Friday, January 22, 2010

EASY MAC ‘N’ CHEESE WITH HOT DOGS

002
The best part of a cold winter is eating comfort foods.  The kitchen gets cozy warm from the oven heat, and heady aromas fill the air; and that’s before you sit down to eat. 
Here’s a very easy Mac ‘n’ Cheese recipe  that really delivers on flavor and comfort.  001
You can use chopped cooked ham in place of the hot dogs, if you prefer.  And you could use fat-free half and half instead of the cream and milk. 
Easy Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Hot Dogs
Adapted from Foodnetwork.com
Rating:  9 out of 10
CLICK FOR PRINTABLE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:  1 Tbsp. flour
1 cup heavy cream
1-1/4 cups low-fat milk
1/4 tsp. sea salt
1/8 tsp. black pepper
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 (8-oz.) pkg. (2 cups) Six-Cheese Italian Blend Cheese
3 oz. chopped or sliced hot dogs (about 2 medium)
6 oz. dry elbow or medium shell pasta, cooked and drained

Spray a 1-1/2 quart baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet.  Heat oven to 400F. 

In large bowl, whisk the flour and cream till no lumps remain.  Add milk, salt, pepper, parsley and cheese, whisking till combined.  Stir in meat and pasta.  Transfer to baking dish.  Bake till sauce bubbles and cheese melts and begins to brown on top, 30-40 minutes.  Transfer to wire rack for 10-15 minutes to let it settle.  Yield:  4 servings

16 comments:

George Gaston said...

Judy, this wonderful recipe brings out the kid in me. Two of my favorite foods growing up ~ here all dressed up for a great week night pleaser. Thanks...

Peggy Clyde said...

We like macaroni and cheese with hot dogs. We'll be trying this.

Trish said...

Wow....this is just such a NEEDED recipe at this time of year. Your photographs are incredible and I feel satisfied just looking at them! What a great little recipe for the weekend.

ann low said...

Mmmm...this is so easy and delicious...yum..yum..

teresa said...

this looks so good, great for kids and grownups!

Barbara said...

Oh yeah! Right up my alley- and just about any kid on the block will line up for this dish.

Lea Ann said...

Well now, doesn't this look just wonderful! I'm really enjoying your blog! You post some yummy yummy ideas.

♥peachkins♥ said...

Wow! Extra special mac n'cheese...

Velva said...

The Great American classic macaroni and cheese dish mixed with hot dogs. A perfect dish.

Coleens Recipes said...

Great idea, I think I'll try this with little smokies.

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Judy, this sounds like a great comfort food for a lazy weekend. The ham would be good in it as you say also.
Have a great weekend.
Sam

Anonymous said...

I love this.. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! Mac and cheese and hot dogs is my most favoritest {yep, I said it!!} thing ever! Thanks for posting, making it tomorrow- just for me!

Sook said...

I've never tried making mac and cheese with hot dogs! What a great idea! Sounds good!

Inspired by eRecipeCards said...

too funny... Like I am feeding my 9 year old daughter (who is now 28)

Katy ~ said...

This certainly brings bring smiles of fond memories.

Anonymous said...

That looks so gross