This iconic whiskey is a "Jack of all trades" when it comes to cooking. Toss it in some pasta, as a savory dipping sauce, and even bake it into something sweet.


Classic recipe for kids and college students. Macaroni and cheese mixed with hot dog slices and baked with a breadcrumb topping.
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
17 ounces evaporated milk
1 cup shredded American cheese
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup sliced hot dogs
1 1/2 tablespoon bread crumbs
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Cook the pasta as directed on the package. Drain well. Set aside.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until soft. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine. Let cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
While stirring, slowly add the evaporated milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened. Add the American and Cheddar cheese. Stir until melted.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cooked pasta and hot dogs. Transfer the mixture to a 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle the top with bread crumbs. Place the dish in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until heated through.
Serve hot.
Mix in some Dijon mustard or hot sauce for a tangy kick to the cheese sauce.
Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a gooey and cheesy crust.
For a crispy breadcrumb topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top.
For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese options.
Substitute regular hot dogs with turkey or chicken hot dogs for a healthier option.
Cut the hot dogs into different shapes, like diagonal slices or small cubes.
For a creamy sauce, add a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese mixture before baking.
Elbow macaroni pasta works best but you can use shells, rotini, or other small pasta such as bow ties.
You can use different types of cheese, but American and Cheddar cheeses provide a classic mac and cheese flavor.
Evaporated milk adds richness to the flavor and texture, but you can substitute with regular milk for a lighter version.
You can omit the onions if you prefer.
You can substitute hot dogs with other proteins like bacon, ham, or even cooked chicken.
You can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it when ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold.
Leftovers can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
The dish is done when it's heated through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This iconic whiskey is a "Jack of all trades" when it comes to cooking. Toss it in some pasta, as a savory dipping sauce, and even bake it into something sweet.
Ah, the unassuming envelope of onion soup mix. It's more than just for onion soup (or dip). It adds tremendous flavor (and convenience) in all these recipes.
Pizza night is always a favorite, especially when you have great tasting pizza from some of the most popular restaurants.
Online since 1995, CDKitchen has grown into a large collection of delicious recipes created by home cooks and professional chefs from around the world. We are all about tasty treats, good eats, and fun food. Join our community of 200K+ members - browse for a recipe, submit your own, add a review, or upload a recipe photo.
reviews & comments
July 30, 2013
I made this but omitted the bread crumbs because my kids don't like their mac and cheese with the "crunchy stuff". It's good and cheesy without being too cheesy or sticky.
August 29, 2006
Very good and hard to find recipe. I also have tried it with cooked peas and carrots and/or celery added at the same time as the hot dogs
July 8, 2006
The ultimate in comfort food. The cheese sauce is mild -- kids should love it. Grownups can dress it up as they wish (spicy cheese blends come to mind). We used turkey hot dogs instead of regular.