Baked Hot Dogs: old dogs; new tricks!

Now that March Madness is over, and it's baseball season, that means hot dog season, too! Every kid loves hot dogs...at least they did when I was growing up! At our house we've never stopped eating our hot dogs, but we've made some changes over the years. Mainly, we don't eat them as often; we like different toppings; and I only trust one brand of beef franks. I'm not going to name the brand, but they are kosher with no fillers, by-products, artificial colors or flavors (you can search for them, if you want). We love 'em! I also prefer split-top buns, which weren't common when I was younger. 

Oven Baked Hot Dogs

Over the years, we've grilled, slow-cooked, boiled, and microwaved our hot dogs, but never baked them. When I saw this recipe for Oven Baked Hot Dogs, I knew I'd found supper! 

Oven Baked Hot Dogs

[Source: In the Wabe]

Prepped and ready to bake

8 beef franks (our preferred brand only has 6 per pkg.)
8 hot dog buns  (split tops only come 6 to a pkg., as well.)

1 can of chili (we have a favorite from the deli department at our grocer that we buy)

1/2 onion, diced

shredded cheddar cheese

mayonnaise

mustard

dill or sweet relish

Use a 9 x 13 casserole dish. (We lined ours with foil to prevent sticking...and the dogs stuck, so I won't do that again.)

[Please don't let the following words turn you off...even though it sounds weird and maybe yucky] 

Lightly spread mayonnaise on each hot dog bun...seriously, you don't taste the mayo and I think it helps the buns hold up better. Add mustard, if desired. Now, add the frank.

Next are the toppings - obviously you can add or omit, as desired. I don't usually use all of these toppings on my dogs, but for the sake of trying something new I did this time and they were great!    ** actually we fixed 3 with relish and 3 without **

Top hot dogs with chili, onion, relish and cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes 

Carefully remove from the dish with a spatula. You might need a fork for these dogs! 

The buns are a little toasted on the outside yet still soft and fresh on the inside. This is a super easy meal; it is going to be a quick summer "go-to" recipe at our house!

Here are some other Shady Porch recipes you might enjoy! 

Calzone Rolls for Game Day! 

Pizza Casserole - Double Crust, Great Flavor

 Velveeta Mostaccioli...a longtime family favorite

I'm sharing this recipe at these great parties...join me! - Miz Helen's Country Cottage,
 Kojo Designs,  House of Hepworths, Savvy Southern Style,  A Daily Cup From Mrs. Olson,  Blissful & Domestic, Stuff & Nonsense, The Grocery Cart Challenge,  The Shabby Nest, One Artsy Mama,  Whipperberry, At The Picket Fence, Fireflies & Jellybeans, Alderberry Hill,   Tatertots & Jello,