An all-beef grilled hot dog piled high with creamy homemade macaroni and cheese, finished with crisp bacon and fresh green onions. These Ditch Dogs are a playful, crowd-pleasing option for your next summer BBQ.
Happy Weekend!
I’m excited to share this summer BBQ idea with you. Life has been busy here — my daughter Brielle has been away at Truman State University, enjoying a full college experience for the past three weeks. I’ve missed her, and as I write, there are only a few days until her return. We’re planning a little family getaway with a hotel pool and time to catch up, which has made the past weeks hectic but joyful.
Between travel plans and other obligations I almost skipped the summer BBQ theme, but my teenagers had different ideas. They were determined to try something fun and messy: the Ditch Dog. Once they discovered the concept, there was no turning back.
Story Behind the Ditch Dogs for a Summer BBQ
The idea of a Ditch Dog sounded odd when I first heard it described—“macaroni and cheese smothering a hot dog to death.” It sounded unusual but not necessarily bad. Then one day I saw a picture on social media of a Ditch Dog and it looked irresistible. I shared it with the teens and they insisted we make them right away.
Ditch Dogs are everything teens love: indulgent, comforting, and easy to eat. We don’t serve hot dogs often at home, and when we do they must be 100% beef for most of us (with one member of the family preferring turkey dogs). We topped ours with homemade macaroni and cheese, everyday bacon, and green onions freshly snipped from the garden. The result was a kid-approved hit—rich, savory, and very satisfying.
If you haven’t tried one before, don’t turn your nose up immediately. Take a look or try a bite. These are a fun twist on classic BBQ fare and perfect for casual summer gatherings.
Today’s BBQ roundup features other great grilling ideas from fellow cooks, including grilled pork chops, Hawaiian-style hot dogs, fish kebabs with mint chutney, cheddar-stuffed bacon burgers, and bison kabobs — ideal complements to any backyard menu.
Recipe for Ditch Dogs
Ditch Dogs for a Summer BBQ
A fun, indulgent hot dog topped with creamy macaroni and cheese, bacon, and green onions. Kids and teens love this playful BBQ option.
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Course: Main Dish | Cuisine: American | Servings: 8 | Calories: 466 kcal
Ingredients
- 8 hot dogs, grilled (we used all-beef)
- 8 hot dog buns, toasted or grilled (we brushed with garlic butter before toasting)
- 2 cups macaroni and cheese (homemade is best)
- ¼ cup green onions, thinly chopped
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled or sliced
Instructions
Assembling Your Ditch Dog
- Prepare and grill the hot dogs and toast the buns. If you like, brush buns with garlic butter and brown them briefly on the grill for extra flavor.
- Lay the toasted bun flat and place the grilled hot dog inside.
- Spoon the macaroni and cheese over the hot dog. Add as much or as little as you prefer, keeping in mind you want to be able to close the bun and eat it comfortably.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the macaroni and cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 466 kcal | Carbohydrates: 58 g | Protein: 19 g | Fat: 17 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g | Sodium: 1106 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 3 g
Tips: Use a sturdy bun to support the macaroni and cheese. For variety, try different cheeses in the macaroni or swap bacon for crispy fried onions. Fresh herbs from the garden add brightness and texture.
Keywords: easy grilling recipes, summer BBQ, hot dog ideas, comfort food