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Four jalapeño popper hot dogs with melted cheddar and cilantro on a wooden board.

Father’s Day Jalapeño Popper Hot Dogs

These Father’s Day hot dogs take the classic cookout favorite and load it up with everything good in a jalapeño popper, because apparently regular hot dogs were not doing enough. Cream cheese, bacon, sharp cheddar, and jalapeño turn this into a messy, cheesy, slightly spicy dinner that feels way more exciting than it has any right to.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 8

EQUIPMENT (PAID LINKS)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 beef hot dogs
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 tablespoon minced jalapeño plus more to taste
  • 3 tablespoons cooked bacon crumbled
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 8 hot dog buns
  • Chopped fresh cilantro optional

Instructions

  • Brown Hot Dogs: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the hot dogs and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until browned. Turn them and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, until heated through and browned on the other side.
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 8 beef hot dogs
  • Make the Filling: While the hot dogs cook, add the softened cream cheese, minced jalapeño, crumbled bacon, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar to a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
    8 ounces cream cheese, 1 tablespoon minced jalapeño, 3 tablespoons cooked bacon, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
  • Season the Filling: Add a little salt and black pepper, then taste the mixture. If you want more heat, stir in a little more jalapeño.
    Salt, Black pepper
    A ceramic bowl of creamy jalapeño popper filling rests on a white marble countertop.
  • Fill the Buns: Spread about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture inside each hot dog bun. Set one cooked hot dog into each bun.
    8 hot dog buns
  • Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar evenly over the hot dogs.
    A close-up photograph of three gourmet hot dogs with cream cheese, bacon, and shredded cheddar.
  • Broil Until Melted: Line a baking sheet with foil and place the hot dogs on it. Put them under the broiler for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the cheese is melted. Watch closely so the buns do not burn.
  • Finish and Serve: Remove the hot dogs from the oven and top with chopped cilantro if using. Serve right away while they are hot, cheesy, and ready to make Father’s Day feel a little less predictable.
    Chopped fresh cilantro