Ingredients

  • 8 all beef, bun-length hot dogs
  • 8 regular-sized hot dog buns
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 recipe Jalapeno-Cheese Sauce, recipe follows
  • Optional assorted garnishes: diced yellow onions, sauerkraut, mustard, ketchup, hot sauce, barbecue sauce, diced tomatoes, sweet or dill pickle relish, chiffonade of iceburg lettuce, and chili
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese
  • 3/4 cup (mild or hot) pickled jalapeno slices, drained
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme

Method

  • Preheat a well-oiled grill to medium-high heat.
  • Place hot dogs on preheated grill and cook with grill lid covered, until nicely marked on all sides and heated through, 4 to 5 minutes, or until desired degree of doneness.
  • Remove hot dogs from the grill and keep warm until ready to serve.
  • Brush the cut sides of the hot dog buns lightly with the olive oil.
  • Place cut side down on the grill and cook, with the grill lid open, until lightly toasted.
  • Serve buns immediately with grilled hot dogs, Jalapeno-Cheese Sauce, and assorted garnishes.
  • Heat the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until melted.
  • Add the flour and whisk to blend.
  • Season with salt and Essence.
  • Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, then slowly add the milk and whisk to blend.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
  • Allow mixture to simmer, stirring constantly using a wooden spoon, until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, about 20 minutes.
  • Add the cheese and the chopped jalapeno slices, and whisk until completely melted.
  • Remove from the heat and serve warm with Emeril's Ultimate Hot Dog Bar.
  • Sauce can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, then reheated on low heat, with a little liquid added if necessary.
  • Yield: about 3 cups
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  • Yield: 2/3 cup
  • Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch, published by William and Morrow, 1993.