How to Make Macaroni and Cheese With Hotdogs
One Pot Mac and Cheese with Hot Dogs
posted by Alyssia Sheikh on September 29, 2021
Gluten Free Boxed Mac and Cheese with Hot Dogs
How to Make a Mac and Cheese Hot Dog Skillet in 15 Minutes
This deliciously cheesy, easy mac and cheese hot dog skillet is the perfect quick weeknight dinner for 2! Simple, savory, and satisfying—complete with nutritious complex carbs, protein, and leafy greens. Learn how to make boxed mac and cheese with hot dogs in 15 minutes using Banza chickpea noodles, Kraft, or the boxed macaroni of your choice.
Personally, I eat this one pot dinner almost every week. (Sometimes multiple nights in one week!) It's satisfying nutritionally, but also mentally and emotionally comforting. I feel good eating it, and I feel good about eating it! This simple mac and cheese with hot dogs genuinely brings me joy, and embracing this Food Freedom has been so important to my health and my mindset.
For more 15-minute dinner ideas like this, try my BBQ salmon rice bowl or my tuna tomato pasta recipe!
What can I mix with mac and cheese?
I truly adore boxed mac and cheese—whether it's classic Kraft or Banza chickpea noodles. Something about that powdered cheese sauce is so satisfying! It's a quick, convenient option that I can keep on-hand in my pantry, and it's easy to jazz it up to make a more complete meal. To take your boxed macaroni to the next level, try adding some veggies, a cooked protein, or your favorite flavorings and spices!
What can I add to mac and cheese for flavor?
- Veggies: Pack more nutrition and texture into your boxed macaroni by adding some broccoli florets, peas, sauteed onions, leafy greens, or mushrooms.
- Protein: Any cooked protein could be a great addition to boxed macaroni: bacon, shredded chicken, pulled pork, ground beef, canned tuna, black beans, or even leftovers like chili or meatballs! Of course, my personal favorite is mac and cheese with hot dogs.
- Flavorings: Spice up a plain mac and cheese with spices like red pepper, cayenne, chili powder, onion or garlic powder, or even a drizzle of ketchup, sriracha or hot sauce!
Hot Dog Mac and Cheese Ingredients
Boxed mac and cheese (gluten free or regular)
Butter
Milk
Hot dogs of choice
Spinach
Substitution Notes
- Mac and Cheese: Really, you can make mac and cheese with hot dogs using any macaroni you want—boxed or otherwise. I like to use Banza chickpea mac and cheese because of its taste, ingredients, and nutrition. Of course, you can also use classic Kraft macaroni or your favorite brand. Or, you can always add chopped hot dogs into a batch of homemade mac and cheese if you'd like!
- Butter & Milk: These are essential ingredients when I'm making boxed mac and cheese, but you've got some wiggle room. You're welcome to replace the butter with oil, or omit it altogether. The milk can be dairy or non-dairy—just keep in mind that the cheese sauce in most boxed macaroni will contain dairy.
- Hot Dogs: I like to use Butcher Box's uncured hot dogs, but any variety that you like works great! For an alternative pre-cooked protein, consider using a pork, beef, or chicken sausage. Or, try adding beans for a plant-based option.
- Spinach: This is my personal favorite leafy green, but you substitute with kale, collard greens, or any greens you enjoy sauteed.
How to Make Mac and Cheese with Hot Dogs
Making this hot dog mac and cheese skillet couldn't be simpler! Start by cooking your boxed mac and cheese according to the package directions. Once the butter, milk, and cheese packet are integrated with the noodles, simply add chopped hot dogs and spinach. Cover the pot and give it a few minutes to wilt, and that's it! Easy as that, dinner for 2 is ready in 15 minutes.
Banza vs. Kraft Mac and Cheese with Hot Dogs
Kraft mac and cheese will always have my heart, but I also really enjoy the flavor, texture, and ingredients in Banza chickpea noodles. Whichever you prefer, just pay attention to the size of the box! Banza chickpea mac and cheese comes in a 5.5oz package with 2 servings, whereas Kraft comes in a 7.25oz package with 3 servings. If you're using a box of Kraft, consider adding 1 additional hot dog and 1 additional cup of spinach to yield 3 total servings.
To see how this hot dog mac and cheese is made, check out my 15-Minute Weeknight Dinners video !
One Pot Mac and Cheese with Hot Dogs
Yield: 2 people
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
A deliciously cheesy, easy mac and cheese hot dog skillet! How to make boxed mac and cheese with hot dogs in 15 minutes.
- 1 box (5.5oz) mac and cheese*, (I use Banza chickpea mac and cheese)
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 3-4 Tbsp milk
- 2 hot dogs of choice, chopped
- 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped
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Cook mac and cheese noodles according to package directions. (I like to cook chickpea pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package directs to avoid gumminess.)
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Drain pasta and add back to the same pot over medium-low heat.
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Add butter, milk, and cheese packet, stirring well until integrated.
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Add chopped hot dogs and spinach and stir to combine. Cover pot for a few minutes to wilt spinach as needed.
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Stir, serve and and enjoy!
*Note on Boxed Mac and Cheese
Banza chickpea mac and cheese comes in a 5.5oz package with 2 servings, whereas Kraft boxed macaroni comes in a 7.25oz package with 3 servings. If using Kraft boxed macaroni, consider adding 1 additional hot dog and 1 additional cup of spinach to yield 3 servings.
Serving: 1 meal (½ box) , Calories: 521 kcal , Carbohydrates: 37 g , Protein: 25 g , Fat: 32 g , Fiber: 6 g , Sugar: 6 g
Course: Lunch & Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
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How to Make Macaroni and Cheese With Hotdogs
Source: https://mindovermunch.com/recipes/health-values/gluten-free-health-values/mac-and-cheese-with-hot-dogs/