños, crispy fried onions, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Try These Next
- Double Smoked Bbq Bacon Wrapped Meatballs
- Smoky Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger Sliders For Parties
- Bbq Bacon Smoked Brisket Sliders With Tangy Slaw
Double-Smoked Bacon Beer Cheese Dog
- Total Time: 95 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
These Double-Smoked Bacon Beer Cheese Dogs are the ultimate BBQ treat, combining the flavors of savory bacon, rich beer cheese, and juicy hot dogs, all smoked to perfection.
Ingredients
2 lbs hot dogs
1 lb thick-cut bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup beer (your choice)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
Hot dog buns
Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. Wrap each hot dog with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, beer, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped hot dogs in the smoker and smoke for about 1 hour, or until the bacon is crispy.
5. Remove the hot dogs from the smoker and carefully remove the toothpicks.
6. Top each hot dog generously with the beer cheese mixture.
7. Return to the smoker for an additional 15 minutes to warm the cheese.
8. Serve on hot dog buns and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
For extra flavor, try using a smoky beer in the cheese mixture.
Feel free to add your favorite toppings like jalapeños or fried onions for an added crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: 🔥 BBQ, Grilling & Smokehouse
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 hot dog
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg