These Baked Cheesy Rotel Hot Dogs are a fun and flavorful twist on classic hot dogs! 🌭🧀 Juicy hot dogs are nestled into soft buns, topped with creamy homemade cheddar cheese sauce, zesty RO*TEL tomatoes and green chilies, then baked until warm, bubbly, and lightly toasted. Perfect for game day, casual family dinners, parties, or an easy weekend meal.
Ingredients
8 beef hot dogs
8 soft hot dog buns
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 can (10 oz) RO*TEL diced tomatoes and green chilies, well drained
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Cooking spray or butter for the baking dish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a glass baking dish.
Arrange the hot dog buns snugly in the baking dish and place one hot dog inside each bun.
To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Cook until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
Reduce the heat and add the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Generously spoon the cheese sauce over the hot dogs, making sure each one is well covered.
Scatter the drained RO*TEL tomatoes and green chilies evenly over the top, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the buns are lightly toasted.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Serving Suggestion
Serve these hot dogs with crispy French fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tips
Drain the RO*TEL well to prevent excess liquid.
For extra cheesiness, add a little Monterey Jack or pepper Jack cheese.
Toasting the buns slightly before adding the toppings gives them a delicious texture.
Serve immediately while the cheese sauce is warm and gooey.
Prep & Cooking
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 8 hot dogs